Warriors overcome talented Wildcats

In their final tune-up before the regular season, Kamehameha's defense proved it's one of the state's best in a 9-7 victory over Redlands East Valley of California.

Compensating for an offense that struggled for most of the game, the Warrior defense harassed and pounded the visiting Wildcats, last year's Citrus Belt League champions.

In the first half, Redlands quarterback Ronnie Fouch, a University of Washington commit, felt pressure from a swarming Kamehameha front seven. While Fouch was able to consistently avoid sacks, the Warrior defense forced the quarterback to abandon plays and leave the pocket.

While the defense held a top-rated quarterback in check, Kamehameha's offense was unable to sustain any first-half drives. The Warriors rotated quarterbacks Kahaku Kaai and Bronson DeLuze nearly every other play as they combined to go 0-for-8 in the first half.

Fouch, who threw 27 passes in the first half alone, mounted one stellar drive for the Wildcats. Chris Polk found the end zone on a 6-yard touchdown score to give Redlands a 7-0 lead at halftime.

Kamehameha, playing without top tailbacks Truman Chun and Jordan Rego, turned to junior quarterback Michael Hoke in the second half. Hoke completed his first three passes and led the Warriors on a nearly 5-minute drive to open the half. The result was a 35-yard field goal by Tyler Akao, cutting the Kamehameha deficit to 4.

The Wildcats switched gears in the second half, choosing to take the ball out of Fouch's hands and go to a power running game led by senior Joshua Garcia.

With 5:12 remaining in the game, Kamehameha started a game-winning drive from the 50-yard line. On fourth and 3, Hoke found running back Kaulupono Perez for a 15-yard first down completion. Three plays later, Hoke scored on a 2-yard bootleg to put the Warriors ahead. Hoke completed seven of nine passes for 78 yards.

Following a missed PAT, Fouch drove the Wildcats to the Warrior 26-yard line with 26 seconds remaining. However, Fouch's 40th pass attempt was intercepted by Kamehameha cornerback Andrew Godinet, sealing the game for the Warriors. Fouch completed 18 of 40 passes with two interceptions.