MIL JV Football: LAHAINALUNA 7, Baldwin 12 - November 4, 2011

Captains and sophomores take the field.

Yet another heartbreaker. In a classic match up between Lahainaluna and Baldwin in JV football, the two schools battled to a 0-0 tie at halftime. Lahainaluna's defense performed admirably, with numerous 4th down stops and crucial stops near the goal line.

The Bears finally got on the score board mid-way through the second half to take a 6-0 lead. But on the ensuing kickoff, Bubba Jaramillo returned the kick deep into Baldwin territory.

Bruising inside runs by Nainoa Steward and Christian Whitehead got the ball into the 4 yard line.

A terrific surge by the offensive line seemed to carry full back Nate Hapakuka-Nunuha into the end zone with an apparent touchdown, but the refs were quick to blow the whistle - stopping his forward progress inside the one yard line.

Sione Filikitonga took care of business on the following play, with a touchdown on a quarterback sneak.

Midway through the 4th quarter, the Lunas faced a 4th down at midfield. They ran a fake punt/reverse, with Filikitonga running for a first down and extending the Lunas' possession as they tried to milk the clock.

 However, in typical Lahainaluna fashion it seems, they gave the game away. On the very next play, quarterback Kamaka Kinimaka was swarmed by Baldwin lineman and tried to toss the ball out to a running back. Bad play. The fumble instead landed directly into the hands of a Baldwin D-lineman in stride, who took it to the house for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion failed, making the score Baldwin 12, Lunas 7.

Lahainaluna's chance to spoil Baldwin's homecoming and their season was gone in an instant.

My Two Cents:

All in all, the JV boys played well this season. Considering that many freshmen were playing key minutes for the varsity (Connor Mowat, Jared Rocha, Scott Tongatailoa-Medeiros, Robert Pedroza Campos, Justin Hong, and joined later by Brandon Kaina, Katoni Filikitonga, Danniel Sulunga-Kahaialii  and Penisimani Taufa), imagine what this JV team could've accomplished with a true freshman/sophomore team! Looking forward to seeing these boys make the transition to varsity. Congratulations to the coaches, players, parents and managers for a successful season.

For more photos from this game, click here.