Kaiser punches ticket to states with win over Kalaheo

Greg Yamamoto | SL

After a one year hiatus, the Cougars are heading to states.

Kaiser steadily built a four score lead over Kalaheo, en route to a 28-12 home victory in the OIA Division II playoff semfinals, securing a berth into the HHSAA Division II tourney.

The Cougars racked up 213 yards of rushing in the contest led by a trio of ball carriers, Brady Kim (16 carries for 76 yards), Aiden Leong (eight carries for 63 yards, TD) and Dillon Reis (10 carries for 45 yards, TD). Kaiakea Pedro-Hale also scored on a one yard plunge.

"They run super hard, and like third and long we give (them the ball) because they seem to come through every time," said Rezentes of his team's running game.

He was also quick to praise the big guys up front.

"They come through, they block for me, they block for my backs," Rezentes said. "Straight protection from them."

After a scoreless opening quarter, Kaiser decided to make a change at QB, inserting Rezentes behind center and moving Jesse Shinagawa to receiver. That move paid instant dividends, as Rezentes hit Shinagawa in stride down the left sideline for the game's first points two plays later.

"I seen there was no safety to help, so I gave him his go route and Jess came through with the ball," said Rezentes of the play. "It was all Jess, not me."

Kaiser's special teams made its contribution, getting a big punt block on special teams by Poata Pratt-Faitu that put the home team in business at the eight yard line of Kalaheo. On the very next play, Reis broke free for an eight yard score, making it 14-0 at the 9:26 mark of the third.

"I just kind of got in there," said Pratt-Faitu of the block, "My coach told me we always have one guy off and that way we can get to the punt and I guess i was the chosen one on that play."

Pedro-Hale's one yard plunge on a fourth and goal play closed out quarter number three, and Leong's score came on the first play of the Cougars' opening possession of the final quarter, a 46 yard burst to the end zone, making it 28-0.

Kalaheo rallied for two scores in the back half of the fourth behind QB Jude Weber, one an eight yard toss to Cody Salas, and the other a 14 yard strike to Jeremyah Toilolo with 1:04 left in regulation, but it was a bit too little too late for the Mustangs.

Weber had a game-high 261 yards passing, but also threw two interceptions.

Kaiser will face off with Roosevelt, a 38-0 winner over Castle, for the OIA Division II title on Nov 9, set for 4 p.m. at Farrington. The Cougars bested the Rough Riders in their league tilt on Oct. 4, 24-12, the only loss for Roosevelt in league play.