Kahuku players celebrate after a touchdown scored against Hilo. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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Kahuku players celebrate after a touchdown scored against Hilo. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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HALAWA— The Red Raiders overcame a 10-point deficit and adversity to beat Hilo, 20-10 in the opening round of the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Football State Championships on Friday night. It starts and ends with the offensive line and they came together when they needed it most. 

The Red Raiders were held to 14 net rushing yards in the first half, but in the second half, Kahuku made adjustments and it worked as they finished the game with 165 net rushing yards. Salanoa-Alo Wily accounted for 138 yards and two touchdowns. 

"We were talking about in the locker room and the coaches were getting on our o-line's backs about not performing to what we should be. I talked to the boys and we know we got it in us. Over the past couple games we got dogged on being the weak link of the team and we know we need to step up our game and we got to get our stuff together," said senior Siotame Uluave. 

"They did good, we started off slow in the first half and in the second half I was happy they came ready to play and they went the extra mile for me and I appreciate that," said Wily. 

The o-line overcame injuries, penalties, turnovers, and shifting players around to different positions throughout the game. Due to injuries, Uluave moved from left tackle to center during the game. 

"It's a whole different mindset from playing tackle, for tackle you have the speedy edge rushes and in the middle you have the brutes and you change your mentality and physicality when you play them," said the 6-foot-3, 295 pound Uluave. 

"Our starting tackle went out and we started a sophomore from JV and started a freshman at right guard because guys were banged up and we started another JV kid at tight end," said Kahuku coach Lee Leslie. 

"We just got to do what we got to do, when someone gets hurt, we replace them and adjust to it," said Wily. 

Wily rushed for a 25-yard touchdown to tie the game at 10. The line helped open holes on their six play, 65-yard drive as Wily rushed for a 2-yard touchdown that put the Red Raiders up, 17-10. 

"We woke up and we did the simple things we had to do. Give them credit, Pena opened holes, Pesa opened holes up too and the o-line woke up in the second half," said Leslie.

"We knew we had to step up our game and we weren't performing to the best of our ability at the moment. We rallied our guys up and we needed to get those touchdowns," said Uluave. 

"The heart of the team, really made a big impact in the game. The brotherhood and the team kicked in and it helped us push forward," said Wily. 

Kahuku advances to meet top-seeded Punahou at 7 p.m. next week Saturday at Aloha Stadium. Interesting note, Siotame will get to play against his cousin, Semisi Uluave, who plays offensive line for the Buffanblu.