"Waikele Wild Cats" Upset the 1 Mission JV Big Boyz Football Team 36-28

What a game between the Waikele Wild Cats and the 1 Mission JV Big Boyz football teams today at Pearl City Manana Community Park. The weather was perfect for football. Last week, 1 Mission defeated the Westside Warriors 38-34, and the Waikele Wild Cats defeated the Wahiawa Lions of Judah, 58-0. Today's game would determine who will remain in first place. From the start, it looked as though 1 Mission was on a mission to take the game away from the Waikele Wild Cats, and remain number one with a score of 20-12 in the first half. Both teams had their share of penalties that cost them yardage.

In the second half, the Wild Cats made some adjustments and came out roaring, not like a lion but as a "Wild Cat". They took charge of the second half and came storming back hard and determined. The final score ended with the Waikele Wild Cats coming back to upset 1 Mission, 36-28. Congratulations to head coach Roy Tavares (photo top left) of the Waikele Wild Cats, his coaching staff and his team for their determination, discipline and "great team work." Special recognition to #54 Mark Failauga, #25 Reno Abero, #42 Leesay Lauti, #24 Timmy Riviera, #5 Jeremy Viagalele and the Wild Cats defense to secure the game win over the 1 Mission team. I would also like to congratulate head coach Fa'asisina Moeone (photo top right) of the 1 Mission football team and his coaching staff for a great effort and a fine football team. "Click here for more photos"

"Darwin Abenoja Baby Boomers" at The USTA National Championship

I learned that a group of Filipino tennis players who play tennis every Saturday at the Kalakaua tennis courts have some great tennis history behind them. They were once known by the nickname "FATA," Filipino American Tennis Association "Baby Boomers" in 1999. They also went by the names, Kalakaua Knights and The Lobbers. The team captain at that time was Mr. Darwin Abenoja Sr., (photo above). His son, Darwin Jr. inherited his dad's love for tennis, and played for Moanalua High School. He was selected by the coaches under the Western Division OIA as the 1996 Soft Tennis OIA Star!

The "Baby Boomers" was one of seven teams who made it to the National Championship round by winning the USTA Hawaii Pacific Championship on Maui and headed for Tucson, Arizona in 1999. The 3.5 Baby Boomers (Oahu) placed second and lost to the Las Vegas team. Several years later, Darwin re-grouped his team and in 2007 they again made it to the USTA Championship in the "50 and over" league. They won the State Championship and headed for Tucson, Arizona for the National Championship but didn't make the final four. So now days, they just get together every week, and have a one day weekend tournament every three or four months of the year. Other than that, they just have fun playing tennis and talking about the good old days. "Click" here to see photos.

"BIG BOYZ" JV Football Westside Warriors "vs" Waikele Wild Cats

Today at Nanakuli Beach Park, I was invited to a "Big Boyz Football" JV (ages 12-13) game. I ran into head coach of the Westside Warriors (4-0), Ale Tolentino and he related that he has been with the Warriors since they first started 6-7 years ago under Father John Frederick. The"Big Boyz" was organized for kids who want to play Pop Warner football but can't because of their weight, which means they would have to wait until they get into high school. This gives them an opportunity to experience playing football before they get into high school. Last year, the Warriors took the 2009 Championship. Today's game will be a "battle of the bulge" because the Waikele Wild Cats are another top team in this division and are undefeated, 3-0. I also had a chance to speak with head coach of the Wild Cats, Roy Tavares who has been with the team for the past 3-4 years. He also told me that "Big Boyz" football was to accommodate the kids who cannot make weight requirements to play Pop Warner. Today's game should be a good one, and the Wild Cats are hoping to come out on top against the Warriors who are a tough team.

"Tough" was the word for both teams. I have to admit that all throughout the game, "good sportsmanship" was held to the highest standard. At half time, the Warriors took the lead at 26-22. During the fourth quarter, one of the Warriors team players #52 Charidon Leleo Jr. (center and lineman) was down due to an injury, and the game came to a halt. Both sides were hoping all was well, and he was helped off the field with medical waiting for him. I checked with Charidon and thankfully, he said he was doing okay.

As for the final game score, the Warriors ran off with the game 46-38 over the Wild Cats. Congratulations to the Warriors and to head coach Ale Tolentino and his staff, and to the Wild Cats and head coach Roy Tavares and his staff. Great effort on the part of both teams, including the following players, #10 Troutman and #11 Kaawa of the Warriors and #25 Reno, Abero, #24 Timmy Riviera and #54 Mark Failauga (photo above) of the Wild Cats. I would also like to thank the Failauga family for inviting me to the game, and to the Grace Thru Faith Monastery, Pita Mohetau for their "ono" laulau. "click" here to see photos