Kahuku bounces back to take down Kamehameha

Brian Bautista | SL

Kahuku avoided an 0-2 start, turning back Kamehameha with a pair of rushing scores by Toa Sam en route to a 21-9 victory.

The running back scored the go ahead with 3:19 in the third with a 49 yard breakway that made it 14-9 and then tacked on a game-sealing score from six yards out with 1:19 in regulation. He finished with a team-high 74 yards on 13 carries.

Matai Fuiava got the home team on the board first, with a five yard keeper spotting an early 7-0 advantage, but the Warriors got on the board via safety to close out the first and then took the lead midway through the third on a 50 yard bomb from Mana Forges to Noah Aki, the lone connection between the two on the evening.

Kamehameha, who actually outgained Kahuku 264 to 251, got a workman performance by Nainoa Melchor, who carried the ball 25 times for 160 yards.

Defensively, Madden Soliai and Malaki Soliai-Tui were all over the place for the Red Raiders, with each contributing 11 total tackles apiece. Soliai-Tui added the gameʻs lone interception as well. On the other side of the ball Ezra Cazimero had 9 total tackles and a sack, and Irai Manumaleuna had eight total tackles.