Lanai Wins First Football Game Since 1953

The Lanai Pine Lads celebrate after scoring in the first half Saturday against Kihei Charter. Photo By Glen Pascual.

By Rodney S. Yap

Although they lacked experience, there were no shortage of enthusiasm and determination.

The Maui Interscholastic League’s two newest football programs gave a spirited effort Saturday afternoon at War Memorial Stadium, with Lanai High School prevailing over Kihei Charter 54-19.

The victory, before a crowd of about 500, was the first for Lanai since 1953. The Pine Lads are now 1-2, while Kihei Charter dropped to 0-3.

Both teams are in their inaugural season playing MIL eight-man football, now in its third official year.

The Pine Lads were led by Derec Kahananui’s two touchdown runs, the first coming nine seconds into the second quarter, sparking a 22-point outburst by the visiting team.

Lanai took a 34-6 lead into halftime and closed out the game with three more touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Lanai’s Tavian Del Rasario (2) breaks into the open field against Kihei Charter on Saturday. Del Rasario scored twice as Lanai defeated the Tiger Sharks 54-19. Photo By Glen Pascual.

Kahananui also threw a 15-yard scoring pass to Tavian Del Rosario in the first quarter, breaking open a 6-6 tie.

Jake Lasater proved to be Kihei Charter’s go-to guy, scoring three touchdowns on runs of 11, 52 and 3 yards. The last two of Lasater’s touchdowns helped the Tiger Sharks trim Lanai’s lead to 34-19 going into the final frame.

Lanai’s 31-player roster, includes 15 seniors. The Pine Lads are coached by Stephen Ferguson.

Athletic director James Sparke is also the Tiger Sharks head coach.

Del Rosario and Keahilelel Biho each scored twice for Lanai.

In other 8-man football action Saturday, Molokai defeated St. Anthony 20-6. The Farmers are now 2-1, while the Trojans fell to 1-2.

Two-time defending 8-man champion Seabury Hall has yet to lose a game and is currently 2-0 in the league standings. Hana is 2-1.

The Spartans face the Trojans, Saturday, Oct. 4, at War Memorial Stadium. Kick off is 11 a.m.

Saturday’s 8-Man Scoring Summary

At War Memorial Stadium

PINE LADS 54, TIGER SHARKS 19

Lanai ………….. 12 ….. 22 ……. 0 ….. 20—54

Kihei Charter ….. 6 ……. 0 ….. 13 ……. 0—19

First Quarter

LH—Tavian Del Rosario 8 run (pass failed), 4:59.

KC—Jake Lasater 11 run (kick failed), 3:41.

LH—Del Rasario 15 pass from Derec Kahananui (pass failed), 0:14.

Second Quarter

LH—Kahananui 22 run (Ryan Amby pass from Kahananui), 11:51.

LH—Keahilele Biho 28 run (Kahananui run), 10:36.

LH—Brenden Alejado 55 run (run failed), 4:21.

Third Quarter

KC—Lasater 52 run (Dakota Littlefield kick), 10:00.

KC—Lasater 3 run (run failed), 0:01.

Fourth Quarter

LH—Kahananui 4 run (Kealoha Kahananui pass from D. Kahananui), 10:13.

LH—Biho 23 run (run failed), 5:45.

LH—Amby 56 run (run failed), 2:03.

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