Damien running back Sylas Alaimalo (25) scores on a one-yard run with 8:40 left in the second quarter to extend the Monarchs lead 34-0 over Nānākuli at Farrington's Edward 'Skippa' Diaz Stadium at Kusunoki Field. CJ Caraang | SL

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[email protected] - CJ Caraang | SL

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Damien racked up 406 yards of total offense and raced out to a 28-0 first quarter lead to take down Nanakuli, 42-6, at Edward 'Skippa' Diaz Stadium at Kusunoki Field.

Sylas Alaimalo had two scores on the ground and added another via the pass, and led the Monarchs in both categories, pacing all ball carriers with 11 carries for 70 yards and adding six more receptions for a game-high 92.

Quarterback AJ Tuifua was an efficient 13 of 18 passing for 189 yards and three scores. He connected with three different pass catchers for touchdowns, all in the first quarter, the first an 11 yarder to Kaysen Dulay-Gorai, the second a 42 yard pitch and catch to Champ Buffet and the final one to Alaimalo.

Nanakuli outgained Damien 183 to 173 on the ground, but only mustered 42 yards via the pass, more than half of that total coming on the Golden Hawks' lone score midway through the fourth, whe Kingston Salausa found Talitonu Keohuhu on a 24 yard pass play that got the visting team out of a running clock situation.

On the ensuing possession, reserve QB Wyatt Ho-Wiliams found daylight on a keeper, racing down the sideline for 35 yard score that put a cap on the scoring, and resumed the mercy rule clock in the process.

Defensively, the Monarchs had seven tackles for loss and a sack, had an interception, a forced fumble, and broke up two passes. William Clay-Gardner had two second half interceptions for Nanakuli.

The Monarchs begin the regular season with a game against Kamehameha II at Radford on Sep. 7, while the Golden Hawks get their league slate going against Aiea on Sep 6 at Velasco Field as well.