When the Radford Rams were on the verge of seizing control, Kiha Saii took care of business.
The Kamehameha offensive lineman anchored a crew that controlled the line of scrimmage, and running back Tyler Meditz benefited with 149 rushing yards as the Warriors pulled away for a 31-14 win at John Velasco Field.
Ninth-ranked Kamehameha notched its first win of the season after two losses, all in nonconference play. Radford, coming off a stunning win over Mililani, is 1-2.
Perhaps the biggest play of the game came early, when Saii pancaked a defensive end, springing Meditz free for an 80-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7. Kamehameha finished with 203 rushing yards on 40 attempts, and quarterbacks Nephi Stevens and Cid Camanse-Stevens were an efficient 10-for-15 for 140 yards through the air.
Stevens was especially effective, completing all six of his pass attempts for 118 yards, including a 62yard bullet to Alika McGuire to set up Kamehameha’s final touchdown late in the game.
It all started with the Warriors’ ground attack out of the pistol formation.
"Morale’s a lot better now. A lot of fans were doubting us," Meditz said. "Our team bonding has a lot to do with it. We just want to get better and better."
Saint Louis, the defending league and state champion, awaits Kamehameha in an ILHseason opener next week.
"Saint Louis is beatable, too," Meditz added.
The Rams scored on their second series of the game. Cody LuiYuen found Zach Rabellizsa for a 23-yard pass play to set up a 4yard touchdown strike to tight end Andrew Togiailua. Radford led 7-0 with 3:27 left in the first quarter.
Kamehameha answered on the next play from scrimmage when Meditz busted through the left side to tie the game with 3:05 remaining in the opening quarter.
"I just needed to get past the first guy," Meditz said of a defensive tackle. "Kiha pancaked the D-end. He was on his back. I give ups to Kiha. Our receiver had a good block on the corner and I made one move."
The Warriors stifled Radford’s offense and started their next possession at the Rams’ 45-yard line. Five plays later, Stevens eluded a heavy pass rush and connected with Hoopono Costorio-Carvalho for a 21-yard touchdown, and Kamehameha led 14-7 with 11:13 to go in the first half.
Cheyne Holt’s 3-yard touchdown run out of a Power I formation gave the visitors a 21-7 lead with 1:47 remaining in the half.
Radford needed just four plays to cover 76 yards. Lui-Yuen’s 55yard pass to Jay Mamea set up an 8-yard fade toss to Dorsey Norris, and the Rams were within 21-14 with 50 seconds left in the half.
The Warriors got a 33-yard field goal by Kanekoa PawnWhite to open a 24-14 lead with 11:10 left in the contest. Stevens’ 2-yard sneak into the end zone with 5:39 remaining sealed the win.
Field position favored the Warriors much of the night. Radford was stopped twice on fourthdown plays in its territory, but Rams defensive back Kristopher Leopoldo’s diving interception stopped a Kamehameha drive at the Radford 15-yard line.
Kamehameha’s defense limited Radford to 21 rushing yards and sacked Lui-Yuen four times. Lui-Yuen was 13-for-24 for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
"We were just swarming to the ball, everybody wanting to make a play," Warriors safety Taylor Taliulu said. "Some of our coverages were off, so we’ve got lots of improvement to do. Saint Louis is a passing team. We knew what Radford was coming with, but they executed and we missed some picks."
