Iolani defensive back JT Los Banos had three interceptions, including one that stopped Lahainaluna in the closing seconds, to preserve the Raiders' lead. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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Iolani defensive back JT Los Banos had three interceptions, including one that stopped Lahainaluna in the closing seconds, to preserve the Raiders' lead. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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On a night Iolani struggled with its tackling, defensive back JT Los Banos used his hands to make three interceptions and break up one pass play to help Iolani hold off Lahainaluna, 36-33, for the Division II state crown.

Los Banos' first interception off Makoa Filikitonga-Lukela set up an Iolani touchdown and his third pick of the game with 10 seconds left in the game secured the Raiders' lead.

"He had some big turnovers," Iolani defensive coordinator Delbert Tengan said.

Los Banos credited the defensive coaches the schemes that led to the turnovers.

"I just played the defense that Coach (Delbert) Tengan and the defensive (coaches) made for us: Cover 3," Los Banos said. "I was just in the right place at the right time. I give thanks to my teammates because they help put me in that situation."

Los Banos' third pick came shortly after the Raiders regained the lead, 36-33, with 1:53 left in the game. Lahainaluna had taken a 33-29 lead with 7:21 left in the game. It even appeared the Lunas were going to hold on late in the game when Scott-Isaac Medeiros-Tangatailoa intercepted a Reece Foy pass. But he was stripped of the ball, which was recovered by Iolani lineman Kamu Borden. The Raiders scored their go-ahead TD on the next play.

The interceptions were the breaks the Raiders needed because they were having a tough time holding on to the Luna ball carriers and receivers. Sometimes, they broke two or three tackles en route to a TD or long gain.

"They push hard and don't stop their feet," Los Banos said of the Lahainaluna ball carriers. "We were struggling tackling them."

"Coach Tengan got in our faces (at halftime) and made sure that we tackled and wrap them up. The second half was still tough because (the Lunas) got a lot of desire."

"We had bodies there, but they're just hard runners," Tengan said of the missed tackles. "We were very sloppy on the tackling tonight. You have to wrap up and get more body to the ball. We didn't do a real good job of that tonight."

The 33 points was the most allowed to a losing team in a Division II championship.

"We lost our way in the second quarter," Tengan said. "Third quarter, we only had one stop. To our kids' credit, they made the stop when we had to."