1. Special teams
>> Situation: ‘Iolani 0, Waipahu 0, 7:57 remaining, first quarter, ‘Iolani ball, fourth and 4 at Waipahu 46.
>> The Play: P Tanner Nishioka kicks to the Waipahu 9, where Mason Corpuz-Slade fumbles. Trey Muraoka recovers for ‘Iolani at the Waipahu 7.
>> Impact: RB Kody Mento runs for a touchdown on the next play after the first of five Waipahu turnovers.
>> ‘Iolani coach Wendell Look: “Granted, they were missing some of their key players and the turnovers helped.”
2. Run defense
>> Situation: ‘Iolani 7, Waipahu 0, 5:27 remaining, first quarter, Waipahu ball, third and 5 at ‘Iolani 42.
>> The Play: RB Gregorio Alip is stopped for no gain by DL Scott Tan.
>> Impact: After what started as a promising drive, Waipahu is forced to punt. For the game, Alip carries 18 times for 113 yards, but Waipahu can muster little else against a stingy ‘Iolani defense led by Tan and LB Josiah Situmeang.
>> Waipahu coach Eric Keola: “We tried to establish the run game, which at times we were able to do, but then had a couple of breakdowns.”
3. Passing
>> Situation: ‘Iolani 7, Waipahu 0, 3:20 remaining, first quarter, ‘Iolani ball, second and 19 at ‘Iolani 41.
>> The Play: QB Reece Foy finds WR Tanner Nishioka on a medium-length route near the sideline. Nishioka breaks a tackle around midfield and sprints for a 59-yard touchdown.
>> Impact: Waipahu had just put ‘Iolani in a second-and-long situation with a 9-yard sack of Foy by LB Wesley Nagaesu. But ‘Iolani came right back with its one passing touchdown of the game to build a two-touchdown lead.
>> Foy: “It took us a while to put it together, but we were fortunate enough to do it tonight and come out with a victory.”
4. Running
>> Situation: ‘Iolani 17, Waipahu 0, 5:37 remaining, third quarter, ‘Iolani ball, first and goal at Waipahu 8.
>> The Play: Mento uses solid blocking at the line and a strong individual second-effort to rush in for his second of three touchdowns.
>> Impact: ‘Iolani caps a drive that started with a fumble recovery by LB Andrew Umezawa at midfield. RB Jordan Lee, who rushes for a game-high 177 yards, got 19 yards on the first play after the fumble.
>> Mento: “(The offensive line) did great. I always thank them because without them I couldn’t do it. They’re undersized, but they just push and they get it done.”
5. Pass defense
>> Situation: ‘Iolani 27, Waipahu 0, 9:50 remaining, fourth quarter, Waipahu ball, third and 8 at ‘Iolani 22.
>> The Play: QB Mataio Fualema’s pass is intercepted by CB J.T. Los Banos at the ‘Iolani goal line, helping to preserve a shutout.
>> Impact: ‘Iolani eats up most of the rest of the game with a long drive culminating in Mento’s third touchdown and icing a fifth straight state championship.
>> Look: “That’s an amazing feat. I never thought we would shut them out.”
