MIL Football: Lahainaluna 28 v. Baldwin 7 - September 13, 2013

 

It's always a big game when Lahainaluna plays Baldwin. Last year, Lahainaluna asserted themselves with a 35-0 win over a Bears' team that did not have either DI-caliber players Keelan Ewaliko or Jordan Hoeim due to injury. In their rematch, the Lunas were leading in the 4th quarter before Ewaliko led a comeback to tie the game, then win the game in overtime 20-17.

Times have changed since that last game. For the Bears anyway - Keelan Ewaliko graduated and is now redshirting for UH Manoa. Jordan Hoeim lost the desire to play the game and decided to drop football his senior season and relinquish his scholarship to the University of Oregon. Long-time coach AJ Roloos resigned as Coach. Several of the younger assistant coaches were hired away to coach the varsity program at Kamehameha Schools Maui. They still had Teva Eldredge and Nohea Keahi, but to many outside observers, they did not have the depth of talent that Baldwin teams were used to in the past. Under new head coach and former assistant Keneke Pacheco, the Bears were facing a transition period.

Although still a very good team, Baldwin, for the first time in many many years, came into tonight's match as a decided underdog against the Lunas. Still, for many Lunas' fans who have come to experience disappointment after getting hopes set high, were cautiously optimitistic about the game tonight. What was certain was that whomever won would take a major step in defining just how strong their team was in the MIL.

#50 Hercules Mata'afa

#17 Christian Whitehead

Jeffrey Kaimana Ancog

Sione Filikitonga

Jared Rocha-Islas

Jared Rocha-Islas and Kiko Kohler-Fonohema

Before a large crowd of Lunas and Bears fans (Maui News writer Rob Collias estimated it at 8,000), the Lunas won 28-7. The Lunas really controlled the game on both ends of the ball. Baldwin's defense prevented the big plays for the Lunas in the first three quarters as the Lunas led only 14-0 after three. However, Baldwin was able to sustain a drive over the third quarter going into the fourth to score a touchdown with 11:44 left to make it a ballgame at 14-7. Baldwin's drive was extended in part to two big plays:  a fake punt on 4th and long that had punter/All-State pitcher Noah Apolo throw a 14 yard pass for a first down. Then an incredulous play reminiscent of a back-breaking play in the DII Final against Iolani, when Baldwin fumbled, Lahainaluna recovered and apparently fumbled, and Baldwin recovered. Although the spot where Baldwin fumbled was still short of a 1st down, because Lahainaluna had apparently gotten possession on its fumble recovery, Baldwin regained possession when it recovered the fumble for a first down.

Baldwin's score only served to fire up the Lunas offense - and defense.  Not even a minute later, Lunas' quarterback Sione Filikitonga scored on a 43 yard run (this 5th long TD run - one in each of the Lunas' five games this year) to regain momentum for the Lunas. Brandon Kaina made a great interception from his linebacker position to thwart another Baldwin threat. Then, with just over a minute remaining, the Lunas put the game out of reach on Kaimana Ancog's only rush of the game - a 65 yard run down the left sideline just moments after he intercepted the ball to thwart yet another Baldwin threat.

#11 Ku'u Palea tackles #44 Dusty Flores in the backfield.

One of the greatest groups of defensive linemen/linebackers in Lahainaluna history getting ready for the punt

#17 Christian Whitehead running in the hole created by #77 Danny Sulunga-Kahaialii and #78 Pousima Galoia

Jared Rocha-Islas can deliver some punishment to would-be tacklers

#42 Jared Purdy puts the hit on #44 Dusty Flores, forcing a fumble

Sione Filikitonga looks to throw the ball for a possible touchdown

Kaimana Ancog lays out and dives to make the catch in the end zone but didn't quite make it

No matter the opponent, Hercules Mataafa possesses the speed, strength and quickness to either go around or through you

Mataafa never appears beaten on any play, as many of his tackles come from behind after the runner things he's safe

#46 Leeland Alavazo blocks the punt

#50 Hercules Mataafa and #53 Brandon Kaina (and another Luna defender, obscured) put pressure on the Baldwin QB

SIma puts the smash on the Baldwin runner

Brandon Kaina with yet another sure tackle

Filikitonga looks back as he cruises into the end zone at the end of his 43 yard TD run

Kiko Kohler-Fonohema emphatically gestures that they recovered another fumble

Sione Filikitonga on yet another long run . . . but look at 5'6" Ansen Cabanilla (#12) putting a key block on a much bigger lineman

#7 Kaimana Ancog preventing another big play as #42 Jared Purdy looks to finish things up

Kiko Kohler-Fonohema following the lead block of #77 Danny Sulunga-Kahaialii

#53 Brandon Kaina with a key interception and run back

The Lunas and their long-time defensive line coach Cliff Corniel celebrate the win

Notable Stats

• The Lunas had 490 total yards (473 rushing!) to 240 yards for Baldwin (157 by air).
• Lunas had too many turnovers (5 fumbles, 5 lost) but caused 6 Bears turnovers (4 fumbles, 4 lost and 2 interceptions);
• Lunas also had too many penalties: 12 for 70 yards (Bears had 7 for 45 yards);
• Lunas held MIL leading rusher Dusty Flores to 61 yards on 16 carries; Flores had run for 200+ yards in his previous game against Kamehameha Maui;
• The Bears were 13-37 in passing;
• Lunas were led by Jared Rocha-Islas with 156 yards on 12 carries, 1TD; Sione Filikitonga had 150 yards on 21 carries, 1 TD; and Christian Whitehead had 50 yards on 16 carries, 1 TD.

MAHALO to my wife who made it to her first ever Lahainaluna football game! Thanks to my friends Surfi and Miriam for saving her a seat. I heard that parking was crazy! My wife had to park in the suburbs out by Keopuolani Park. My brother parked up by Maui Memorial Hospital! County Fair blocked off all the parking by War Memorial Gym. Police must have had a field day writing parking tickets! And the line to get in was still long at halftime! The concessions stands were crazy, too! My wife missed halftime and part of the third quarter getting me a soda!

NOTE to the MIL: Stop scheduling the Lahainaluna-Baldwin games on Fridays. It makes no sense other than giving Baldwin the advantage because they don't have to travel as far. The Lunas have to travel farther, on a school day and on a work day. It's difficult for them to travel all the way from Lahaina in time to make the game on time. The crowd may even be BIGGER (and generate more money for the MIL) if held on a Saturday. Just sayin'

For more photos, click here.