While star running back Chester Sua had another huge game, it was his supporting cast who drew the biggest praise following Kaimuki's 48-12 win over Kalaheo Friday night.

Sua, who has given a verbal commitment to Washington State, rushed for 161 yards on 17 carries with three touchdowns to lead the Bulldogs (10-1) past the Mustangs (6-4) in the championship game of the O'ahu Interscholastic Association White (Division II) Tournament.

Kaimuki head coach Clint Onigama was all smiles after his team won its first league title since 2007.

"Our boys came out ready to play and focused for a tough Kalaheo team," said Onigama, who is in his second year at the helm. "They had a good week of practice and we were able to come out and execute tonight."

The Bulldogs racked up 363 yards of offense, including 280 rushing. They entered Friday night's contest averaging 288 yards per game (169 rushing). Kaimuki, which beat Kalaheo, 14-13, in the only other meeting between the teams this season, averaged 7.2 yards per rush and picked up 15 first downs on the ground.

"We went back and looked at the film and made some adjustments, but it still comes down to execution by our players," Onigama said.

With only about 30 players suited up, the Bulldogs relied heavily - as did the Mustangs - on numerous two-way players.

"So many of our guys did a great job going both ways tonight - as they have all season," Onigama said. "Justice Salcedo, Nahoa Spencer, Mason Kuali'i-Moe, Siaosi Hala'api'api... they all played their hearts out for the team."

Salcedo, a defensive back and wide receiver, had three passes defended and Hala'api'api, who played linebacker and running back, had a 43-yard interception return that set-up Sua's second score and also ran in a 1-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Kuali'i-Moe, a DB and WR, finished with four receptions for 64 yards and a 36-yard TD catch that made the score 28-6 before the half.

"When we make a big play on defense or get a stop, it pumps up the offense and makes us want to pay back the defense," Hala'api'api said. "We feed off of each other."

Kalaheo, which entered the game averaging 365 yards and 32 points per game, was held to just 225 offensive yards. Mustangs' running back Jesse Carney, who was third in the state with 1,396 rush yards and 16 touchdowns, had just eight carries for 43 yards and was held scoreless by the Kaimuki defense.

Both teams will represent the OIA in the HHSAA Division II State Tournament, which begins Friday.

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