Leilehua runs away from ‘Iolani

Leilehua and ‘Iolani went stride-for-stride early in their interleague matchup Saturday afternoon.

When the Mules kicked into another gear in the second quarter, the host Raiders couldn’t quite keep pace.

After ‘Iolani made up the stagger to take a lead early in the quarter, Leilehua scored 35 unanswered points and the seventh-ranked Mules opened the season with a 56-35 win at Eddie Hamada Field.

In a matchup of no-huddle attacks, Leilehua’s fast-break offense generated 361 yards before halftime and finished with 522, picking up 305 on the ground.

Running back Ikaika Piceno broke loose for 125 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries, the bulk coming on a 62-yard touchdown burst late in the second quarter.

"Ikaika worked hard in early-season training and it was nice to see him stretch out his legs and break a long one," Leilehua coach Nolan Tokuda said. "That wouldn’t have happened if we didn’t have the O-line blocking. This year with the commitment the O-line made to the team we’re able to run the football."

The line also kept the pressure off the Mules’ quarterbacks, and Kalanimoku Pauole shook off two early interceptions by ‘Iolani defensive back Max look to throw two touchdown passes. His 41-yard touchdown sprint in the third quarter capped the 35-point run bridging the second and third quarters.

Pauole entered the game in relief of starter Mack Eberhardt, who went 13-for-19 for 143 yards but spent the second half on the sideline with a wrap around his thumb. Tokuda said he kept Eberhardt out as a precaution heading into next week’s OIA Red West opener against Campbell.

No. 8 ‘Iolani also alternated quarterbacks, with Easton Tsubata and Austin Jim On splitting the snaps. Jim On threw for 143 yards and three touchdowns, and Tsubata ran for a score and threw for another, while receivers Chad Hanaoka and Keoni-Kordell Makekau caught two TD passes each.

Both quarterbacks faced heavy pressure throughout the game, and a hurried throw early in the third quarter resulted in a 64-yard interception return by Deshaun Osborne to stretch Leilehua’s lead to 42-21.

"When you play a team like this that’s going to mix it up, bring a lot of pressure on you, that’s what they want to do, create chaos and confusion," ‘Iolani coach Wendell Look said. "At times (the Raiders quarterbacks) were very good, and at times (Leilehua) forced us into some bad decisions."