Action from Lahainaluna's 29-22 win over Baldwin in their final MIL game of the season. The Lunas clung on to a 7-3 lead at halftime in a half marred by fumbles deep in Baldwin territory and missed opportunities by the Lunas.
After halftime, Baldwin took the lead 10-7 on a 71 yard bomb from Oto to Foster. The Lunas answered back when Noa Gordon scored from a yard out set up by a nice catch at the 3 yard line by Blare Sylva-Viela to take a 14-10 lead. The Bears forced a Lunas punt with a second left in the 3rd quarter (the punt should've occurred as the first play of the 4th quarter, kicking with the wind but the officials didn't let the clock wind down to end the 3rd quarter). Gordon's punt was blocked and returned 35 yards for a Baldwin TD to give Baldwin a 16-14 lead at the end of the 3.
On the ensuring kickoff to start the 4th quarter, Kuola Watson took it to the house for a 72 yard kickoff return for a TD to give the Lunas back the lead 21-16. The Bears then drove down the field, converting critical 4th down plays and scored a TD (2-point conversion failed) to give Baldwin the 22-21 lead with only 3:58 left in the 4th quarter. The Lunas responded with their quick offense, highlighted by the return of Ian Cabanilla to the backfield. He had a long run of at least 50 yards for an apparent go-ahead touchdown that was nullified (anybody knows what the call was?!) Undeterred, the Lunas continued their march to the end zone, culminated by Noa Gordon scoring from 2 yards out (his 3rd TD of the game) to give the Lunas back the lead. Cabanilla converted the 2-point conversion to make it 29-22 with 1:57 left. Kuola Watson ended Baldwin's comeback with an interception. He returned it for an apparent pick-six but the TD was nullified by a penalty that occurred after the change of possession, near the point of the interception.
An ugly win, but a win is a win. A young, inexperienced Lunas showed tremendous poise in responding and scoring when needed - the kickoff TD return right after Baldwin took the lead and then the go ahead touchdown in the waning minutes of the 4th quarter after Baldwin took the 22-21 lead.
Great to get hear the band and the sound of fans in the "sold out" Sue Cooley Stadium. Only thing missing were the Boarders!
The Lunas finish their first season back at the Division I level with a 6-0 record and the MIL championship. It was also the Lunas' 31st consecutive MIL victory. Next stop: HHSAA Division I Football Semifinal on December 17th - time, location and opponent to be determined! [Nikon D4S, Nikon 300mm f/2.8, Nikon D7500, Nikon 70-200 VRII f/2.8, Nikon Z6, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8, Nikon 14-24 f/2.8; Madelyn Nikon Z50, Nikon Z 16-50mm]