Waipahu Capture 2011 First Hawaiian Bank Football State Champion - Division II Semifinals over Lahainaluna 19-14

On November 4, 2011 at the Aloha Stadium, the Waipahu Marauders played tough football by taking the OIA White Championship over the Pearl City Chargers 9-7. Tonight, at Waipahu High School Masa Yonamine Athletic Complex Stadium, the Marauders are up against Lahainaluna from Maui who defeated Konawaena 23-6 to qualify for tonight's 2011 First Hawaiian Bank Football State Championship - Division II Semifinals. The winner of tonight's game will either play #1 Iolani or #4 Kapaa on November 25, for the 2011 Championship.

As for tonight's game, it was a balance of defense and offense. The feeling was so intense on the field, it was another one of those "don't leave your seat" games. Despite the fumbles and penalties, the Marauders took the advantage in the 1st quarter with 10:11 on the clock to score first by RB #38, Gregorio Alip to make it 7-0. Into the 2nd quarter with 9:31 on the clock, the Lunas #21 BJ Pagdilao-Bala took a hand off to tie the score 7-7. Before you could blink, the Lunas scored again with 7:34 left on the clock. The Marauders QB #13, Drake Yoshioka answered back by firing a rocket up and over to WR #10, Mataio Fualema (photo above) in the end zone for a TD, but the extra point failed and ended the 2nd quarter 13-14.

The Marauders came out in the 3rd quarter, ready to do battle and battle they did, with 7:29 left in the 3rd quarter, RB #38, Gregorio Alip added another TD to the score making it 19-14. Waipahu came back hard hitting with their defense, and pushed and held the Lunas within the red zone by breaking through their offensive line. In the final 11 seconds of the game, the Lunas attempted their last 4 passes and failed, ending the game 19-14. Talk about chicken skin, it was a fight to the end between both teams and a well deserved win for the Marauders.

Prior to the start of the game, I spoke with head coach Eric Keola and asked if his team was prepared for tonight's game against the Lunas. "We have key injured players, but for tonight's game I feel our team is strong and ready." Congratulations to head coach Eric Keola, his asst, coaches and his varsity team who played outstanding defense as well as offense. Good job to the Lunas football team and head coach Garrett Tihada for a great game. For more on the game and stats, "click here." Action photos "click here"