With Win Over Warriors, Baldwin Rises to No. 9

By Fred Guzman

Baldwin inched its way up the state high school football poll following yet another dominanting performance against MIL competition over the weekend.

The Bears moved up one notch – to No. 9 – in this week’s Star-Advertiser rankings after defeating Kamehmeha-Maui 41-7 last Friday night at War Memorial Stadium.

Kahuku retained the top spot, followed by Farrington, Leilehua, Saint Louis and Kamehameha-Kapalama.  Punahou is No. 6, followed by Campbell, Iolani, Baldwin and Mililani.

Baldwin quarterback Keelen Ewaliko threw for two touchdowns and ran for two scores as the Bears dominated both sides of the line scrimmage, and outgained the Warriors 401-122.  The Bears improved the MIL record to 2-0.  Kamehameha-Maui fell to 1-2.

King Kekaulike’s versatile Kepa Luat-Hueu did it all for Na Alii on Saturday, to spoil Maui High’s bid for a 2-0 league start for the first time in a decade by beating the Sabers 26-14.

Luat-Hueo rushed for 145 yards – including an 85-yarder for touchdown – on just seven carries. He picked off a pair of passes, returning one of them 17 yards for a TD.  He also barely missed returning a punt for yet another score.

It was a tough loss for Maui High on another level.  By the second half, the injured-riddled Sabers were were down to the No. 4 quarterback on their depth chart.

In MIL action this week, Maui High faces Lahainaluna at War Memorial on Friday and Baldwin visits Kekaulike on Saturday.  Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m. kickoffs and will be aired on ESPN 550.

In games between ranked teams this week, No. 4 Saint Louis will face No. 6 Punahou and No. 7 Campbell will tangle with No. 10 Mililani.