Waianae's defense holds tough in tourney opener

Mosiah Brame (24) and the Waianae defense came up big against Baldwin, recording six sacks, two interceptions, and three fumbles forced in the victory. Jim Lebeau | Special to SL

HALAWA—Although Waianae's offense scored all the touchdowns, the defense made sure to hold Baldwin's offense in check in the opening round of the First Hawaiian Bank/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division I Football State Championships.

The Seariders defense got four sacks for the game, three from Brandon Hattori. Waianae also registered five tackle-for-losses. Noah Kealoha had a sack and a fumble recovery for the game and Francis Mailo had a forced fumble.

"We had to work out on the ends and the passes. Our linebackers were getting there and the communication was everything," said Hattori.

The secondary had six pass break ups. Mosiah Brame had three pass break ups and an interception and Chavison Kalamau added another interception.

"Our defense got those turnovers and they were big and kept us in the game. It gave us opportunities for our offense to hold the ball," said Waianae coach Walter Young.

Waianae held the Bears to 33-net rushing yards for the game. Baldwin scored their only touchdown with 55 seconds remaining in the first quarter after Chayce Akaka threw a 33-yard pass to his brother Jonovan-Taje Akaka, but the defense put the clamps down and the Bears were never heard from again.

"We knew they had athletes and they were trying to get the ball to their athletes. We tried to put pressure on their quarterback and he was not comfortable moving his feet so we tried make him move his feet," said Young.

"We were getting the pressure on them and making them play fast," added Hattori.

The Seariders advance to meet top-seeded Kahuku on Friday, Nov. 13 at Aloha Stadium. It will be a rematch of the Oahu Interscholastic Association semifinals, but the state tournament is a new season and the slates are clean.

"They (Kahuku) are a very good team and we have to go out there and do our thing," said Young.

Reach Brandon Ching at [email protected].