By Nathan Park

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On Sept. 21, the Varsity football team went head to head with their homecoming rivals, the Kapolei Hurricanes. It was the combination of good teamwork with  rigorous plays that led MHS to defeat Kapolei with an ending score of 45-0. This is the third year in a row that they won the homecoming against the Hurricanes.

“I think (the key event) was right up from the beginning where we got up 7-0. I think the first attack set the tempo for the game and then ever since then we just pretty much ruled the whole game,” explained Quarterback Senior Jarin Morikawa.

Within the first six minutes of the game, Running Back and Linebacker Junior Dayton Furuta was able to dash from the 2-yard line into the end zone, scoring the team’s first touchdown of the night. “It was a great drive, the whole team contributed on that one, and then (Furuta) just finished it off with his power; great running back. The offensive line made a fat hole for him and he got in there,” explained Morikawa.

 With an aggressive offensive line pushing back Kapolei’s defense, Morikawa had plenty of room to deliver safe passes to the receivers. “(The offensive line was) giving me plenty of time and receivers were getting into their spots so I could give them the ball. Once I give them the ball they make stuff happen,” said Morikawa. Along with a powerful offense, the team’s defensive line sacked Kapolei’s quarterbacks Aizon Kahana and Alton Julius, preventing significant yard gaining while stalling time. Also, with a total six interceptions, MHS defense was able to keep the ball in the team’s possession for majority of the game.

From start to finish the Varsity team kept an ongoing attack on the Hurricanes. “As soon as Kapolei started breaking down we kept up the intensity and just dominated,” stated Furuta.

The team had an emphasis on having a group effort and utilized every player on the field. “We played excellent as a team. Everyone did their individual assignments and we came on top,” explained Furuta, continuing, “We did it as a team and we dominated as a team and the glory is going to the team.”

Since last year, the team has had major improvement, and this game was considered one of team’s best games of the season. “I’m not sure they could have played better. There were on their game and they did a great job,” commented Principal Dr. John Brummel, continuing, “I think this was a great win and I think the kids came prepared to play and that’s what we want students to be prepared in football and in life.”

Even with the success the team had on the field they still have improvements to make for the rest of the season. “(Our defense) can always improve though, like guard reads, getting off blocks and our offense, catching the ball and completing more passes,” explained Furuta.

With another win in the bag, the team will go on to battle Aiea High School on Sept. 28.