Pearl City outlasts Kalani for fifth consecutive win

A wild shootout with big hits and 13 turnovers — nine by the visiting Kalani Falcons — suited the Pearl City Chargers just fine.

The Chargers stepped up on senior night, getting three picks from cornerback Timothy Rivera, in a 40-30 win in a crucial OIA White matchup.

A crowd of about 1,000 at Edwin "Bino" Neves Stadium saw Pearl City improve to

5-3 in league play (5-4 overall) with a fifth straight win.

"I’m so proud of the boys," coach David Hallums said, dedicating the win to his late aunt, Noelani Tahu, who died earlier in the week while visiting Oahu. The retired teacher was here for a grandson’s wedding.

"She was a smart lady. This win was for her. We all bonded together. I’d like to credit my coaches for taking over during the week," Hallums said. "They allowed me to spend time with my family."

Kalani slipped to 4-3 in league play (4-4 overall) after committing four turnovers at the start.

"It was basically the turnovers," Kalani coach Greg Taguchi said. "We still have an outside shot (at the playoffs) if we’re lucky enough to have an outstanding game against Kaiser (next week)."

A pick-6 by Rivera on the first play from scrimmage gave the home team a quick 7-0 lead. Then came giveaways — a fumble on a kick return by Dru Reaves and another interception by Noah Brum — that led to a 28-yard touchdown pass from Brock Teixeira to Daicorri Briscoe (six receptions, 155 yards), and a 1-yard touchdown run by David Laranol.

With 7:22 left in the first quarter, Pearl City had a 20-0 lead. Teixeira finished with 260 passing yards and three touchdowns to go with three picks.

Two fumble recoveries by defensive lineman Kordell Vaa aided the Chargers’ cause. His second pickup led to a 25-yard pass by Teixeira to Isaac Amorin, and Pearl City had a 33-3 lead early in the second quarter.

Kalani made it interesting in the second half as Brum connected with Kanoa Wong for a touchdown pass.

After Leo Klink drilled his second field goal, Kalani was within 33-16, but Briscoe made one of his incredible plays. He took a quick out pass on the right sideline, then weaved his way to the left sideline, cutting against the grain for a 34-yard TD.

Brum found Enrique Gruver for a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown tosses, including one that came after the Falcons recovered an on-side kick. The Falcons were within 40-30 with 3:38 left, but the Chargers recovered the final on-side kick and ran out the clock.

"It feels like we could’ve come back, but we hurt ourselves with the turnovers," said Gruver, who finished with 10 receptions for 138 yards.

Defensive coordinator Cal Lee was even-keeled, if wistful.

"I’m real proud. The kids battled back," he said. "Pearl City played well. They made the plays."

Brum finished with 310 passing yards, three touchdowns and five picks.

Roosevelt 9, Waialua 7

A second-quarter safety helped the Rough Riders pick up their first win of the season.

Roosevelt’s Brent Kepano connected with Jarin Jay on a 30-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Waialua got on the board in the fourth, when Kaimana Eguires caught an 18-yard pass from Mila Lele.