Waipahu opens season with upset of Campbell
· Yahoo Sports
Jake Garcia connected with Jayse Braun for two touchdowns as No. 7 Waipahu stunned defending state champion and second-ranked Campbell 40-17 on Friday night.
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The win for the Cane Knife Classic trophy ended Waipahu’s 10-game losing streak to the Sabers, one that went back to 2004. None of the Marauders were born yet the last time the program beat Campbell.
“When I came here, I wasn’t too familiar with the rivalry,” said Braun, who finished with three catches for 51 yards. “But as we kept getting closer to the season, I knew it meant a lot to these boys and our coaches. I kind of took it to heart.”
At one point, Waipahu ran the ball 24 times in its first 32 snaps on offense. The chrome shine of the Cane Knife felt comfortable in the hands of Waipahu coach Bryson Carvalho.
“I want them to celebrate. I told them the game’s going to be a lot bigger than themselves. The rivalry has been going on longer than some of their grandparents,” he said.
Rocco Silofau rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown on nine carries, all in the second half.
A big crowd looked on at Waipahu’s Masa Yonamine Athletic Complex as the Sabers became their own worst enemy, committing 15 penalties for 151 yards.
Waipahu’s ground attack used a heavy elephant group in the red zone. The Marauders’ offensive line, led by Andrew Fruean, Pierce Taumua and Peyton Tauma, looked more like steamrolling tanks from the Open Division.
Division I Waipahu rushed for a modest 151 yards on 37 carries, but utilizing that consistent attack set the tone.
Elias Mahuka, Silofau and Tristan Pacheco shared the load, while QB Jake Garcia picked his punches when Campbell’s secondary rolled back.
“All three of our RBs are great,” Carvalho said. “We kept the rotation going.”
Campbell’s nonconference loss will be an opportunity to buckle down.
“We’ll make some changes. We’ll get some things done,” Sabers coach Darren Johnson said.
Garcia ran for 36 yards on nine carries, and completed eight of his 12 pass attempts. He was clocked as he threw an interception late in the game, but roughing the passer was whistled on Campbell.
Garcia’s final throw was a 6-yard toss to Braun to cap a memorable night. The Marauders led 40-10 with 3:39 left.
The visitors did not record a sack all night.
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