Our Boys Put Up a Good Fight, Wins Admiration of Many

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American Samoa may have fallen to Hawaii in the JPS Classic Championship 47- 22 but not without a fight.

Hawaii drew first blood on their opening possession followed by a safety against American Samoa.

When Hawaii got the ensuing possession Scheyenne Sanitoa got Team AmericanSamoa on the board for a 64 yard pick 6.

The next Hawaii possession was disrupted by another Sanitoa Interception.

Fagaitua’s Championship MVP Malaki Peko got involved later in the quarter with a 39 yard pass from Tito Malae that set up a Heston Lameta field goal.

JuneJonesIn the 2nd half Scheyenne Sanitoa had a third interception but American Samoa was unable to convert points, and with their backs against the wall were forced to make desperate throws in attempts to put scores on the board but unfortunately they resulted in costly turnovers.

The game ended with a final score of Hawaii 47 to American Samoa’s 22.

Other notable stars were Leone’s Quarterback Fred Pata who played wide receiver getting a 39 pass from Malae, Malaki Peko Thompson with multiple 20 plus yard receptions and Leti Paaga with a 36 yard catch.

The game wasn’t complete without a stout effort from Fagaitua’s workhorse Oly Taase who early in the game carried virtually the entire Hawaiian Defensive line for 13 yards wowing spectators and sports journalists alike.

We would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge Viane Moala’s defensive stops as well Folasa Vili who played through both games with a foot injury on both sides of the ball along with Chin Chan Liang, Stuart Toilolo and Ruben Futi.

It was quite the swan song for our seniors who let their athletic prowess and sheer physicality do the talking in a series of games that was met by much trash talk from the opposing teams.

American Samoa can hold their heads high as they did not draw any personal foul calls in either of the two games they competed in at Aloha Stadium in front of 2000 fans.

Offensive Coordinator Loso Iualoalo said post game that the coaches discourage poor sportsmanship and encourage respect to opposing team.

Among those in attendance were Hall of Fame UH Emeritus June Jones, former 49ers Jesse Sapolu and Isaac Sopoaga, all of whom were impressed by our boys’ athleticism, humility and respect for the Fa’a Samoa.

Executive Director of JPS Hawaii Robert Faleafine, whose dream it was to bring a team from American Samoa to Hawaii, was ecstatic with the results.

A humble Leti Paaga spoke on behalf of his teammates in the Samoan language to convey their appreciation for all the wellwishes and support from the territory, to their parents, church pastors, coaches and their schools.

jr_ prep sportsLeti who is being courted by more than one college, spoke with Sia Atofau minutes after their defeat to Hawaii West.

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