Pearl City's hopes of making it to the OIA White Division Junior Varsity Football Championship Game ended in Waipahu last night as the #3 seed Marauders defeated the #2 seed Chargers in a semifinal match up, 20-13 at home.
Waipahu got on the scoreboard at 2:29 of the first Quarter after picking off a Kaimi Paredes pass on the Pearl City 20 yard line and returning it for a touchdown.
The Marauders increased their lead over the Chargers at 1:47 of the second Quarter on an eight yard touchdown run by Waipahu QB Sanele Lavatai. Extra point conversion made the score 14-0.
The Chargers scored their first touchdown at 9:51 of the fourth Quarter on a 29 yard TD pass from QB Kaimi Paredes to Tristin Kamaka. Pearl City kicker Justin Gilbert converted the extra point kick to close the gap to 14-7.
Marauders QB Lavatai brought his offense back scoring on a four yard touchdown run at 7:24 of the fourth Quarter. Waipahu attempted a two point conversion that failed. The Marauders were in control of the ball game with a 20-7 lead.
At 3:04 of the fourth Quarter, Pearl City scored on touchdown toss to #1 Timothy Rivera. Justin Gilbert's extra point kick was blocked by Waipahu. Pearl City moved within a touchdown at 20-13.
Pearl City recovered an onside kick following the touchdown on the Waipahu 32 yard line. The Chargers would give up the ball to Marauders but would get it back as Tristin Kamaka jumped on a #3 Tulufale fumble at the Waipahu 29 yard line with 2:31 left in the ball game. At 1:33, Waipahu's #7 Mark Failuaga picked off a Chargers pass which allowed the Marauders to run out the clock.
Waipahu moves on to challenge Kalaheo next week in the OIA White Division Junior Varsity Football Championship.
Congratulations to the Pearl City Chargers for a great 2010 football season!