LIHU‘E — The Kapa‘a Warriors felt the growing pains of a new coach, Friday night as they were capitalized by the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA) defense, 9-0 before a good-sized crowd at the Vidinha Stadium. Throughout the night, the Warriors
LIHU‘E — The Kapa‘a Warriors felt the growing pains of a new coach, Friday night as they were capitalized by the Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy (HPA) defense, 9-0 before a good-sized crowd at the Vidinha Stadium.
Throughout the night, the Warriors played tentatively, their signal calling slot being rotated three times, and on two of those tentative steps in a young season, Ka Makani defense poured in to capitalize.
Warrior signal caller Waylan Kupihea was the victim on the two HPA scores, the first coming in the second quarter when a pitch out found no receiver and HPA’s Pa‘akaula Kalawai‘anui pounced on the bouncing ball in the end zone for six points.
Coby Powers iced the TD with a kick at the 5:32 mark.
Kupihea felt the defensive bite again in the third quarter when in illegal forward pass resulted in a safety for the 9-0 math.
Kapa‘a was held to just one first down in the opening quarter, and the halftime stats told the story as the Warriors eked out just two first downs compared with four by HPA, all coming on rushes.
Kapa‘a was held to just 27 yards on 13 carries while Ka Makani ran 24 times for 65 yards, adding 10 yards on one pass completion.
Penalties also plagued the Warrior camp, Kapa‘a getting 45 yards on seven calls while HPA was meted 10 yards on five calls.
Ka Makani continued to build on these numbers, and with Junior Fischer doing the chores, finished with 177 yards on the ground compared with Kapa‘a’s 47 yards.
Kapa‘a will travel to take on Kamehameha, Big Island on Aug. 26 while the Kaua‘i Red Raiders will open their season with a matchup against Kona on the Big Island, Saturday, Aug. 27.
The game was broadcast live by KQNG Radio Am 570 by Joel Pahukula.
