Baldwin, Maui High open with wins

By Fred Guzman

Despite being hit hard by academic eligibility issues, Baldwin and Maui High both kicked off their respective seasons with impressive victories on Saturday night.

Playing on Oahu, Baldwin capitalized on big plays by a pair of highly-touted seniors to post a 19-10 win over Kailua. Closer to home, Maui High, which has struggled in recent years, eased to a 33-0 win over visiting Waiakea of the Big Island at Iron Maehara Stadium.

Baldwin placekicker Ceejay Santos converted field goals of 50 and 44 yards while Ro Wilson was on the receiving end of touchdown passes of 28 and 25 yards from sophomore Keenan Ewaliko to beat Kailua.

Ewaliko put the ball up just four times, a sharp contrast from the pass-happy game plans of recent vintage for the Bears. Baldwin also benefited from 140 yards in penalties assessed against Kailua

Maui High’s defense forced six turnovers – including four picks, two of which were returned for touchdowns, in its romp past Waiakea.

Senior quarterback Vevesi Uta threw for two TD passes and ran for another, while Siueli Vaha returned an interception 55 yards for a TD and was on the receiving end of a scoring pass. Tau Lotuele also returned a pick 55 yards for a touchdown.