Waianae, HI
All eyes for the number one spot in the OIA D1 standings were on the line Saturday night on the west coast of O'ahu. The Waianae Seariders hosted the Waipahu Marauders in an all undefeated showdown in week 6. Both teams were dominating both sides of the ball, as the two would battle it out to rightfully stay at top.
Waipahu and Waianae started off leauge play undefeated and only waianae was perfect from the jump. The marauders took an early loss in week 2 to the campbell sabers in their sugar cane battle. With Waipahu going back into the division one leauge after a tough year in the open division last season, many were questioning if Waipahu would dominate like they did a few years ago when they won back to back oia division one championships and becoming a state champs. for the seariders, this was the best start they've had and they looked to continue to shock the island and dominate their schedule.
Both teams had a lot to prove and the showdown on the westside was the best place to put it on display. The seariders have been shutting out their opponents offense, only holding them to a field goal or one score. Their strong offense led by junior qb, John Michael Kaio, has been tearing it up on the field with 11 touchdowns passes leading up to this matchup. Waipahu's Junior QB, David Vidinha, has also been their key guy with 9 touchdowns of his own.
The defense would be the biggest factor for both teams, hoping to prove that thier stats is no fluke.
The Seariders would start off hot from the jump, as they would find themselves in the endzone off a Rushing TD and a 74 yard Pick 6. In what looked to be a game that Waianae would dominate, Waipahu's defense made big plays for their offense to get going after a slow start.
Waipahu would quickly get themselves back into the game after a touchdown pass and an error from the seariders kickoff team. The momentum would change instantly, and the marauders would capitalize in key moments.
Waipahu would slow the seariders throughout the match and their defense came up big. the Marauders would intercept the seariders five times which led to them making scoring drives. Marauders WR Titan Figueroa and RB tristan Pacheco, opened up the marauders offense which led them to make a 29 to nothing run after being down 14-0 to start the game.
The Marauders handed the seariders their first loss of the season and showed that they have a lot to prove. They went on the road and showed that they weren't leaving without being at the top. The marauders offense and defense displayed their best football on the west coast and look to continue leauge play undefeated.
Final Score: Waipahu 29 - Waianae 13
Final Score: Waipahu 29 - Waianae 13
for more pictures, head over to our photo gallery
pictures taken by: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
Westside Connection
Video by: Logan Pactol - @7ogan_
