Varsity Football Victorious Over Damien, 46-19
by Al Linsky
As I watched this game, I kept thinking this is what ONE TEAM is all about.
Yes, on the other side of the ball was Kama Bailey, the heralded running back who is receiving offers from the Division I powers all over the country. But, on the Raiders' side was a team, working together and showing why a team will beat a star almost every time.
The first half was close, thanks to the heroics of the aforementioned Bailey. He is that good. It seemed that every time he found the slightest opening he would make it into a long run, 50, 60 or 70 yards for the score. Yes, he was awesome. But, the Raiders stayed right with him in their own way. Whether it was passes to Hirokawa (8 for 102), Furukawa (5 for 122), Fujioka (5-64), Fong or Yamamoto, the Raiders kept eating off big chunks of yardage. And, when Marciel wasn't passing, he was running himself, or handing it off to Yamamoto, who had a huge day rushing 25 times for 124 yards.
At the end of the first half, it was 26-19, Raiders.
The second half was all Raiders. The defense keyed on stopping Bailey and they were pretty successful doing it. All the while, the Raider offense kicked it into high gear, scoring 20 unanswered points in the third quarter to put the game away.
This was a great win and an important win as it hands Damien a loss in the all-important division II race as the Raiders stay undefeated.
The next game is against a good Pac-5 team, 5pm, Aloha Stadium on Friday.
To see more photos, please visit www.iolani-events.org.
Intermediate Football Beats St. Louis, 15-3
by Al Linsky
My game ball for the season opener goes to the defense.
Yes, the offense had its moments and did enough to win, but it was the defense that bottled up a talented St. Louis offense.
There was no score until 2:27 left in the first half. A bad St. Louis snap near their own end zone put the quarterback in "run for his life" mode, scampering around the end zone with Raiders meeting him at every cut and turn.
Scott Tan almost had him at the one, but he made a miraculous escape. Jon Yoshida then dove at him right in front of me. I thought he had him, but this quarterback was really elusive. Austin Gima and George Morisada then grabbed him at about the same time for the safety and a two point lead.
This was a big play that gave the Raiders confidence and the all-important first score.
About one minute later, Reid Saito scored a big touchdown which made it 8-0. The extra point was missed.
There was no more scoring until 3:53 left in thethird quarter, when St. Louis scored on a field goal, 8-3.
Both defenses stiffened until 2:08 left in the game, when Trevyn Tulonghari scored on a nice reverse from his wide receiver position. The extra point was good. Final score 15-3, Raiders.
