Waipahu holds off Kaimuki in season opener, 19-14


WAIPAHU – Even without their starting quarterback, the Marauder "Black Flag" still waved victorious over Masa Yonamine stadium Friday night.

Back-up quarterback Gavin Marques completed six passes for 96 yards and two scores to lead the Marauders over the visiting Bulldogs, 19-14. Marques also carried the ball 16 times for 103 yards rushing.

Due to academic probation, several starters were out for Waipahu, with the main one being QB Kai Mercado-Aiona.

"I'm just excited for this win," said Marques. "Since I know this is probably one of my only chances (this year) that I could probably play the whole game, I try to do my best to show the coaches that I can do better."

Marques' night at the helm overshadowed two big performances from Kaimuki defenders. Jonah Lapitan recovered three Marauder fumbles and Jorge Rios stripped-sack Marques and recovered the fumble for a 60-yard score.

"Jonah is a fantastic kid," praised Kaimuki coach Clint Onigama. "He's so disciplined and he's so coachable." On Rios: "He came back from a really bad injury his sophomore year. He's work ethic and his drive is a real strong point for this team," said Onigama.

Waipahu received the second half kickoff and was able to cash in on it with a 24-yard TD pass play from Marques to Sword De Asis. Marques threw a perfect strike down the left sideline and De Asis went up and got it in between two Kaimuki defenders for the first score of the game.

The Marauders would get the ball back and add to their 7-0 lead with Matthew Leilua's 3-yard TD plunge to make it 13-0. Leilua was also another player taking advantage of more playing time. He finished his night with 26 carries for 124 yards and a score.

Two way player Dominick Marshall also got in on the scoring action for the Marauders as he caught a Marques strike down the seam for a 17-yard TD. The two-point conversion would be stopped short which left the score 19-0, with 7:45 left in the 4th quarter.

Kaimuki would get on the scoreboard with Rios' 60-yard strip-sack and recovery with 6:26 still on the time clock. Bulldog QB Tevita Lino found Fano Tuilisa for a 51-yard TD pass play on their next possession and all of a sudden the score was 19-14 with 3:00 left in the game.

Waipahu would cut the rally short as they were able to rush for first downs and run the clock down to seal the game.

"It was a good second half," said Waipahu coach Eric Keola. "The players came back, fought hard. It was a good win for us tonight."

Waipahu will host Westlake (California) the next week while Kaimuki opens up OIA Red East action at Kahuku next Friday.



Reach Michael Lasquero at [email protected].