The KS Maui Warriors lost their second game against the Lunas, 3-35, at Kanaʻiaupuni Stadium on Oct. 6, but were the first team to score against the Lunas during this MIL season.

“I suppose you always look for small victories,” Head Coach Kevin O’Brien said.

“It’s a good feeling that we scored against them,” Senior Devonte Llanes said. “I am very proud of my teammates.”

The odds were stacked against the Warriors as the Lunas started the game off on a high note, scoring twice within the first four minutes of the game, both times off pass interceptions of KSM’s quarterback, Chase Newton.

“Our defense played well,” Lahainaluna Head Coach Garret Tihada said. “They put pressure on the KS quarterback.”

The Warriors hung on in their third possession for four downs before turning the ball over to the Lunas, and within two pass plays of their first official possession, the Lunas scored again. The score of 21-0 held until the end of the first quarter.

The Lunas were in perfect scoring position at the Warriors’ 5-yard line at the start of the second quarter, and scored again in the first 30 seconds.

The game was back and forth for a while, with the ball turning over on downs.

Thanks to a fumble recovery and 44-yard run back by senior Taylor Ka’aukai, the Warriors pushed into Luna territory, but were soon driven out.

Taking possession on their own 10-yard line with 1:11 left in the second quarter, the Warriors held their ground and waited out the clock. The second quarter ended 0-28, Lunas.

“We made mistakes in the beginning, which put us in a hole,” Coach O’Brien said.

In the third quarter, the Warriors made slow and steady progress to the goal line. Put into good position by two fumble recoveries, one by junior Aukai Hue Sing and one by junior Cal Alexander, and a 32-yard run by Newton, sophomore Kamaha’o Romero kicked a 35-yard field goal and scored the first points against the top-ranked DII Lunas by any team this season.

Despite the small victory, the Lunas quickly came back with a touchdown, and the third quarter ended 3-35, Lunas.

No points were scored in the final quarter, and the Lunas ran the last minute on the clock by taking knees.

“Tonight’s game made it official that we only have two games left this season,” Coach O’Brien said. “We need to decide how to finish.”

The next match-up will be this Friday, Oct. 12, when the Maui Warriors play Nä Ali’i at King Kekaulike.

The junior varsity game begins at 4:30, and the varsity game follows right after at 7:00 p.m.

The varsity Warriors are already up 1-0 against Nä Ali’i in their annual unofficial side competition for the King of the Hill trophy, on display in the lobby of Ka’ulaheanuiokamoku Gymnasium. A second win this season will secure the trophy for the Warriors.

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