StudentVoices - Football

Mento a steady force for Iolani

HALAWA - In dominating fashion, the Iolani Raiders shut out the Waipahu Marauders, 34-0, winning the First Hawaiian Bank Division II HHSAA State Championship. Led by their star running back, Kody Mento, the Raiders produced 441 yards of total offense and kept the Marauders off the scoreboard.

"This feels great," said Mento. "Our team played really well together. It was a great team victory."

Coming into this game, the 5'8 175lb running back rushed for team high 586 yards on 144 carries. Averaging 5.1 yards per carry, Mento also scored 7 touchdowns during the season.

The junior running back rushed for 41 yards on 7 carries and scored 2 touchdowns in the first half against the Waipahu defense.

"We knew Waipahu was going to be a good team," said Mento. "But we knew we just had to come out and play Raider football."

"You have to give (Waipahu) credit." said Iolani Head Coach Wendell Look "They fought, played hard and didn't give up until the end."

Mento's first touchdown came with the Raiders second possession. Navigating his way through the Marauder defense, Mento cut his way into the end zone for a 7 yard touchdown run.

"My nerves were just pumping through that," said Mento. "Just kept pumping my legs and happy that I came away with the score."

His second score came in the second quarter with 5:37 left until the half. The Raiders running back was 7 yards away from the end zone before he plunged his way through from the goal line. As Mento was at the 1 yard line, Mento dipped his helmet before being tackled by the Marauder defender. Mento flipped over the defender, scoring his second touchdown.

"The coaches always emphasized to lower my shoulder when I'm in the red zone," said Mento. "It was tough. Without the line though, I don't think I could have done it."

"Words can't describe how he did tonight," said Coach Look. "He has been a steady guy and had a championship effort tonight."

Mento scored a third touchdown from 8 yards out in the fourth quarter with 5:00 left, finishing the game with 14 carries for 86 yards and 3 scores. The Raider running back finished the season with 672 yards and 10 touchdowns.

This win feels really good, this helped us bond really well" said Mento "Feels great doing this for the coaches and the seniors. It was a great year."

> 'Iolani knocks off Waipahu, 34-0, for 5th straight title

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