Int. Football Champs
The `Iolani Raider Intermediate football team captured the division championship with a decisive 23-6 beating of the Word of Life Firebrands on Saturday at Hamada Field. The Raiders never trailed as Andrew Okimura using precise wedge blocking up the middle of the field returned the opening kickoff 81 yards for a touchdown after only 13 seconds into the game.
A stout `Iolani defense held the powerful Firebrands' run oriented offense scoreless until late in the fourth quarter, forcing numerous turnovers.
After a season opening loss to Kamehameha on September 6, the Intermediate Raiders needed to run-the-table and go unbeaten for the remainder of the season to stay in contention for the championship. This included a victory over previously unbeaten Word of Life on October 16, 29-25, forcing Saturday's championship game.
Congratulations to the intermediate team and head coach Ivan Suzuki and his staff. This was Coach Suzuki's fifth championship in eight years.
