Posted on: Tuesday, August 27, 2002
Late rally helps Waialua post rare win on Big Isle
Advertiser Staff
Damien wasn't the only football team to post a big upset this past weekend.
The Monarchs snapped a 10-game losing streak by knocking off Kaimuki, 42-15, for their first victory since Oct. 21, 2000. On the Big Island, Waialua scored a 22-21 road win over Konawaena Saturday. And Leilehua, which had not won in 13 games dating to Sept. 15, 2000, defeated Castle, 23-15, Friday.
Leilehua is a former powerhouse that competed in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association's Red (top level) Conference the past five seasons. But Waialua, which struggled in the OIA White the past three years, had won only two of its previous 26 games.
Bulldogs coach Don "Chico" Capello said defeating Konawaena, which has been one of the Big Island's top programs the past 20 years, was a big step for Waialua.
"Our guys buckled down and played football like it was for a championship," Capello said.
Waialua trailed 21-14 with 1:30 remaining in the game when Larry Ladao returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown. Then Albert Ramos caught a pass from Po'okela Gasper for the two-point conversion.
Daniel Nacario passed for 107 yards and a touchdown, and Grant Yamanouchi caught three passes for 75 yards and a touchdown and also made seven tackles.
Kepa Ho'okano (eight tackles) and Justin Barrit (seven) led the defense.
MAUI FOOTBALL
• Not enough players: For the second year in a row, the tiny football team at tiny Ka'ahumanu Hou Christian Schools in Kahului will not be allowed to play in the Maui Interscholastic League because it does not have enough players.
Maui league principals approved a requirement this year that a team must have 30 players, not including freshmen.
When classes began last week at Ka'ahumanu Hou, coach (and principal) Dave Marocco counted 24 players, including five freshmen.
Last season, the league required 21 players and Ka'ahumanu Hou, which has 100 students, could field only 17.
"We've always had thin numbers, but our kids are strong in heart. They want to play," Marocco said.
