Warriors ground
down Mules

In a showdown of power vs. imagination, the cruelest factor played into the equation when Leilehua visited Kamehameha last night.

Kamehameha (3-1), ranked third in the Star-Bulletin Top 10, completed just two passes but muscled its way to a 20-14 win at Kunuiakea Stadium.

Injuries crippled both squads, but none was more damaging than the one suffered by the Mules' Bryant Moniz. The talented junior quarterback suffered a right shoulder dislocation -- his throwing arm -- on an awkward fall in the fourth quarter.

Backup Joe Iosefa managed to guide Leilehua to its second touchdown, but the Mules never threatened again.

"We didn't play well. Leilehua played well. Their quarterback went down and they threw that fade like they owned it," Kamehameha coach Doss Tannehill said. "I was hoping we'd improve, but we're still working on being consistent. I am glad we got a win against a great team like Leilehua."

Fifth-ranked Leilehua (3-1), which fell to Kamehameha in the state title game last season, had lost four starters for various reasons already. The Mules lost three more starters against Kamehameha: linebackers Guyes Galdeira (ankle) and Mene Coffin (shoulder) and Moniz.

"We went through plenty of adversity already," Moniz said, glancing at his teammates, many of whom are talented but inexperienced underclassmen. "Now there's a lot on their shoulders. I think our coaching staff will get them ready."

Kamehameha came into the game with four potential starters out to injury: lineman Kawika Shook (shoulder), linebackers Kapono Rawlins-Crivello (shoulder) and Mana Lolotai (groin) and defensive back Gagamoe Manuma (shoulder).

Breakaway threat Ryan Montez left the game in the second half with an injury after a punt return.

Jeremiah Dela Pena led Kamehameha's committee of running backs with 53 hard-earned yards on 17 attempts.

In all, Kamehameha's defense remained constant, led by linebacker Gerritt Vincent.

"Even when times got tough, we didn't get down on each other," the hard-hitting senior linebacker said. "We stuck together as a team."

The Warriors did not miss a beat at the start. Montez cut back against the grain for a 52-yard touchdown run on the second play from scrimmage, giving Kamehameha a 7-0 lead with 11:41 left in the first half.

Kamehameha roared again on its next possession. Montez's 23-yard punt return sparked an eight-play, 44-yard touchdown drive. Kahaku Kaai found Aaron Nichols open in the right corner of the end zone for a 9-yard strike. Kamehameha led 14-0 with 5:24 remaining in the first quarter.

Leilehua responded with a 10-play, 63-yard march. Using trips and stack formations, the Mules capped the drive with a 27-yard scoring toss from Moniz to Tianeva Tyrell-Edra on fourth and 3. The Mules were within a touchdown with 11:56 left in the second quarter.

Kamehameha, which has relied on defense for big plays, got a huge boost when punter Drew Ueno faked a punt and raced 51 yards for a touchdown. The Warriors got a bad snap on the PAT, but led 20-7 with 9:50 to go in the half.