Defense helps Na Ali'i hold off Damien, 9-7

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

'Aiea made big plays on defense, including an interception by C.J. Tausaga that set up the go-ahead score, in rallying past Damien, 9-7, last night to win the inaugural Division II state football championship at Aloha Stadium.

Na Ali'i (10-2) matched their winningest season of 2001, when they also went 10-2 by losing a state tournament quarterfinal.

'Aiea scored with 4:43 left in last night's game when sophomore quarterback Kali Kuia hit wide receiver Alden DeMello on a post pattern. The five-play, 46-yard drive started after Tausaga intercepted a Tevita Williams pass intended for Andrew Canoy and returned it 3 yards to the Damien 46.

"Right now, I'm so excited," Tausaga said. "We're champions."

Part of 'Aiea's reward will be a promotion to the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red West, which is classified as Division I. That assures a new Division II champion next year.

"That's OK," 'Aiea coach Wendell Say said. "We have one title under our belts, and that's what we want."

The Division II tournament was a pilot program and needs approval from the Hawaii High School Athletic Association executive board in January.

Na Ali'i's high-powered offense had been stalled for three quarters by Damien's defense, which had allowed 123 yards to that point. The Monarchs had three interceptions of their own, as well as five sacks.

But 'Aiea also played superb defense, allowing 220 yards and got five sacks.

"Our defense has always been tough," Say said. "Defense wins championships, and tonight was no different."

'Aiea middle linebacker Lawrence Leovao led his team with eight tackles, including five for losses. He had three sacks. It was pressure by the linebackers and line that helped the secondary, Tausaga said.

"All year, we've known he's one of the best, if not the best DB in our conference," Say said of Tausaga, who had three interception returns for touchdowns this season.

Although Tausaga's interception was the play that set up the go-ahead TD, he credited Kuia for coming up big.

"It took one play to boost this team up," Tausaga said, "and Kali came through and threw that pass to Alden."

Say also was proud of Kuia's poise under pressure.

"He's only a sophomore, and he's got a great future ahead of him," Say said of Kuia, who completed 10 of 20 passes for 125 yards.

DeMello said the play worked because the free safety came up toward the line of scrimmage, leaving him one-on-one with the Damien cornerback. Kuia's pass wobbled but reached DeMello, who had about a two-step lead on the defender inside the 5, and easily scored.

After DeMello's TD, 'Aiea got a scare when Ranson DeCosta had an apparent 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown nullified by an illegal use of hands penalty at the Damien 24. The Monarchs, backed to their 12, eventually had to punt from their 7. 'Aiea ended up with good field position at its own 48. Receiver Ben Ah Mook Sang came in to play quarterback — he usually does in a ball-control situation for 'Aiea — but fumbled on second down, where Soane Sevelo made the recovery at the 'Aiea 45.

"That was a big play," Say said. "But everyone makes mistakes."

Added Ah Mook Sang: "I just had to keep my head up."

Damien drove to the 'Aiea 25, but on fourth-and-10, Williams was intercepted by Richard Kiesel-Kauhane for a 26-yard return to the Damien 48 with 1:16 left in the game. Na Ali'i ran out the clock to preserve their victory.

Damien (5-6) saw its hopes for a third winning season in its 39-year history spoiled, but co-coach Rudy Alejo said his team had nothing to be ashamed about.

"I'm so proud of them," Alejo said. "I'm lost for words The senior class and the underclassmen all held it together. To me, they played like champions."

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8042.