Leilehua’s defense clamps down on Moanalua

While his assistant coaches addressed the team following the game, Leilehua coach Nolan Tokuda repeatedly checked his cell phone.

When he finally found out the Kahuku-Waianae score, he wasn’t surprised.

"The road always goes through Kahuku in the OIA," Tokuda said. "That’s what we prepare for from February 1st … and we just have to get ready for that opportunity."

The sixth-ranked Mules will face No. 1 Kahuku for the fourth straight time in the OIA playoffs after defeating Moanalua 29-3 in the quarterfinals at Hugh Yoshida Stadium on Friday night.

Justin Jenks threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns and Shai Pulawa returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown. Leilehua (7-2) needs one win in its next two games to qualify for states for the sixth straight season.

"These guys came out and there were opportunities where we could have folded and put Moanalua back in the game, but we stepped up and made that long interception for a touchdown," Tokuda said. "We had opportunities to put the game away in the third quarter and didn’t, but our defense held up for us."

Moanalua (5-5) had four drives inside the Leilehua 20 but managed only three points.

Pulawa’s interception ended one drive and a missed field goal and turnover on downs were the other drive-killers.

"We moved the ball and then they stifled us on defense somehow," Moanalua coach Arnold Martinez said. "You can’t give a team like the Mules an extra opportunity to defend you and we did that. You can’t do it."

Jenks finished 13-for-20 for 168 yards but was just

3-for-6 passing for 17 yards and an interception in the second half.

Junior Levi Castanares, who has split time with Jenks at QB this season, missed the game with a back injury.

The Mules will have to control the game with their short passing attack if they want to avoid a third consecutive loss to Kahuku in the OIA semis.

"We always tell our kids we want them at their best and we want to play everyone else’s best," Tokuda said. "It just so happens Kahuku is always top notch."

Leilehua started the game with a fancy double pass, but Na Menehune had it scouted perfect, as Zarin Augustiro intercepted the throw by Ikaika Piceno.

Moanalua couldn’t capitalize as Richard Parham and quarterback Micah Kaneshiro fumbled the handoff three plays later, leading to a 30-yard field goal by Beti Alex to give Leilehua a 3-0 lead.

The entire first half changed on one play, as Moanalua drove inside the Leilehua 5 when senior Pulawa intercepted a Kaneshiro pass in the front end of the end zone and returned it 100 yards untouched for the score and a 10-0 lead.

Moanalua got back within a score on a 26-yard field goal by Landon Ogawa, but Jenks heated up in the second quarter.

He completed eight of his 11 pass attempts in the quarter, throwing touchdown passes of 46 yards to Piceno and 5 yards to Tristin Kamaka to give the Mules a 22-3 lead.

Ishmil Scott led Na Menehune offensively, finishing 2 yards shy of his third 100-yard rushing game of the season.

"We keep chipping away each year, so it’s been a blessed season, a lot of learning, and to see them grow as men has been awesome," Martinez said.