Na Koa 'O Anuenue (Homecoming) "vs" Kalaheo Mustangs (24-35)

I previously covered the Na Koa O Anuenue Football team under head coach Kealohamakua Wengler. Besides tonight's game against the Kalaheo Mustangs, it was also their Homecoming game. Nine seniors were honored, #7 Makamae Otani-Wengler, #25 Ikaika Gante, #36 Imaikalani Keama, #51 Kamea Kahiapo, #52 Pono Vegas, #54 Wili'oho Ka'awa, #75 Olino Kaleopa'a, #76 Kalanikoa Ahquin and #78 Iokepa Waiwai'ole and their home court from 1st grade to 12th grade. Click here to see the photos. As for the game, it was hard fought to the finish. From my past coverage of the Na Koa O Anuenue football team, it is one of the smallest high school teams. For the first time, they had twenty players suited up tonight and they showed so much energy, dedication, loyalty, and heart. Anuenue scored the first TD by #43 La'akea Mano'i-Hyde (photo above) and the extra 2 points by #5 Mahuka Cullen to take the lead 8-0. One of players got injured early in the 1st quarter and he shouted, "oh no not now, the game just started." Before I knew it, he was back in the game playing. Into the third quarter, Anuenue had several injuries and talk about dedication, I could see some of them limping back into the game and they just kept fighting on. This I call, "going beyond the call of duty." It was heartbreaking to see them fall behind on their homecoming night, but in the end they were still standing tall. The game ended 24-35 with Kalaheo coming out on top. Congratulations, to coach Kealohamakua Wengler, his coaches and to his football players. Special recognition to the nine seniors and to Kaleheo coach Chris Mellor, his coaches and his team.