Friday’s contest between Waipahu and McKinley was a display of two programs at opposite ends of the standings, with the Marauders eyeing another crack at the OIA Division II title and the Tigers in the midst of their sixth straight losing season.
The regular-season finale for both teams was symbolic of the dichotomy, as Waipahu dominated from start to finish in a 56-0 rout.
McKinley finished its season at 1-7 overall and 1-6 in OIA Division II play, while Waipahu improved to 8-0 and 7-0 as the Marauders head into the playoffs with their second straight top seed.
“We had a great week of practice. Props to the scout team,” Waipahu coach Bryson Carvalho said. “They give our team a great look all season.”
Waipahu started the game without its star backfield of quarterback Braden Amorozo and running back Alfred Failauga. Amorozo wasn’t on the field for the first possession and Failauga didn’t see any action until the second half. Carvalho cited missed practice time for both.
Regardless, it wasn’t a problem for the Marauders. Ezekiel-Kai Kapanui-Reyes lined up at wildcat quarterback and scored after just two plays from scrimmage.
“We put together a little bit of a different gameplan, but they executed well,” Carvalho said. “Just real proud of these guys and they work hard. They’re really jelling together as a team, which is important heading into the playoffs.”
Amorozo didn’t skip a beat once he got on the field, finishing an efficient 11-for-14 with 242 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
“We just wanted to come out with no mercy and just end the (regular) season well,” he said. “We started it well and we wanted to end it well with a perfect 8-0 record.”
The senior was also a perfect 8-for-8 on extra points, continuing his consistency as the team’s place-kicker and kickoff specialist.
“Just getting that practice in almost every day after and before practice with my brother,” he said. “He kicks for JV so we practice together. It’s kind of helped us both.”
Laulii Iosefa ended his prep career with a game-high 101 rushing yards on six carries for McKinley, including a 67-yard scamper to conclude the third quarter.
Waipahu now shifts its focus to the playoffs, where it faces fourth-seeded Roosevelt. The two teams met on Aug. 25 with the Marauders winning 35-8, but the Rough Riders will take a three-game winning streak into the rematch.
The Marauders were edged 36-35 by Waialua in the championship game last season.
“We gotta learn from our past. Last year, we were (the top seed) heading into the playoffs and we fell short,” Carvalho said. “I constantly remind them of that just so they can remain humble and stay focused on our ultimate goal, which is the OIA championship, then prolong our season from there.”
