WAIPIO - A matchup of two OIA heavyweights ended in a split decision.

Kapolei and Mililani fought to a 1-1 tie in a game with OIA West regular season title implications.

"I'm kind of disappointed with a tie," said Kapolei's Keo Ponce. "We both played a good game but it doesn't feel as good as a win."

It was the Hurricanes Keo Ponce who scored the first goal in the game with a goal in the 7th minute.

A slow rolling ball outside the Mililani 18-yard box was enough for sophomore Keo Ponce, who took advantage of the loose ball and drilled a left footed shot into the back of the net.

His goal gave the Hurricanes the lead in the first half.

"Keo is a finisher for us," said Kaolei Head Coach Bryce Kaneshiro. "He's a great asset to our team and he has a great shot. If he can get a open shot like how he did tonight, he can bury it."

The intensity between Mililani and Kapolei was fierce. Their rivalry was shown tonight as both teams battled; the Trojans with their finesse passing game versus the Hurricanes fast, physical play.

"It was going to be a physical game with a lot of emotion," said Coach Kaneshiro. "Mililani has always been the benchmark for OIA. For us, it has always been our goal to reach that. It's an even match up now. We have established ourselves in the OIA west side so it's pretty even."

Mililani did not get onto the score board until the 56th minute.

Mililani's Jake Sagami was able to beat a Kapolei defender to get a low cross to connect with Mililani's Ryan Tokunaga. Receiving the ball in traffic, Tokunaga was able to finish the ball into the back of the net.

"That was an excellent stretch for the ball," said Mililani Head Coach Jeff Yamamoto. "Jake made those runs and it was a great finish."

This game showed the ferocity of a matchup of two high caliber teams. With the level of play by both teams, it brought the best and worst out of them, including penalties during play and after the whistle was blown.

Mililani's Andrew Momohara was given a red card and ejected. Kapolei's Rowen White was given a yellow card after fouling a Mililani player, then threw the ball away. That delay of play also sent him to the sideline.

Both penalties towards these seniors were given in the second half of the game.

"Penalties are part of the game," said Coach Kaneshiro. "That's part of the rivalry between the two teams. These guys know each other off the field so when these two teams play, it's the kind of game we expect."

Both Kapolei and Mililani remain undefeated and remain tied for first place in the OIA Red West.

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