While his assistant coaches addressed the team following the game, Leilehua coach Nolan Tokuda repeatedly checked his cell phone.

When he finally found out the Kahuku-Waianae score, he wasn’t surprised.

“The road always goes through Kahuku in the OIA,” Tokuda said. “That’s what we prepare for from February 1st .. and we just have to get ready for that opportunity.”

The sixth-ranked Mules will face No. 1 Kahuku for the fourth straight time in the OIA playoffs after defeating Moanalua 29-3 in the quarterfinals at Hugh Yoshida Stadium on Friday night.

Justin Jenks threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns and Shai Pulawa returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown as Leilehua (7-2) is one win in its next two games away from qualifying for states for the sixth straight season.

“These guys came out and there were opportunities where we could have folded and put Moanalua back in the game, but we stepped up and made that long interception for a touchdown,” Tokuda said. “We had opportunities to put the game away in the third quarter and didn’t but our defense held up for us.”

Moanalua (5-5) had four drives inside the Leilehua 20 but managed only three points. Pulawa’s interception ended one drive and a missed field goal and turnover on downs were the other drive killers.