TGI Sports Editor LIHU’E – Another streak has ended. Earlier this season, the Kaua’i Red Raiders picked up their first victory in over a year with a 21-13 upset at Maui. Now, more cause for recognition. Kaua’i broke into the
TGI Sports Editor
LIHU’E – Another streak has ended.
Earlier this season, the Kaua’i Red Raiders picked up their first victory in over a year with a 21-13 upset at Maui.
Now, more cause for recognition. Kaua’i broke into the KIF win column with a 13-7 win over Kapa’a Friday night at Vidinha Stadium.
The Red Raiders dominated on defense, holding Kapa’a to just 113 yards of total offense – 71 of which came from senior tailback Dahson Gonzales.
Kapa’a’s defense also showed well, limiting the Red Raiders to 187 yards of offense. But their offensive struggles forced the Warriors’ defense into too much action.
The scoring gap could’ve been wider. Kaua’i (1-1) penetrated deep into Warriors’ territory with regularity. Three of its five first-half drives, including its second-quarter touchdown – a one-yard Jameson Smith run – ended inside the Kapa’a five-yard line.
Twice the Warriors’ defense held Kaua’i at bay on fourth-and-goal.
But Kapa’a (0-1) could not turn those stands into offensive energy.
Other than the hard-charging Gonzales, the Warriors – expected to challenge Waimea this year for KIF supremacy – looked lost. Junior quarterback Dustin Mundon had difficulty with his timing, often overthrowing receivers. And no other Warrior was able to penetrate Kaua’i’s swarming defense.
In fairness, Kapa’a hadn’t played since its 35-2 preseason victory over Honoka’a on August 24.
Kaua’i, too, had been out of action since September 7, when it fell 29-7 to the Menehunes. A host of mistakes cost the Red Raiders a chance to win that game.
And Kaua’i made things interesting Friday, too.
An Alika Rosa three-yard blast put the Red Raiders ahead 13-0 with 9:47 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Kaua’i kept the defensive pressure on, forcing Kapa’a to punt on its ensuing possession. Two plays later, Red Raider quarterback Kamo’i Refamonte (7-21-1-73) was intercepted by Jud McRoberts, giving the Warriors the ball at Kaua’i’s 47-yard line.
Kapa’a proceeded to embark on a 16-play drive that included successful execution of a fake punt. But the Warriors were stopped on fourth-and-10 on Kaua’i’s 17.
Two plays later, the Red Raiders fumbled. Kapa’a again could not capitalize. Kaua’i then fumbled again with just over one minute remaining. Kapa’a finally scored on a seven-yard pass from Mundon to Randy Lawrence.
Smith led the Red Raiders with 81 yards on 10 carries.
In junior varsity action, Kapa’a defeated Kaua’i 13-0.
