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It took 12 long years, but Damien is finally the owner of an Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division II championship.
The Monarchs (6-1, 3-1) fell behind early, but took control in the second half to defeat Pac-Five 28-16 and lock up their first state berth since 2003.
"To me, this is about the legacy that we’re leaving for the next players that come and play for Damien," said Monarchs quarterback Marcus Faufata-Pedrina, who rushed for 106 yards and a TD and kept the chains moving. "We also did it for the alumni. They really deserve this one. We were able to fight back and we’ve always been known to fight."
Kainoa Ferreira’s 9-yard TD pass and Tyler Fukuroda’s 29-yard field goal gave Pac-Five (3-3, 1-3) an early 9-0 lead, and the Wolfpack also led 16-14 heading into the fourth quarter.
Early in the fourth, Damien’s Courtney Paaga recovered a fumble and it led to Kepono Kawaakoa’s 19-yard TD run that put the Monarchs up for good.
Later, Justice White gave Damien some breathing room with a 16-yard TD run.
"I am super excited for this team," Monarchs coach Eddie Klaneski said. "Pac-Five gave it all they had. We rose up in the second half. It took us a while to get our confidence, but the dedication factor showed tonight • us as coaches to them (the players) and them to us."
The loss eliminated both the Wolfpack and Saint Francis from state-title contention and left Pac-Five in last place behind both the Monarchs and the Saints.
