Pine Lads Football Beat Farmers for 1st Time

The Molokai High School 8-Man Football team had won 15 straight MIL league games and the last three MIL championships going into last Saturday’s game against Lanai at Lanai City. The Pine Lads stopped that streak with a 44-16 win over the Farmers, showing that they will be competitive this year again. Lanai was in the championship game against Molokai last year and this was the first time they have beat Molokai’s football team.

Molokai Head Coach Mike Kahale knew it would be a competitive game.

Photo by Pierce Myers

“We knew going in that Lanai would be a tough match up,” he said. “They were returning one of the most explosive players that we’ve seen in a while, Naighel Calderon, and he did not disappoint and accounted for most of their big plays.”

Lanai Head Coach Stephen “Fergie” Ferguson was proud of his players.

“It was a big win for our program and our community,” he said. “Both teams played hard and we just made a few more plays than the Farmers.”

“Our starting quarterback, Kaimana Nakayama, went out with injury after the first half, however, Chevy Augustiro filled in nicely,” added Kahale. “He ran for a 17-yard touchdown and passed for another 25-yard touchdown to Kanalu Kahale. Isaiah Wond also had a tackle for a safety.”

With Hana beating Seabury 26-20 this year, the MIL 8-Man league is going to be wide open. Molokai travels to Maui this weekend to face Seabury at War Memorial Stadium at 9 a.m. Saturday. Lanai will face Seabury at noon.

Both coaches are looking forward to the rematch on Oct. 6.

“We will meet again this season on their home field and I’m sure both teams will be more polished, and it will be a tough battle,” said Ferguson. “We will be looking forward to meet up with coach Mike and his Farmers in round two.”

Kahale added, “Lanai was just the better team last Saturday and hats off to their coaching staff and athletes. We are looking forward to the rematch at home on Oct. 6.”

Molokai’s first home game will be against Hana on Sept. 15 at 11 a.m. at the Molokai High School field.