Damien figures out ‘Iolani

At long last, the Damien Monarchs have beaten the ‘Iolani Raiders.

Marcus Faufata-Pedrina passed for 200 yards and three touchdowns as the defending ILH Division II champions pulled away for a 35-21 win over ‘Iolani on Saturday afternoon at Skippa Diaz Stadium.

The win ended a 17-game losing streak dating back to 2006, when Kama Bailey was a playmaker in the Monarchs’ backfield.

This time, it was a game plan built on the ground game and defense — Pomai Kim had all three of Damien’s sacks — plus clock management. While ‘Iolani raced up and down the field in hurry-up mode with Tai-John Mizutani (238 yards, three TDs) in the pocket, the Monarchs were deliberate with the tempo, chewing time off the clock from start to finish.

Faufata-Pedrina, who has sparked Damien to consecutive ILH D-II titles, was in command. He completed 13 of 16 pass attempts without a pick, and picked his spots to run almost perfectly.

“I wouldn’t say perfect. I wouldn’t say anything. It’s just the little things we need to clean up,” Faufata-Pedrina said. “I think it’s a statement to the state. A lot of people are thinking ‘Iolani coming back down, they’re going to rule D-II, but we’ve been ruling D-II the past two years (in the ILH) and we don’t want that to change.”

He added 69 rushing yards on eight carries, scoring another TD. With the offensive line leading the way for running back Keoua Kauhi (106 yards on 17 carries), Damien had ‘Iolani chasing on play-action.

Damien finished with 207 rushing yards on 34 attempts, and 407 yards of total offense without a turnover.

Still, after the Monarchs missed a 25-yard field goal with the wind at their backs, ‘Iolani was down just one touchdown with 4:13 left in the third quarter. ‘Iolani benefited from a Damien personal foul, but committed a holding penalty and punted back to the Monarchs.

Damien then drove 67 yards in 12 plays, including a clutch 16-yard run by Faufata-Pedrina on a fake punt.

“We made too many mental mistakes and we couldn’t get stops,” Raiders coach Wendell Look said.

The Monarchs closed out the drive with a 15-yard play-action pass from Faufata-Pedrina to Logan Lauti. Faufata-Pedrina broke two tackles before passing the ball, and Damien led 28-14 with 9:04 remaining.

‘Iolani drove 65 yards in less than three minutes, getting within 28-21 on Mizutani’s 20-yard bullet to Jonah Miyazawa with 6:05 left.

The Monarchs then drove downfield again, getting a 46-yard, tip-toe run down the left sideline by Kauhi. Faufata-Pedrina’s 12-yard scamper on third-and-goal pushed the lead to 14 points with 2:02 to go.

Kim was a menace with his third sack during ‘Iolani’s ensuing series, which stalled at the Raiders’ 31-yard line.

More photos of the game between Damien and ʻIolani.