Radford dethroned Nanakuli as Oahu Interscholastic Association Division II football champion on Friday night with a 28-7 victory over the Golden Hawks.
The Rams (8-0, 7-0) broke away in the second half after a close first 24 minutes, led by Ace Faumui’s 131 rushing yards and a monster defensive line that sacked Nanakuli quarterback Nainoa Banks 11 times.
"That’s our bread and butter, our defense, and defense wins championships," Radford coach Fred Salanoa said after the game. "That’s a good, well-coached team over there (Nanakuli). They never gave up and we tip our hats to them."
It’s possible the two teams could meet again. Both have one regular-season game left and a week off before the four-team OIA D-II playoffs begin.
"This loss doesn’t hurt us one bit," Golden Hawks coach Keala Watson said. "We at least got to do something to them (the Rams) that nobody else has done — give them a tough time. You can always take positives away from a loss and we did. We may see them again (in the playoffs or states)."
The tide turned in Radford’s favor with one second left in the first half, when quarterback Quintin Iriarte hit Blaise Manabe with a 10-yard touchdown pass and a 14-7 lead.
"Hard work pays off," said Faumui, who had given the Rams a 7-0 lead with a 10-yard TD reception from Iriarte in the first quarter. "All that effort we put in was what pulled us through. We’re ready (for the stretch run)."
For Nanakuli (6-2, 6-1), it was the first loss in league play. The Golden Hawks are still battling Kaimuki (4-2) for the league’s second seed.
Banks’ 6-yard scoring pass to Keanu Momoa on a slant route to the end zone put the game in a 7-7 tie with 1:16 left in the first quarter.
With 8:47 left in the third quarter, Radford linebacker Jordan Walker set up his team’s next touchdown by tackling punter Randy Manewa at the Nanakuli 1. Faumui had no trouble pounding it into the end zone for a 21-7 lead.
The Golden Hawks failed in their attempt to get three points closer when Clifford Cunningham’s 40-yard field-goal attempt was short.
Thomas Reid scored the Rams’ final touchdown in the fourth quarter when he flattened Banks, forced him to fumble and then scooped up the ball and rumbled 68 yards to the end zone.
Dillon Sunday led the sack attack for Radford with three. Deyshon Slade and Walker had two each. Walker also had seven tackles.
Ramon Frantela-Kahili had a fumble recovery and an interception for Nanakuli, and Alexcio Meyers and Brennon Weiss also picked off passes for the Golden Hawks. Teammates Randy Manewa and Bryce Kaopua-Gallegos had seven tackles each.
