Sunday, November 4, 2001
[ PREP FOOTBALL ]
Castle's defensive secondary is the primary reason the Knights are still alive in the Oahu Interscholastic Association football playoffs. Castle beats Waipahu,
earns state berthBy Jason Kaneshiro
jkaneshiro@starbulletin.comCastle defensive backs came up with three turnovers in the fourth quarter to preserve a 14-13 victory over Waipahu in an OIA quarterfinal game yesterday at Mililani High School field.
The Knights advance to next week's OIA championship doubleheader and clinch a berth in the upcoming state tournament with the win. Waipahu ends its season with an 8-2 record.
"Our war cry this week was do or die," Castle coach Nelson Maeda said. "Do, we're alive for two more weeks. Die, and we collect your pads come Monday afternoon."
With the offense out of rhythm for most of the game, the Castle defense provided the big plays needed to survive the opening round test.
The Knights surrendered 300 yards, 177 on the ground, against Waipahu's triple-option offense. But a fumble recovery and two interceptions in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference.
"We made it too interesting," Maeda said. "We're glad to be alive for two more weeks. We're definitely glad to be out of here. It was an ugly win by all means, but we'll take an ugly win over a pretty loss any day."
Castle quarterback Joel Botelho struggled through one of his toughest games of the season. The senior was sacked seven times by the Waipahu defense and threw three interceptions. Still, he managed to pass for 233 yards and rush for 53.
"I tried to force a little too much out there," Botelho said. "But fortunately, the defense came out to play."
Waipahu established its running game on its first possession, marching 67 yards in 10 plays. Marauder quarterback Paulo Aga capped the drive with a 10-yard scamper into the end zone.
Castle answered on its next drive with Loren Lum scoring on a 2-yard run.
The game remained tied until the 3:13 mark of the third quarter, when Botelho hit Jarred Suzui with a 22-yard scoring pass. Nolan Miranda's kick gave Castle a 14-7 lead.
But Waipahu came right back, taking the ball 80 yards on 7 plays. A 66-yard pass completion from Aga to Kawika Raymondo set up a 1-yard touchdown dive by Avei Moevao to cut Castle's lead to 14-13.
But the snap on the extra point was high and kicker Murphy Hunt's pass into the end zone fell short.
It appeared Castle would seal the game when the Knights drove to the Waipahu 1. But Botelho fumbled the snap on third-and-goal and the Marauders recovered.
After Moevao hammered out 37 yards on four consecutive carries, Aga hit Branden Chung on a slant. But Chung was stripped of the ball by Castle safety Jared Prestidge and cornerback Jonah Ramos recovered at the 50.
Castle couldn't capitalize on the turnover and was forced to punt. But three plays later Ramos came up with an interception of an Aga pass.
After another Castle punt, Jacob Ramos intercepted Aga's pass over the middle and the Knights were able to run out the clock.
Andrew Hale led Waipahu with 89 yards on 18 carries, while Moevao finished with 67 yards.
Castle 14, Waipahu 13
At Mililani H.S. field
Waipahu (8-2) 7 0 0 6 -- 13 Castle (8-2) 7 0 7 0 -- 14 Waip -- Paulo Aga 10 run (Murphy Hunt kick)
Cast -- Loren Lum 2 run (Nolan Miranda kick)
Cast -- Jarred Suzui 22 pass from Joel Botelho (Miranda kick)
Waip -- Avei Moevao 1 run (pass failed)
RUSHING -- Waipahu: Andrew Hale 18-89, Moevao 13-67, Aga 7-22, Branden Chung 1-(-1). Castle: Botelho 16-53, Fale Taupaki 6-17, Lum 5-5, Ikaika Ho 3-19.
PASSING -- Waipahu: Aga 6-14-2-123, Moevao 0-1-0-0. Castle: Botelho 18-35-3-233, Darin Hamada 1-1-0-10.
RECEIVING -- Waipahu: Renolds Fruean 2-26, Chung 2-17, 1-14, Kawika Raymondo 1-66. Castle: Lum 5-37, Miranda 4-58, Dayton AhNee 1-43, Treston Kaneao 3-18, Ho 3-34, Suzui 2-52, Taupaki 1-1.
YESTERDAY
OIA quarterfinalsCastle 14, Waipahu 13
Kailua at MililaniBIIF
Kealakehe at Pahoa
Keaau at Hawaii PrepMIL
Lahainaluna vs. Maui
Junior varsity
Kapolei 36, Leilehua 26
Roosevelt 24, Waianae 14
Hawaii School Web Sites