Defense propels Kapolei to victory

Kapolei’s defense provided the kick-start that powered the ninth-ranked Hurricanes to a 44-13 win over Leilehua on Saturday at Hugh Yoshida Stadium.

Coming off a loss to Waianae the previous week, the Hurricanes had some trouble getting into gear early on against the Mules. But cornerback Kalani Segovia sparked Kapolei with two interceptions in a span of 24 seconds of game time to set up the game’s first two scores.

The Hurricanes (2-1, 1-1 OIA Red) ended the night with four picks and quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa recovered from an early interception to throw for 227 yards and three touchdowns, two going to Jaymin Sarono. Junior running back Josh Kansana, making his return from a knee injury that wiped out his sophomore season, rushed for two scores in the win.

“It was a good team win for us,” Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said. “I think the defense definitely did a great job, they had some turnovers early. Offense, took us a little while to get on track, but all in all I was happy with the performance.”

Leilehua’s rugged early-season schedule continued with a loss to a third straight ranked team after opening against No. 3 Punahou and No. 1 Kahuku.

“It’s been definitely a rough schedule, but I think our guys are learning and making these mistakes early so we can address it. That’s important,” Leilehua coach Nolan Tokuda said.

“We have to fix our turnovers. That hurt us again early. Any team, to get turnovers, it’s hard to fight back from it.”

Leilehua (0-3, 0-2) turned in the game’s first takeaway when Charles Moku Watson thwarted Kapolei’s first scoring opportunity with an interception in the end zone.

But Segovia answered with his first pick three plays later and returned it 14 yards to the Leilehua 7. Tagovailoa then completed a swing pass to Sarono, who got to the corner for a touchdown.

On Leilehua’s next play from scrimmage, Segovia snagged a bobbled pass near the Mules sideline at the 23. Kapolei took four plays to add to the lead, scoring on Kansana’s 2-yard run up the middle.

Tagovailoa’s 31-yard completion to Isaiah Ahana highlighted a five-play scoring drive midway through the second quarter, with Kansana giving the Hurricanes a 20-0 lead with a 7-yard run.

Beau Meyer stretched the margin to 23-0 with a 43-yard field goal with 44 seconds left in the half.

Leilehua saw a glimmer of hope early in the third quarter when Jay Jay Antolin caught a pass from Kona Andres and outran the Hurricanes for a 51-yard touchdown. But Kapolei scored the next 21 points with its final two scores set up by interceptions.