Kaiser upends crosstown rival Kalani to get back in win column

Rayden Aoki | SL

In their first ever rivalry matchup in the sport of flag football, it was Kaiser taking down Kalani in blowout fashion, 33-6.

The Cougars struck first, thanks to a drive led by quarterback Hatesa Sopoaga, resulting in a rushing touchdown from four yards out for the freshman.

Then, Sopoaga connected on two passing touchdowns, one to Lea Kanekoa and the other to Kayci Gakiya to close out the first half, with the home team leading 21-0.

The Cougar defense contained Kalani for the majority of the game, but Falcons quarterback Nellie Stowers was able to find Alina Stephenson in the end zone from two yards out to put up six in the third quarter and spoil the shutout. Stephenson led all pass catchers with six receptions for 56 yards.

Kaiser responded with another passing touchdown, this one from 35 yards away from Kylee Dela Cruz to Elizabeth Rodriques. And finally, Sopoaga and Kanekoa connected in the end zone for a second time, this one from eight yards, sealing the deal for the Cougars.

Sopoaga completed 22 of 26 passes for 185 yards and three scores, and Kanekoa two TD catches netted her 29 yards. Rodrigues had 45 receiving yards on two catches and Sierra Davis added five grabs for 33 yards.

The rivalry game of course came with some increased physicality and intensity. "We were ready for it… We came hard, they came hard, good game," receiver Lea Kanekoa shared.

Having found the end zone on four separate occasions without any interceptions, Sopoaga gave credit to "everyone being flexible, everyone adapting to their routes, and also being able to go all out with [her] team."

The Cougars improved to 2-1 on the season, and are scheduled to visit Kalaheo on the road this Saturday at 3:15, then away again at Kahuku next Tuesday at 6:45.

Looking towards future matchups, Kanekoa said that the team's focus will be to "work [their] hardest, keep being physical, keep being positive, practice hard, and bring it to the field."