LIHU‘E — Kalen Lagoc-Chang’s foot was the key in Lihu‘e Bulldogs’ 14-12 edge over the Kapa‘a Na Koa, Wednesday at the Kaua‘i Youth Football game at Vidinha Stadium. Both teams engaged in a defensive slugfest throughout the first quarter and
LIHU‘E — Kalen Lagoc-Chang’s foot was the key in Lihu‘e Bulldogs’ 14-12 edge over the Kapa‘a Na Koa, Wednesday at the Kaua‘i Youth Football game at Vidinha Stadium.
Both teams engaged in a defensive slugfest throughout the first quarter and most of the second period before Michael Remigio put the Bulldogs on the scoreboard.
Na Koa struggled with its basic snaps as quarterback Fresno Masaniai pounced on a number of fumbles at the line, the miscues keeping Kapa‘a from converting on planned big third down plays.
Lihu‘e relied on its quickness to keep Na Koa at bay, Dreyke Smith Butac coming up with a big interception close to the end zone to keep Kapa‘a out of the scorebooks.
On a third-and-15 play, Remigio shot out of the pack and after beating out one remaining Na Koa safety, hoofed 89 yards for a touchdown with exactly a minute remaining in the half.
Lagoc-Chang booted the point-after for the 7-0 bulge that remained despite Na Koa making several attempts at long pass plays to try and deadlock the match in the final minute before the half.
Na Koa came back with two second-half scores, but that was matched by the Bulldogs’ single TD, Lagoc-Chang’s PAT boot in the second period being the difference in the match.
Because the game was played on Thanksgiving eve, the AYF league announced a random drawing for a spiral ham which was given away to a spectator.
One turkey was announced through a random drawing for a player from the Lihu‘e Bulldogs and a player from the Kapa‘a Na Koa.
Brad Hiranaka, president of the AYF which was formed this year for players eligible to play Midget division of Pop Warner football, said registration for players interested in playing Spring football is currently being accepted through the Kauaiyouthfootball.com Web site.
Currently, the league holds practice Mondays through Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m. at both Lihu‘e and Kapa‘a, states the KYF Web site.
The league was developed in response to the community and the player needs. KYF strongly supports the American Youth Football in its belief that every child who wants to play football or cheer has the opportunity despite financial constraints. That belief gave birth to the “Circle of Giving Back” concept.
Two more games remain in the 2009 season for football fans.
The next game will be played Dec. 11 at the New Kapa‘a Town Park starting at 5:30 p.m. with the final game being played at Vidinha Stadium on Dec. 18 starting at 5:30 p.m.
Tina Albao, the KYF treasurer, said ‘Ohana Diner and the Lopez family will be coordinating the food booth for the Dec. 11 game.
For more information, visit the KYF Web site at www.Kauaiyouthfootball.com.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com.
