MIL football: Baldwin rallies past King Kekaulike, 18-15
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King Kekaulike struck first, but Baldwin's passing attack kept coming as the Bears won 18-15 Saturday night at King Kekaulike High School.
Penalties cost both teams throughout the game. In the first quarter, King Kekaulike had a long touchdown run called back due to illegal helmet-to-helmet contact on Na Aliʻi. On the ensuing drive, Baldwin completed a long pass that would have put the Bears deep in their opponent's territory, but it was negated for holding.
Kekaulike running back Nainoa Mata broke the stalemate with 2:45 left in the first quarter when the junior leapt over two Bears defenders, got a key block downfield and broke free for a 69-yard TD run. Easton Decoite kicked the extra point, and Na Aliʻi took a 7-0 lead.
The two teams traded possessions with both defenses holding strong, and Na Aliʻi took the 7-0 advantage into halftime. But the third quarter belonged to Baldwin.
A 40-yard pass from quarterback Devin Inokuma to receiver Grayson Ruess set up the Bears' first touchdown of the night early in the third.
Baldwin's Grayson Ruess hauls in a 40-yard pass that set up the Bears' first touchdown during their 18-15 victory over King Kekaulike on Saturday night. Izea Takafuji photo
Second photo: Baldwin quarterback Devin Inokuma scrambles away from pressure during the Bears' 18-15 victory over King Kekaulike on Saturday night at King Kekaulike High School. Izea Takafuji photo
On the play, Inokuma faked a handoff while Ruess ran downfield and got behind the defense. After catching the pass, Ruess was tackled at the 1-yard line.
Baldwin's Joseph Nakihei punched the ball into the end zone for the Bears, who missed the extra point, leaving King Kekaulike up by one.
Later in the third, Kekaulike was facing fourth down backed up in its own red zone. The Bears got pressure on the punter, and the kick didn't go far. Coupled with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Na Aliʻi, Baldwin took possession five yards away from the goal line.
A Baldwin penalty set the Bears back to the 15-yard line, and Kekaulike's defense held for the next three downs, leaving Baldwin facing a long fourth-and-goal.
Baldwin opted to try a field goal, but Kekaulike blocked the kick. A Na Aliʻi defender caught the deflected ball before being tackled.
However, a penalty against Kekaulike reset the play. Now on the 8-yard line, the Bears capitalized on the opportunity as Inokuma rolled out on a play-action pass to find running back Malu Rivera for a touchdown, giving Baldwin a 12-7 lead.
Baldwin quarterback Devin Inokuma throws a pass during the Bears' 18-15 victory over King Kekaulike on Saturday night at King Kekaulike High School. Photo courtesy Kim Tengan
Inokuma finished off the scoring for Baldwin when he dropped back to pass and then sprinted into the end zone from nine yards out with 8:16 left in the fourth quarter.
Kekaulike's Syrus Vafaie returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, and Nainoa Mata carried the ball on a successful two-point conversion to pull King Kekaulike within three points.
But that was as close as Kekaulike would get, and Baldwin held on to win.
Up next, Baldwin will match up Saturday against Maui High at King Kekaulike High School, while Kekaulike is preparing for a Friday night game against Kulanihakoi.
Baldwin 0 0 12 6 -- 18
Kekaulike 7 0 0 8 -- 15