Maui High Leaves No Doubt, Routing Bears 27-0

Maui High’s David Kahaleauki (16) hauls in this touchdown pass from quarterback Austin Hoe as Baldwin’s Jac Keoni Yoruw tries to defend. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

By Rodney S. Yap

Any misconceptions fans of Maui Interscholastic League football may have had of Maui High School was erased Friday night against Baldwin.

The Sabers’ defense set the tempo early and their offense delivered scores running and passing the ball en route to a 27-0 shutout of Division I foe Baldwin, before a crowd of about 2,500 at War Memorial Stadium.

Maui High running back/linebacker Onosai Emelio led the way with three touchdowns and 134 yards on nine carries. He also had an interception on defense and made two tackles behind the line of scrimmage on the Bears’ opening possession.

Maui High’s Onosai Emelio (4) hauls down Baldwin’s Ethan Oliveros (14) behind the line of scrimmage Friday. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

The Sabers (2-0 MIL second round, 5-1 overall) need one win or a loss by Baldwin (1-1, 3-3) to clinch the league’s D-I state berth. Maui High defeated Baldwin twice in the same season for the first time since 1998 and recorded its first MIL shutout since beating Kamehameha Maui 23-0 in 2004.

“It was just a huge relief, we’ve been wanting to get this done for our seniors for a long time now, so its a huge relief to get this monkey off our back,” said Maui High head coach David Bui.

“Our defense played a hell of a game and our offense did a good job controlling the clock and getting on the scoreboard. And once we did that we felt confident that our defense could hold them down. We’re very happy with the way our team played last night.”

Winning in the lopsided fashion the Sabers won was “definitely important,” Bui added.

Maui High’s Soane Vaohea (1) stiff arms a Baldwin defender Friday. Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

“We wanted to make sure that we leave no doubt. We wanted to make sure that everybody played well and that we would be a good representative from the MIL in the state tournament. . . . We still want to be humble, but we’re just proud of our kids and the way they played and the hard work they’ve put in.”

The Sabers rolled up 197 yards of offense in the first half and limited the Bears to 11. Baldwin had a rushing total of minus-54 yards in the first half while Maui High finished 369 totals yards compared to Baldwin’s 158.

Friday’s MIL Scoring Summary

A holding penalty nullified this Baldwin touchdown pass from Taje Akaka-Foster to Chazz Sa’u (10). Photo by Rodney S. Yap.

At War Memorial Stadium

SABERS 27, BEARS 0

Baldwin ………. 0 ….. 0 ….. 0 ……. 0—0

Maui High ….. 14 ….. 0 ….. 6 ….. 7—27

First Quarter

MH—Onosai Emelio 3 run (Jayden Wilhelm kick), 6:22.

MH—David Kahaleauki 20 pass from Austin Hoe (Wilhelm kick), 2:11.

Third Quarter

MH—Emelio 83 run (kick failed), 4:25.

Fourth Quarter

MH—Emelio 2 run (Wilhelm kick), 7:38.

Junior varsity: Baldwin 43, Maui High 7.

* All statistics compiled by Rob Collias of The Maui News.