[ HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ]
Kauai earns
state tourney berth
LIHUE -- Kauai became the first team to clinch a berth in this year's Division I state football tournament Friday night when Waimea defeated Kapaa 20-0 in a Kauai Interscholastic Federation game at Vidinha Stadium.
The game was scoreless at halftime, but with 1:35 left in the third quarter Po'okela Chang-Wo scored on a 3-yard run to give Waimea a 7-0 lead.
With 5:24 remaining in the fourth quarter on fourth and 1, Jordon Dizon, who saw his first game action since injuring his ankle in Waimea's season opener, scored from 11 yards out to give the Menehunes a 13-0 lead. The point after was blocked. Waimea added a late touchdown on a 24-yard run by quarterback Jon Palacio.
Kapaa hurt itself with 13 penalties and three turnovers. Next week Kauai travels to Hanapepe to face Waimea in a key KIF matchup.
Kauai and Kapaa were the only Kauai teams vying for a spot in the Division I tournament. Friday's loss dropped the Warriors to 0-4 in the KIF (1-5 overall). Kauai is 3-0 (3-2 overall) with three games left. The Red Raiders will play the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red champion in the first round at Aloha Stadium on Nov. 21.
Waimea has been assured of a state tournament spot since it opted for Division II when the assignments were set in July because it was the only KIF school to pick the second tier. The Menehunes (4-1, 2-1) also already have a bye in the state event and will play a semifinal game on Nov. 28 at Vidinha Stadium. The opponent will be the winner of a Nov. 21 game between the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's Division II champion and the OIA White runner-up.
