Sports

Lady Farmers Smash Maui, Lanai Teams

Monday, October 11th, 2010

After a week-long break packed with six off-island matches, the Molokai High School girls’ volleyball team returned home Sunday as the top seed for this weekend’s Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II tournament.

The Lady Farmers’ week began on Oahu with two exhibition games against top-ranked Punahou and No. 1 Kamehameha last Monday and Tuesday. Molokai (7-0) was swept by Punahou in four tough sets, 28-26, 25-23, 25-11, 15-13, before losing to Kamehameha, 27-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-22.

“We pulled off one set from Kamehameha,” said head coach Matt Helm. “We got the opportunity to start seeing competition that we don’t see in practice. It’s good for us.”

was the best game,” Helm said. “They were tall, big, had good ball control. It was a good test for us.”

Seven days and several matches later, Helm said the girls had a positive off-island experience and bonded as a team.

“When we travel, they get the opportunity to bond and come together,” he added. “It allows them to play even better.”

The team will make its way back to Maui on Thursday to face off with the winner of a Lanai and St. Anthony match in the MIL Division II tournament.

For Love of the Game

Sunday, October 10th, 2010

For the first time in nearly 50 years, Molokai High School athletes stepped out on the gridiron in T-shirts and cleats to play a sport once lost and now restored – football.

A team of 19 guys traveled to Maui last weekend to compete with Seabury Hall and St. Anthony in a “Jamboree” scrimmage as part of an eight-man football undertaking.

The boys played three rounds in 20-minute rotations, essentially playing each team three times. Players wore no helmets or padding, and were therefore held to one-hand touch.

Molokai “handily” defeated Seabury in all three games, with the defense not allowing the Spartans to score a single touchdown. At Kulamalu Pop Warner Field, Molokai quarterback Jordan Kamalii led a fierce offense, uniting with Jordan Gorospe and Raymond Lightfoot-Lani on several touchdowns.

“They dominated,” said Head Coach Mike Kahale. “I was extremely proud of how the boys played.”

challenging opponent,” Kahale added.

In their third game, Molokai players redeemed themselves in a 22-6 upset over the Trojans. Kahale highlighted the athleticism of Hauoli Falealii, who caught four touchdown passes throughout the day.

“Overall it was a very successful day,” Kahale said. “The boys felt good about their performance.”

A second scrimmage is set for Oct. 23 on Maui against the same two teams, which so far will be one-hand touch rules. On Oct. 30, Molokai will host its first exhibition game against St. Anthony, to be played in full pads.

Mahalo Molokai Football Supporters

It was history in the making as our boys hit the football field for the first time in over 50 years. Our first games against Seabury Hall and St. Anthony were a success!

First and foremost I’d like to thank the athletes. You persevered with this new football program even in the midst of criticism and skepticism. Thanks for sticking it out!  Wiwo`ole, Kupono, Lokahi!  Also, thank you parents for encouraging your child to think long-term and stick with the vision. 

Mahalo coaches Hanohano Naehu, Kaleo Pua`a and David Lima for your investment into the lives of our players.

Thank you Molokai community for buying Krispy Kreme doughnuts. This helped us travel to our first game. Sorry for the delay in delivery – we wanted to make sure you received the freshest doughnuts possible. Mahalo to the Molokai Princess crew for transporting the doughnuts.

To QLCC, Molokai Drugs, Kamoi Snack-N-Go and individual donors – a big mahalo for helping us get some new football helmets. To Al Paschoal, St. Anthony A.D., your support helped us get on the fast track so that our boys can practice/play in full pads this year.
   
We are still looking for financial support and investors in our football program. We are in need of monies for travel, suiting our players and a storage container to house all of our equipment. Please feel free to contact me at Molokai Farmers Football Fund, P.O. Box 254, Kualapu`u, HI 96757; by phone at 658-0834; or e-mail mikekahale@yahoo.com.

Coach Mike Kahale

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Anticipation is building for Molokai High School’s (MHS) newly minted football team as the players gear up for their first scrimmage on Oct. 2 against Seabury Hall and St. Anthony high schools on Maui.

“This is huge,” said Hanohano Naehu, assistant coach. “We keep telling the boys there’s been no team since 50 years ago.”

For the past six weeks, the team of about 20 guys has been practicing drills, plays and fundamentals – without full padding or helmets. Head Coach Mike Kahale said the team will be receiving more equipment this week, but will have to borrow St. Anthony’s helmets for this weekend’s games.

kept everyone.”

Naehu, who works with the team’s defensive end, sees big things in MHS’ football future.

“I would put our kids up against anyone, anytime, anywhere,” he added.

After this weekend’s scrimmage, the team is tentatively scheduled to head back to Maui to play the same two teams on Oct. 23. Kahale said the goal is to host a scrimmage on island this year, but will be determined based on funding.

MHS Seniors Kill It

Monday, September 27th, 2010

With a gym full of animated spectators donning green shirts and faces, the Molokai High School (MHS) girls’ volleyball team brought Seabury Hall to its knees in two consecutive wins last weekend.

The undefeated Lady Farmers celebrated senior night at The Barn on Friday by shutting out the Spartans in a 25-16, 25-19, 25-16 victory.

“[Seabury Hall] was better competition,” Coach Matt Helm said. “Seabury did a great job defending. They kept us on our toes, which is what we need.”

.”

But playing off-island will not slow down the momentum the Farmers have displayed on Molokai’s court. 

“We’re going to expect anything,” Ritte-Camara said. “We’ll be prepared.”