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Watson’s Lahainaluna
squad made mark in
state football tournament

Lahainaluna football coach Bobby Watson can't figure out exactly how long he's coached, but it doesn't bother him.

He's just glad to be involved, even through the proverbial fire and rain.

The Lunas and their old-school mentor reached new heights in 2001, with a state-tournament berth after winning the Maui Interscholastic League title. Two years of drought followed, however. The 2002 and '03 seasons yielded low turnouts and numerous defeats, but Watson and his staff persevered.

This year, the return of several linemen who sat out the '03 season made a significant difference. Another key was the influx of talent from the junior varsity program, which won its fourth MIL crown in a row this season.

The '04 Lunas, built on a run-first offense and hard-hitting defense, were special.

"These guys were overachievers. We've had more talented teams, but being No. 1 on Maui was all they wanted," Watson said. "This team wanted to take it one more step."

Fifth-ranked Lahainaluna stunned No. 2 Mililani, 41-34, in the opening round.

Lahainaluna was within 7-6 of Interscholastic League of Honolulu champion Kamehameha going into the final quarter last Friday before losing 21-6.

To the very end, on the field and in the locker room after the game, Watson was honest and clear with his words. "Thank you," he told the Lunas, who circled the room, many holding back tears. "Thank you for everything."

The Luna coaches, one by one, hugged each player, and the players could do little to contain their emotions. The longshot team from West Maui had reached the semifinals of the state championships, but perhaps more remarkable, they had earned the respect of their mentors because of all the discipline and commitment to excellence that's expected.

For a team that had lost 17 times in two seasons, that was priceless.

Howdy Pilgrims: Like Lahainaluna, Hawaii Prep's football team was on an early flight back home less than 12 hours after kicking off in the First Hawaiian Bank State Football Championship semifinals.

HPA went 11-3 this year, including a 10-0 mark in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation -- the school's first unbeaten league record in about 40 seasons. As Ka Makani filtered through Honolulu International Airport on Sunday morning, not long after a 17-7 loss to seventh-ranked Iolani, their visors bore more than just the school nickname.

On the side of each visor read the word "Pilgrims." As the story goes, HPA went to archrival Honokaa for a game, where a former Ka Makani coach told the Dragons, "Don't take these pilgrims lightly." HPA won a lopsided game, and word got back to Ka Makani.

Though the visors say one thing, the players preferred to call themselves "Soldiers," as they did in pre- and post-game cheers. Either way, these soldiers had quite a pilgrimage this year.

Championship game admission increases: General admission for Friday's Division I and II championship games is $12 for adults.

Seniors over 62, as well as students grade 12 and below will be admitted for $5 each.

Coupons worth $3 off the adult admission price are available at all First Hawaiian Bank branches. One coupon is permitted per ticket.

Soccer marathoners anonymous: After 15 years, Spencer Machado and Lorraine Rutkowski still have plenty in the tank.

This is a good thing for soccer enthusiasts who have enjoyed the Moanalua Thanksgiving Tournament all this time. Machado, the Moanalua boys soccer coach, and his self-described "garut," Rutkowski, have overseen massive growth of the state's largest preseason tourney.

Fifty teams -- varsity and junior varsity boys and girls -- took over the fields at Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park over the weekend. When it all began in 1989, there were eight boys and girls teams total.

"When this complex opened, I figured, why limit it to four teams on each side," Machado said. This year's field included a team from San Jose, Calif. In addition, the tournament was split into Division I and II, mirroring the setup at the state championships.

Machado doesn't initiate discussion about it, but the tournament does have expenses. Though he has always kept team entry fees at a minimum, next year may require an increase.

"We have to rent (the facility), and there are other costs that might go up, like referees," he said.

On the field, Machado was impressed with several teams. "I think Mililani is the best (boys) team. They lost some seniors, but they have plenty of depth, and the same system," he said.

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Athlete of the week

John Felix, Leilehua football: Led the Mules with nine tackles (six solo) and two fumble recoveries in a 17-14 upset of defending state champion Kahuku.

Honor roll

FOOTBALL

Jayson Rego, Kamehameha: 170 yards rushing on 30 attempts in a 21-6 win over Lahainaluna.
Ikaika Hardie, Kamehameha: Four receptions for 50 yards, including touchdown catches of 33 and 2 yards in the win over Lahainaluna.
Bryant Moniz, Leilehua: The sophomore completed 19 of 35 attempts for 176 yards as the Mules shocked Kahuku 17-14.
Chustin Senas, Leilehua: Eight receptions for 100 yards, including a 10-yard scoring catch, in the Mules' win over Kahuku.
B.J. Fruean, Leilehua: Eight tackles in the Mules' win over Kahuku.
Tomasi Fuller, Kahuku: Nine tackles, including eight solo, in the loss to Leilehua.
Max Fairclough, Kahuku: Nine tackles, including four solos, in the loss to Leilehua.
Fine Latu, Lahainaluna: Eleven tackles, including four solo, against Kamehameha.
Ikavalu Sake, Lahainaluna: Eight tackles, including four solo, against Kamehameha.
Shaye Asoau, Campbell: Rushed for 46 yards and passed for 79 more without an interception as the Sabers rallied past Kauai 29-20.
Kekoa Crowell, Kauai: Completed 19 of 37 attempts for 289 yards in a loss to Campbell.
Kevin Cadiente, Kauai: Nine receptions for 147 yards in the loss to Campbell.
Caylen Wada, Kauai: Nine tackles, including six solo, against Campbell.
Lance Okasaki, Kauai: Six solo tackles, nine overall, against Campbell.
Chris Ganigan, Campbell: 10 tackles, including nine solo, against Kauai.
Mike Hirokawa, Iolani: Ran for 112 yards on 18 carries, and caught six passes for 59 yards and one touchdown in a 17-7 win over Hawaii Prep.
Mike Kopra, Hawaii Prep: Ran for 96 yards on 23 attempts in the loss to Iolani.
Zach Say, Hawaii Prep: Rushed for 91 yards on 11 carries in the loss to Iolani.
Kekai Kealoha, Iolani: Five catches for 90 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown play, against Hawaii Prep.

To nominate ... To nominate an athlete of the week, contact the Star-Bulletin Sports Department by 11 p.m. Sunday: Phone: 529-4782 Fax: 529-4787 E-mail: sports@starbulletin.com