Warriors show off
defense at home

Kamehameha takes the ball away
from Edison when it really matters

With the Kamehameha offense struggling to put the ball into the end zone, the Warriors defense took it upon itself to outscore the visitors from California.

Parker Paredes returned a fumble 52 yards for a touchdown for Kamehameha's first score, and Kamuela Brito returned his second interception of the game 72 yards for their last score as the second-ranked Warriors successfully defended their home field, defeating Edison (Calif.) 21-13 last night at Kunuiakea Field.

The Warriors (2-1) struggled to find much consistency on offense, but it was the defense that stepped up, forcing three turnovers and holding the Chargers, playing in their first game of the season, to just 216 total yards.

"We were fortunate they stepped up," Warriors coach Doss Tannehill said. "(Edison) didn't come here for the sun and surf -- they came to play."

Brito's interception return for a touchdown gave Kamehameha a 21-7 lead midway through the fourth quarter, but the Chargers made a late charge. With less than 3 minutes to go, Chargers quarterback Nick Crissman found Jimmy Flanagan for a 47-yard touchdown on a slant across the middle to make the score 21-13 after a failed extra point. The Warriors recovered the ensuing onside kick but could not run out the clock, giving Edison one last chance to score with 44 seconds left. Crissman hit Flanagan for a 25-yard pass over the middle, but a big hit by Brito forced a fumble that Kamehameha recovered to seal the victory.

"He's playing to his capabilities finally," Tannehill said of Brito. "This was his breakout game and I'm really happy for him."

Brito's first interception came on the drive after Paredes' fumble return, setting up another score as Michael Hoke found Aaron Nichols on the very next play for a 17-yard touchdown pass that gave the Warriors a 15-0 lead heading into halftime.

"I just did what I was taught, stay deep," Brito said. "Defense wins championships and we have the confidence to go out there and get the ball back or make a play or do whatever we have to, to win."

Blanked through the first 24 minutes, the Chargers would strike back quick in the second half, forcing a three-and-out that gave them excellent field position. Hunter White took advantage, rushing for a 20-yard score that cut the Warriors' lead to 8 before Brito's fourth-quarter heroics put the game away.

"They were a mystery to us, so it was exciting playing someone we weren't familiar with," Brito said. "It was fun; I wouldn't mind doing it again."

This was the seventh trip to Hawaii for Edison, but only the second loss, the other coming in a game against Iolani in 2002. The five victories came against Punahou twice, Iolani, Damien, and St. Anthony's on Maui.