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Pearl City holds off Kalani for fifth win in a row

Paul Honda

A wild shootout with big hits and 13 turnovers — nine by the visiting Kalani Falcons — suited the Pearl City Chargers just fine.

The Chargers stepped up on senior night, getting three picks from cornerback Timothy Rivera, in a 40-30 win over Kalani in a crucial OIA White matchup.

A crowd of about 1,000 at Edwin “Bino” Neves Stadium saw Pearl City improve to 5-3 in league play (5-4 overall) with a fifth straight win.

“I’m so proud of the boys,” coach David Hallums said, dedicating the win to his late aunt, Noelani Tahu, who died earlier in the week while visiting Oahu. The retired teacher was here for a grandson’s wedding.

“She was a smart lady. This win was for her. We all bonded together. I’d like to credit my coaches for taking over during the week,” Hallums said. “They allowed me to spend time with my family.”

Kalani slipped to 4-3 in league play (4-4 overall) after committing four turnovers at the start.

“It was basically the turnovers,” Kalani coach Greg Taguchi said. “We still have an outside shot (at the playoffs) if we’re lucky enough to have an outstanding game against Kaiser (next week).”

A pick-6 by Rivera on the first play from scrimmage gave the home team a quick 7-0 lead. Then came giveaways — a fumble on a kick return by Dru Reaves and another interception by Noah Brum — that led to a 28-yard touchdown pass from Brock Teixeira to Daicorri Briscoe (six receptions, 155 yards), and a 1-yard touchdown run by David Laranol.

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