In a battle with huge implications for the MIL Division 2 title, the Lunas pulled away to a 31-17 win over Kamehameha Schools Maui on the Warriors' homecoming. The Lunas fumbled inside the 5 yard line TWICE in the first quarter which the Warriors recovered. Despite the squandered scoring opportunities, the Lunas were able to take a 17-3 lead into halftime, thanks to a Brian Sandoval FG that hit the left upright and squeezed in, a long Josh Tihada TD run after Kam tied it up 3-3, then a nifty TD pass from Tihada to Kai Bookland with 32 seconds left in the first half.
In the second half, the Warriors struck quickly with a 60+ yard catch and run from Karsyn Pupunu for a TD. Then after another long reception by Pupunu, the Warriors punched it in on the ground and tied the score up at 17 apiece. Tihada redeemed himself from his two costly fumbles in the first half with a long touchdown run in the 3rd quarter to make it 24-17. The Lunas capped the scoring in the 4th quarter, when Tihada went around left side to score. He even found time to exchange pleasantries with Judge Cardoza.
The Lunas remain undefeated in the MIL and head into a bye week (Don't forget to pick up your BBQ Chicken at Times Market in Honokowai on Saturday, October 12 and check out the football team, the band, cheerleaders, and Pep Squad). Then its Homecoming Week, culminating in a game against King Kekaulike on October 19 at Sue Cooley Stadium.
All photos from the warm-ups to the end of the third quarter were taken with my mirrorless Nikon Z6 and the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8. Due to low batt, the 4th quarter was shot utilizing the Nikon D7200 and the aforementioned 70-200 2.8. Shot low to take advantage of the post-sunset sky and then the pitch black backdrop.