Santiago leads JPW Colts’ charge over Vista Bucs

LIHU’E — Torrey Santiago of the Hanapepe JPW Colts scored twice with Mikeo Rita adding one TD as the Hanapepe Junior PeeWee squad controlled the visiting Vista Buccaneers from San Diego on Saturday at Vidinha Stadium.

Santiago struck in the first half along with Rita who notched the Colts’ second TD for a 12-0 nod at the half.

Santiago iced the victory in the third with a pass from Micah Rita to Jace Delos Reyes accounting for the 19-0 final score.

Although outnumbered, the Colts steadily punched through the Buc defense sharing ball-carrying responsibilities between Santiago and Mikeo Rita.

Stefan McClure headlined the Bucs’ charge with Evan Renwick mixing in some pass action that came up against a tough Hanapepe defense.

Originally, four mainland teams from the Palomar conference were scheduled to appear at the Kaua’i arena, but due to financial constraints, only the Buccaneers ended up making the trip.

Twenty-eight players and a contingent of 60 parents, coaches, and chaperones accompanied the boys from San Diego, and fans taking in the Saturday contest were treated to some San Diego hospitality, one ticket taker noting, “You gotta check out their mascot!”

John Rojelio was the parent she referred to, fully garbed in a buccaneer outfit complete with a bugle, pirate cap, and cameras to record the event for those who could not make the trip.

Following the contest, the Buccaneers were treated to gift exchanges and a Kaua’i-style potluck hosted by the Hanapepe parents, many Colt players seen sporting the red-and-black jerseys they were presented by the visitors.