OIA RED WEST
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COM
Waianae's Robert Nui Stevens tumbled into the end zone during the first half of last night's game.
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Seariders make statement
Kapolei never has a chance as Waianae dominates the line of scrimmage at home
With the balance of the game in their hands, the Waianae Seariders did what they do best.
Henry Keomalu scored three of his four rushing touchdowns in the second half as Waianae imposed its will upon the Kapolei Hurricanes, breaking open a close game for a 42-18 rout of Kapolei last night at Raymond Torii Field.
With the decisive victory, Waianae improved to 3-1 in Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West play (5-1 overall). The 10th-ranked Seariders remained within striking distance of front-running Mililani.
Kapolei slipped to 3-2 in league play (4-3 overall). The ninth-ranked Hurricanes never got into a consistent offensive rhythm, despite a productive performance in terms of total yardage.
In the second half, particularly after Kapolei pulled within 20-18, Waianae dominated the line of scrimmage. The visiting Hurricanes had minus-15 yards in offense for their final three possessions.
"We got absolutely manhandled," Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said. That's the toughest team we've played, period. We couldn't stop them on defense, our special teams played poorly and our offense was never in synch. Waianae is back, baby. I just saw it tonight with this butt-whipping."
Keomalu, using deft footwork and fakes to operate Waianae's misdirection and counter runs, had a feeling the Seariders were ready.
"We had good practices this week," he said. "I think we can take (the Red West). I feel good."
The game was originally scheduled to be played on TV at Mililani, but a switch had the home team, Waianae, hosting in comfortable confines.
"That gave them more initiative," Hernandez added. "For us, the good news is, we're still in it."
JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARBULLETIN.COM
Kapolei's Radford Raquedan, left, received excellent blocking on Waianae defender Siavalua Failuga as he powered toward the end zone for a touchdown last night.
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Leading 20-18 midway through the third quarter, the Seariders drove 76 yards, getting a key 50-yard run from Darius Fuller. That set up a 1-yard sneak by Keomalu, who followed the surge of 6-foot-3, 395-pound junior John Fetu for a 27-18 Waianae lead.
Kapolei's offense went three-and-out, dropping two passes, to give Waianae back the ball. The Seariders marched 52 yards to pay dirt, grinding out the entire drive on the ground, with Keomalu scoring from the 2-yard line.
That gave the Seariders a 34-18 lead in the early stages of the fourth quarter.
James Smith came up with one of Waianae's three sacks, hindering Kapolei's next series. After Waianae regained possession, Keomalu led an 86-yard drive. Curtis Jones broke off a 34-yard run and Nui Stevens rambled for 26 more to set up Keomalu's final touchdown, a 2-yard play behind Fetu.
Waianae's defense kept a lock on Brad Padayao, one of the league's most dangerous playmakers. The Seariders hurried him several times and limited the senior quarterback to 26 rushing yards on nine carries, well below his average.
Fuller finished with 117 rushing yards on 13 attempts to pace a Waianae offense that amassed 328 rushing yards on 53 attempts. Keomalu was fairly effective through the air, completing seven of his 11 attempts for 133 yards and one touchdown.
Kapolei ran for only 67 yards. Padayao completed 18 of his 35 attempts for 241 yards and two touchdowns. Waianae's defense permitted Padayao only one completion in his final nine attempts.