'Iolani Varsity Football vs Kaimuki
August 30, 2008
by Al Linsky
I've seen a lot of football games in my life, but the game today at the 'Iolani field against Kaimuki featured an individual performance that is only surpassed by a game I saw back in the 1980's, at least I think it was the 1980's.
That game was a state championship game in Massachusetts, Natick (my home town) vs. I don't remember! The star of that game was Darren Flutie, yes, the younger brother of Doug Flutie of professional football fame.
That day, Darren was a running back, safety, did all the kicking (extra points, punts, kickoffs), ran back punts and ran back kickoffs. Natick won that game. They were a good team, but Darren made them something special.
Today, Kela Marciel did not play at his usual position of quarterback. I saw him at cornerback, wide receiver and kicker.
Kela made at least 2 interceptions and caused and recovered at least 1 fumble. He also caught quite a few passes and made some good runs. But, the biggest play of the day was the last offensive play of the day for the Raiders. The Raiders were losing 8-3, it was 4th and 10, and there were less than 30 seconds left. The Raiders were at about midfield. It was an impossible situation that only a miracle could turn around.
Jarrett Arakawa, playing quarterback, hit Kela on a crossing pattern about 20 yards downfield. Kela did the rest, avoiding would-be Bulldog tacklers to save the game with a touchdown. The Raiders then went for 2 points and made it for a final score of 11-8. Yes, it was a pre-season game, but ask anyone who was there and they'll tell you this was a very special game.
To see more photos, please visit iolani-events.org.
