Just making it to Molokai was a victory of sorts for Pahoa’s eight-man football program. ADVERTISING Just making it to Molokai was a victory of sorts for Pahoa’s eight-man football program. During their first three seasons, the Daggers would have
Just making it to Molokai was a victory of sorts for Pahoa’s eight-man football program.
During their first three seasons, the Daggers would have been hard-pressed to have been able to get all their ducks in a row to play a game in mid-August. And they didn’t just show up Saturday, they won.
Senior Keala Harris ran for 289 yards and three touchdown to power Pahoa to a 34-27 comeback victory against the two-time MIL champion Farmers.
“We were ready and prepared,” coach Chris Midel.
Getting to that point was thanks in large part to a new assistant coaching staff, who spent much of the first half of 2017 keeping in touch with players to make sure the Daggers could be on schedule once the second half of the year rolled around.
“They called the kids to get their grades in order, and it continued into the summer,” athletic director Hoku Haliniak said.
The Daggers trailed the Farmers 20-12 at the half, getting touchdowns on a 61-yard pass from Josiah Waiolama to Ryan Silva-Oliveira and William Velez’s scoring run.
Then Harris took over with three scores and a run for a two-point conversion.
“He was awesome,” Midel said. “Keala showed that he can perform just like his brother.”
Kaniala Harris was a mainstay in Pahoa’s offensive game plan the past few seasons.
After Keala Harris gave Pahoa the lead, a late fumble thwarted any chance of a Molokai comeback.
Pahoa’s first preseason eight-man game should give it the luxury of a head start heading into its BIIF opener Aug. 26 at Ka’u.
The Daggers brought 25 players to Molokai and hope to add six more during the season. After two winless seasons in their return to the gridiron, the Dragons won twice last season.
This Saturday, Molokai will be in Kohala for an 11 a.m. kickoff.
