Saturday, September 24, 2022
Written By: Cole Cabrera
With such a highly anticipated matchup with both teams trying to earn the top seed, you might have assumed this game would have been a shootout. However, this matchup of the undefeated OIA Division II teams was all about defense as the Nanakuli Golden Hawks took down the Chargers of Pearl City Friday night, 21-3. The first half started off slow, with the only points coming in the second quarter courtesy of a 38-yard field goal by Marcus Rodriguez, putting the Chargers up by three at the break. The Golden Hawks were finally able to break through in the third quarter capped off with a Nathan Pele-Tukumoeatu 5-yard touchdown run, putting the Golden Hawks up 8-3 after a successful two-point conversion.
The Chargers weren’t able to get something going in the second half, being shut out the rest of the game. Bobby Best, who hasn’t thrown an interception all year, threw three in the game. A late 26-yard touchdown to David Kalili from Hansen Salausa-Kaawa made it a two score game, with another touchdown for the Golden Hawks on the last play of the game by Harley Lee sealing the victory. Salausa-Kaawa was efficient all night throwing for 140 yards and a score. Marcus Rodriguez was a bright spot for Pearl City, leading the chargers with 105 yards receiving.
With two regular season games remaining, the next two weeks are pivotal for the regular season crown. Pearl City will look to shake off this loss quickly as they host Kalani next Friday night, while the Golden Hawks head to Roosevelt to take on the Kaimuki Bulldogs.
Photos by: Lori McKeown | https://www.lorimckeownphotography.com/
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