The JV Lunas continued their winning ways with a 27-12 win
over the Warriors of Kamehameha Maui. Finally seeing the JV team first hand, it
is clear that the star of this team is sophomore quarterback Sione Makoa
Filikitonga. He is a playmaker – someone who can make things happen – on both
offense and defense. Also playing key roles are the lightning quick running
backs – Christian Balagso and Ansen Cabanilla – and the bruising full back,
Jayven Paleka Wright. The defense is anchored by linemen Nau Filiai and
Christian Pascua and led by linebacker Ryan Ginoza. Jacob Ramirez, along with
Filikitonga, are key defenders in the backfield.
It felt awkward, yet exhilarating, to be back on the
sidelines at War Memorial field shooting football. The field looks great – nice
and green, unlike how it was the last time I was here – the HHSAA playoff game
against Konawaena when the field was all buss up with dead, dry grass and
patches of dirt.
Felt strange not having the Hapakukas, Nunuhas,
Purdy/Fernandez families up in the stands. A lot has changed since last year –
Jared and JT have moved up to the varsity level, while Nate Nunuha-Hapakuka and
Manu Hapakuka-Lono transferred from Lahainaluna to Baldwin. I was looking
forward to the four of them playing varsity together. That’s just how it goes.
In addition to my usual routine of shooting the Sigma 50-500
f/4.5-5.6 during the first half of the JV game while there is ample sunlight,
then switching to the 70-200mm f/2.8 for the second half, there were some major
changes. I’ve decided to use the D300 primarily for the JV games to ease the
shutter actuation count on my workhorse D7000. I also am trying to incorporate
the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 and use the 1.4 teleconverter to get more reach. The
biggest change is that my 70-200 f/2.8 is no longer the Sigma, but the actual
Nikon VRII which I got as a gift this summer. Finally able to use this lens in
a game situation and it is AWESOME! Sharp and fast. The photos coming out of it
are pretty darn good! My beloved Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 was sold to fellow
photographer/blogger/MIL afficianado Rodney Yap. Seeing some of the photos that
he and his son Riley have posted using my former lens with the Nikon D5100, I
must say that he, too, has discovered the greatness of 2.8 glass, whether it be
Nikon or third-party, for sports photography.
For more photos, click here.
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