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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, November 22, 2003

Damien tops Kapolei in Division II

By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The magic isn't over for Damien, which two weeks ago earned its first-ever postseason bid. Last night, the Monarchs beat Kapolei, 20-14, to advance to the semifinals of the First Hawaiian Bank State Football Division II Championships at 'Aiea High School.

Ranson DeCosta rushed for a career-high 219 yards on 24 carries and two touchdowns, and Andrew Canoy caught seven passes for 192 yards and one touchdown to lead Damien, the Interschol-astic League of Honolulu representative, into a semifinal showdown with Waimea next Friday at Vidinha Stadium on Kaua'i.

"We are setting a new trend for Damien High School, letting everyone know we can compete with the big schools," DeCosta said.

Damien scored on its first drive, capped by a 14-yard touchdown run by DeCosta. Quarterback Tevita Williams completed 2 of 3 passes on the drive for 66 yards, including a 51-yarder to Canoy.

DeCosta scored his second touchdown in the third quarter on a 35-yard run.

The Monarchs also scored on a 28-yard pass from Williams to Canoy in the first quarter.

Kapolei, which was held to 30 total yards in the first half, scored on a 2-yard run by Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku Enhada in the first quarter. Its second touchdown came with 1:28 remaining in the game on a 7-yard pass from Jon Medeiros to Chaves Gamboa.

"Kapolei is a good team, and we needed to be strong in all three facets of the game," Monarchs coach Dean Nakagawa said. "It was a total team effort."

Soane Sevelo led Damien defensively with 11 tackles, including five for a loss and two sacks.

"Soane is our team leader," Nakagawa said. "He's the first guy in the weight room and the last to leave practice. He just decided he wanted to have a great season, and he along with the other 14 seniors made the commitment to each other, not knowing where it was going to take us, and this is where it has taken us.

"We haven't understood the magnitude of this ... making it to the playoffs and winning in the quarterfinals. I think it is going to take a few days to sink in."

Damien improved to 4-5, and has won three of its last four games.

The Hurricanes finished their season at 9-2, with both losses coming in the postseason.

Reach Leila Wai at lwai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2457.