Mendoza, Marauders spoil Seariders' homecoming

Sophomore QB Elijah Mendoza (13) celebrates after throwing his fifth touchdown pass of the game against Waianae. Michael Lasquero | SL

Elijah Mendoza threw six touchdown passes — four to Eric Stephens — as No. 13 Waipahu stormed past Waianae, 43-20, Friday night at Raymond Torii Field.

The sophomore quarterback completed 21 of 34 passes for 268 yards in the win as the Marauders (2-3) picked up their second consecutive victory.

Stephens led all pass catchers with nine catches for 127 yards and four scores, three of which came in the first half.

Eric Stephens popped off for four TDs and 127 yards on nine receptions to lead all receivers in Waipahu's 43-20 win over Waianae. pic.twitter.com/w15pJps4YR
— Michael Lasquero (@MichaelLasquero) September 16, 2023

Jayden Chanel was on the receiving end of two of Mendoza's TD passes. He finished with six receptions for 91 yards.

Waianae outgained Waipahu — 415 to 375 — and controlled the pace of the game early with the run game, but a handful of blunders on special teams helped the Marauders pull ahead.

A muffed punt that was recovered by long snapper Chazen Rodillas-Vesido helped set up Waipahu's first score of the game.

The Marauders also caught the Seariders (0-5) off guard with an unorthodox formation on the PAT and Tai Aipia-Barrett was able to take advantage of a numbers advantage in the box to give Waipahu a 8-7 lead with 1:53 left in the first quarter.

An aborted punt attempt by Waianae late in the second quarter resulted in a turnover on downs. This led to Mendoza's 15-yard TD pass to Stephens to make it a 23-14 game at the break.