Kahuku mauls overmatched McKinley

This game had mismatch written all over it before the season began. It was on the schedule, it was played and it wasn’t pretty.

With ease, No. 4 Kahuku stormed past winless McKinley 78-0 at Carleton Weimer Field on Friday night on the North Shore. At every turn, the Kahuku offense ran virtually untouched into the end zone.

Defensively, the Red Raiders (4-0, 3-0 Oahu Interscholastic Association Red) were in the right place at the right time, whether they were hassling Tigers quarterback Nelson Pita or stepping in front of his passes for four interceptions.

"We knew going in that McKinley was having its struggles," Kahuku coach Vavae Tata said. "It’s hard for them, still rebuilding and trying to figure things out. For us, it was good practice for our second- and third-teamers."

The points went up fast and furiously. Keala Santiago gave Kahuku a 7-0 lead with a 46-yard punt return touchdown. Later, on the Red Raiders’ first offensive possession, Sefa Ameperosa went around right end for a 41-yard score and a 14-0 bulge.

Ameperosa added TD runs of 19 and 9 yards and Harmon Brown sped into the end zone for 60- and 8-yard scores and the rout was well underway. The Red Raiders led 30-0 after one quarter and 57-0 at the half.

McKinley (0-4, 0-3 OIA Red), which dressed 27 of its 36 players, never advanced the ball beyond its own its own 38-yard line.

"The kids wanted to play this game (and not forfeit)," Tigers first-year head coach Sam Cantiberos said. "They had fun, got experience and never gave up. That’s the attitude we want as we try to build the culture."

Cantiberos said many of his players are on academic probation and that there have been numerous key injuries, including one to starting quarterback Elyjah Badua. Altogether, six starters did not suit up for the game.

"Kahuku’s a great team," Cantiberos said. "We played Mililani (a 73-14 loss) and we played Kahuku and that’s going to be a great game if they play, and I think they’re going to play (in the OIA playoffs, or championship game, perhaps). I will be in attendance for that one."

Defensive tackle Samson Reed was a monster all night for the Red Raiders. He had four of Kahuku’s eight sacks, including a safety when he tackled Pita in the Tigers’ end zone. Kekaula Kaniho also made his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball with two of his team’s interceptions, including one that he returned to the house. Dawson Schutter added an interception, and his fumble recovery set up a touchdown.

"I’m just glad to be playing on the varsity," Reed, a sophomore, said. "Last year, I was on JV and I was looking up to players like Sala (All-State defensive tackle Salanoa-Alo Wily) and them."

Pita, the Tigers QB who was throwing some nice balls in warmups, was upbeat despite being sacked eight times.

"We knew it was going to be a hard game," he said. "We’ve got grades and injuries to deal with with, but we’re still fighting on."