MIL JV Football: BALDWIN 27, LAHAINALUNA 21 - September 2, 2011

Heartbreaker.

The Lahainaluna JV football team saw a 21-7 lead in the 4th quarter against rival Baldwin disappear as what seemed to be a sure victory went the other way fast. A punt return for a touchdown, an onside kick leading to the game-tying touchdown (but thanks to a horrible pass interference call against the Lunas on 4th and 16 that gave the Bears the 1st down and the ball back), and then a muffed punt on a bad snap near the Lunas own endzone led the the game-winning touchdown with seconds left.

Let's call it even. Last year, the Lunas' JV spoiled Baldwin's undefeated season with a memorable comeback victory of their own. Still, the cliche rings true - there are still a lot of games left in the season. Anything can happen. Lunas just gotta take care of business hereon out and hopefully play spoiler again when they face Baldwin for the season finale.

The highlight of this game was two spectacular catches by sophomore Jared Purdy, #42. The first one came with seconds left in the 1st half, after #15 Lauren Corpuz was able to draw a pass interference call on 3rd and long to extend the drive. Purdy showed great concentration in making the catch near the goal line, juggling it then gaining control for the touchdown. The second catch was even more spectacular. He again outleaped the defender and made a one hand grab. The entire time, the defender had Purdy's left arm locked up, and Purdy showed great concentration in catching the ball and maintaining possession even as he was being pulled to the ground.

Sione Filikitonga scrambles looking for a receiver downfield.

#42 Jared Purdy makes the catch and turns upfield

#42 Jared Purdy extends for a reception

#13 Sione Filikitonga throws the pass while rolling to his right

#33 Ekolu Chang puts a hard hit on the Baldwin ball-carrier

Classic Lahainaluna gang-tackling

Jared Purdy with a great catch for the
touchdown with seconds left in the 2nd quarter

#68 Peni Taufa stops #11 Nohea Keahi (and son of Edna Keahi (Salcedo), of Lahaina)

#10 Kaimana Kinimaka looks to throw a bomb to #42 Jared Purdy

#21 Bubba Jaramillo breaks out for a long gain against Baldwin

Incredulously, #11 was called for pass interference on this play - despite the fact that the pass has
already gone over the receiver's head and #11 has not even touched the receiver yet. How can?!!

#55 Connor St. John makes a valiant effort to stop the Baldwin ball-carrier from scoring the go-ahead touchdown

After a bye week, the next game is September 16, 2011 vs. Maui High.

My Two Cents

• Nothing one can do from the game but identify what mistakes were made, learn from them, and get ready for the next game. There is still a lot of season left to play and anything can happen.
• Despite multi-million dollars were pumped into the stadium for renovations, the field still looked like crap. The new lighting may have helped my photos, but I'm using a D7000 this year rather than the D90.
• I do not like/appreciate the color of the new scoreboard. Why use a color that approximates the team colors of nearby Baldwin High School? County trying to reinforce the fact that this is Baldwin's home field? Then they should pay for their own field! Should've painted the scoreboard green or black.