"They're a tough team, that's for sure," Kamehameha center Tyler Williams said. "We had to bring our best game to win."

Of Kamehameha's 51 plays, 40 were by rushing with running back Jayson Rego leading the way with 167 yards and a TD. But it was the Warriors' defense that killed a crucial series late in the third quarter after a Glen Kuresa interception gave Lahainaluna the ball at the Kamehameha 24. The Lunas only moved seven yards before losing the ball on downs.

"I think the turning point was when we failed to get into the end zone after the interception," Lunas coach Robert Watson said. "I think if we got that in there, it might have been ball game at that point."

Kamehameha defensive back Gagamoe Manuma slams Lahainaluna running back Paul Maielua to the Aloha Stadium FieldTurf during the second quarter of a state football semifinal game. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

The Warriors scored on their next series, too, with Parker Bode hitting Hardie on a 2-yard TD pass that made it 21-6.

By that time, the wear and tear took their toll on the two-way Lahainaluna players.

"No doubt," Watson said of his players' attrition. "Our defense was on the field too long. You can always find the second wind when you're ahead. But when you're behind, things always fall down on you. That's what happened to us tonight."

The Warriors took a 7-0 lead into the half, only to see the Lunas pull to within one after their first series of the third quarter. After stopping the Warriors on fourth down at the Lahainaluna 15, the Lunas' seven-play drive, aided by a 64-yard pass from Preston Medeiros to tight end Stanley Malamala, gave Lahainaluna the ball at the Kamehameha 4. After an illegal substitution penalty moved the ball to the 2, the Lunas lined in a lone-center formation, which the guards and tackles lined up on one side, leaving the center alone with quarterback Medeiros, who was in shot gun formation. After taking the snap, Medeiros sprinted to his right to score. But Colby Wyckoff's PAT missed, still leaving the Warriors with the lead.

The Warriors used a flex five-man front to hold the Lunas to 99 yards rushing. Wing back Wayne Phillips, who had 144 yards against Mililani last week, was the Lunas' leading rusher with 40 yards.

"Our flex package, it worked really well," said Kamehameha linebacker Chaz Barit.

"They gave us a challenge for all four quarters. They had a lot of guys going both ways. They're a tough team."

"Was hard," Lahainaluna two-way lineman Fine Latu said. "We just had to suck it up."

Kamehameha coach Kanani Souza said the plan was the control the ball by relying on run.

"We felt we were doing well on defense," Souza said. "We just didn't want to give them something to get exited about. We almost did. Pono threw that interception, but our defense came in and stopped them."

The Warriors didn't come out unscathed. Receiver Waika Spencer injured his knee. His status for next week will be determined, Souza said.

"They gave me their all," Watson said of his player. "You can't ask for anything more. We played a better team tonight. Kamehameha outplayed us. Give credit to them. "

KAMEHAMEHA (9-1-1) 7 0 0 14—21

LAHAINALUNA (9-2-1) 0 0 6 0— 6

KS—Ikaika Hardie 33 pass from Pono Kam (Kepa Gaison kick)

Lah—Preston Medeiros 2 run (kick failed)

KS—Jason Rego 3 run (Gaison kick)

KS—Hardie 2 pass from Parker Bode (Gaison kick)

RUSHING—Kamehameha: Rego 30-167, Tyson Fujimoto 4-2, Kam 2-28, Kamuela Kapanui 2-5, Team 1-0, Hardie 1-(minus 3). Lahainaluna: Wayne Phillips 8-40, Paul Maielua 14-33, Medeiros 2-12, Glen Kuresa 1-11, Tony Tafea 3-10, Carson Chihara 3-(minus 7).

PASSING—Kamehameha: Kam 5-8-1—83, Bode -1-3-0—2. Lahainaluna: Medeiros 4-21-1—104.

RECEIVING—Kamehameha: Hardie 4-50, Waika Spencer 1-31, Kapanui, 1-4. Lahainaluna: Stanley Malamala 2-79, Rylan Ancog 1-19 Raymond Akoi 1-6.