Kekawa, Sepulona help Crusaders erase early deficit against Governors

Brian Bautista | SL

Tahlen Kekawa ran for 158 yards and two touchdowns and Pupualii Sepulona contributed on both sides of the ball to help No. 7 Saint Louis rally to a 24-7 win No. 4 Farrington Friday night.

The Crusaders (2-2) erased an early deficit to score 24 unanswered points and hand the Governors (3-1) their first loss on the year in a non-league game at Farrington's Edward 'Skippa' Diaz Stadium at Kusunoki Field.

Kekawa scored one touchdown in each half and helped Saint Louis average five yards per rush on the night. His 8-yard scamper into the end zone with 1:06 left in the first half tied the score at 7 after a Makena Kauai extra point.

Kekawa's 3-yard TD run with 2:42 remaining in the fourth quarter closed out the scoring. He averaged 9.9 yards per attempt on 16 carries.

Farrington opened the scoring just 22 seconds into the contest with a defensive score when Zaden Mariteragi strip-sacked Saint Louis starting quarterback Mose Lilo deep in his own territory and Shannon Iosua-Talamoa scooped up the loose football for a 1-yard fumble return for touchdown.

The Crusaders took the lead for good at the 3:39 mark of the third quarter on Nainoa Lopes' 4-yard TD pass to Sepulona. It was Sepulona's lone reception, but he led the charge defensively with five total tackles, including three for losses and two sacks. Sepulona also recorded a pass break up in the win.

Adruen Meredith tallied 2 1/2 tackles for loss and Vince Tautua added two more stops behind the line of scrimmage. Dallas Pelen-Talalotu came up with an interception and broke up two other passes.

Lopes finished 10-of-14 passing for 154 yards in relief of Lilo and was not intercepted.

Saint Louis finished with 310 yards of total offense, while Farrington was held to 195.

The Govs average less than a yard per carry and ended with only 20 total rushing yards. DJ Faavi completed 21 of 35 passes for 175 yards.

LJ Masalosalo made 7 1/2 tackles, including 1 1/2 for losses, forced a fumble and broke up a pass to lead Farrington on defense.

Kauai converted a 23-yard field goal with 6:53 on the clock in the fourth quarter that gave the Crusaders a 17-7 lead.

Saint Louis has won its last two games since an 0-2 start to the season and opens the Interscholastic League of Honolulu regular season Friday against No. 8 Kamehameha, 7 p.m. at Skippa Diaz Stadium.

Farrington will have a bye next before traveling to No. 2 Campbell on Sept. 14 for its Oahu Interscholastic Association opener.