Waianae builds first half margin to take down Lahainaluna

Brian Bautista | SL

Led by a two-headed passing attack, Waianae took to the air early and often in a 42-21 win over Lahainaluna, in both teams' season openers.

Quarterbacks John Michael Kaio and Memphis Baker combined for 459 passing yards and five total touchdowns in the win over the Lunas. Kaio was 23 of 29 for 309 yards and three scores, while Baker threw for 150 yards and a TD and added a one yard keeper.

Waianae scored 28 straight points to open the contest, breaking the seal with Kaioi's 6 yard pass to Keonakoa Malaia, followed up by Baker's 39 yard toss to Jaylum Pelen in the first quarter, then adding to the margin with Baker's plunge from a yard out and Kaio's second scoring toss to Malaia, this one from 21 yards away.

The Lunas got on the board in the closing moments of the first half, as Kyle Thomas took a kickoff 80 yards back the other way, but the point after was blocked, making it 28-6 at the break.

After the intermission, it was Waianae who added to the lead, getting a three yard rumble from Kalani Meyers-Tuinei to pad the lead back to 28, but Joseph Arcangel responded with a 10 yard rushing score of his own to make it 35-13.

Kaio ended the third quarter with his third touchdown pass of the game was a 42 yarder to Chevin Kamai-Espinueva, which capped the scoring for the evening for the home team.

Arcangel added a 28 yard in the final quarter of play. He finished with a game-high 66 yards on 14 carries to go along with his two scores.

Malaia led all pass catchers with 90 yards (5 receptions) on the night, while Shawdan Pacheco had eight grabs for 87 yards and Pelen added seven receptions for 77.

Pacheco also booted through all six of the point after touchdowns.