Knights' defense holds up in 14-13 OIA playoff win
By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer
MILILANI — Castle won the turnover battle and held off Waipahu, 14-13, in an O'ahu Interscholastic Association first-round football playoff yesterday at Mililani stadium to advance to Friday's co-championship.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game," Castle coach Nelson Maeda said. "We're happy to get out of here alive. It was an ugly win by all means, but a great effort by Waipahu."
Even though a failed extra-point try turned out to be the difference, the Marauders (8-2) had opportunities, but were hurt by two interceptions and three fumbles. Jacob Ramos' interception with 1:17 left in the game ended Waipahu's hopes of rallying.
"It's hard to take a loss like this," Waipahu coach Todd Fujimori said. "The turnovers did come at crucial times. We had our fair chances."
The Knights (8-2) weren't that responsible with the ball either. Quarterback Joel Botelho, who had two interceptions in 202 attempts during the regular season, threw three interceptions. He also lost the ball on a center-quarterback exchange at the Waipahu goal line in the fourth quarter. His first interception, by Richard Buchanan, set up Waipahu's first touchdown of the game. The Marauders used 10 plays to move 67 yards with quarterback Paulo Aga scoring on a 10-yard option run.
Castle backup quarterback Darin Hamada started the game, taking the first two snaps from scrimmage. Botelho came in on the third play, but two plays later, threw the interception. Botelho did not start because he broke a team policy, Maeda said. But Maeda admitted that might have affected the Red Conference's leading passer.
"It did throw his whole rhythm off," Maeda said. "We were definitely out of sync and out of rhythm."
Botelho thinks he just got caught up in the moment.
"It's the playoffs," he said. "I guess I was just trying to force (the passes). I'm thankful our defense came today and they held 'em. But next week, I have to pick it up."
Still, Botelho completed 18 of 34 passes for 235 yards. And while he was sacked seven times, his scrambling ability allowed him time to find receivers and make crucial runs for long yardage. He had 49 yards on 17 carries, despite negative 38 yards from the sacks.
"Credit Waipahu," Maeda said. "Their secondary played great and their front gave up a great rush."
In the third quarter, Castle linebacker Maku Collins caused a fumble by tailback Andrew Hale at the Waipahu 48. Ten plays later, Botelho hit Jarred Suzui in the corner of the end zone to complete a 22-yard TD pass with 3:13 left for a 14-7 lead.
The Marauders came back on their next drive. A 66-yard pass from Aga to Kawika Raymondo highlighted the eight-play drive that ended with a 1-yard TD plunge by Avei Moevao. But a high snap from center on the PAT led to a broken play (a pass), keeping the Knights ahead 14-13 with 11:46 left in the game.
After Botelho's fumble at the Waipahu 1 in the fourth quarter, the Marauders used Moevao on four consecutive plays to move out to the Waipahu 38. But receiver Branden Chung coughed the ball up after getting drilled by Jared Prestidge. Jonah Ramos recovered at the Waipahu 45.
The Knights had to punt after their next two possessions, but were bailed out by the defense, which came up with interceptions by Jonah and Jacob Ramos.
Waipahu put on a strong defensive effort, always pressuring Botelho. Tafa Samuela had 11/2 sacks, while Wembley Taufoou, James Faamai, Ross Garabiles, David Tausa and Rustin Saole had one each. Fritz Crighton had half a sack and a crucial tackle for a loss on a second-and-1 situation.
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: Aga 7-24, Andrew Hale 18-89, Moevao 14-79, Branden Chung 1-(minus 1). Castle: Joel Botelho 17-49, Lum 5-3, Ikaika Ho 3-20, Fale Taupaki 6-18.
PASSING—Waipahu: Aga 5-13-2—111, Moevao 0-1-0—0. Castle: Botelho 18-34-3—235, Darin Hamada 1-2-0—11.
RECEIVING—Waipahu: Chung 2-17, Hale 1-14, Reynolds Freuan 1-14, Kawika Raymondo 1-66. Castle: Taupaki 1-2, Lum 5-39, Miranda 4-58, Dayton AhNee 1-43, Treston Kaneao 3-17, Ho 3-35, Suzui 2-52.
