A quick handoff from Kaiser Varsity Football Team’s Quarterback, Jesse Shinagawa, brought the ball into the hands of Sophomore running back, Brady Kim. The band and stands erupted into cheers as Kim dodged past the Kalani Falcon’s safety and raced into the endzone, scoring a touchdown for the Cougar Football Team.
This was one of many touchdowns the Kaiser Cougars scored against the Kalani High School Falcons on that Friday evening of September 20. The final score between the two teams was 49-7, a Kaiser victory. Currently, Kaiser has a 6:1 win-loss ratio,
This game was part of a longstanding rivalry between the two schools, with Kaiser having won almost 20 games in a row against Kalani. “I think that our yearly game against Kalani is a very important one for the season,” said Isa’aco Sapoaga, a Junior on the Kaiser Football team.
“It represents a longstanding rivalry between our two schools – It’s also just really fun to crush Kalani.”
Many Kaiser players made big plays in the game, with Kim scoring two touchdowns alongside Shinagawa and Caleb Hamasaki. Blain Kupahu also scored his own touchdown. Bradin Tollefsen scored the Falcon’s lone 7 points with an impressive 55-yard run.
Keegan Pimental and Mathias Mafi brought the defense, with six tackles between them, and Morgan White had a 6:1 extra point rate, showing off his kicking accuracy.
Linebacker Ben Giovanni Miller shared why he enjoys being on the Football team. “It’s a lot of hard work being put in…every day at practice, but playing in the games is really a lot of fun…it’s also really cool to have your name announced for making a good play or a tackle.”
While the football game was the star of the night, there were many other important roles taking place, bringing the school spirit. One, more recent, addition to the Football games is the Student Section, the Cougar Cage, who cheer on the team with a unique theme each week.
The theme for this game was Minions, featuring students and faculty dressed in overalls, goggles, and in the case of James Kunihiro, a vast amount of yellow face paint.
Kunihiro stated, “I think it is cool that we have the student section because it really helps [the school] to show more school spirit.”
The Kaiser Band also helps bring the energy by playing pep music throughout the game. “My favorite part of playing in the band is being part of a large community of talented musicians who all help to support each other,” said Junior tenor player, Koa Tigley.
However, these nights wouldn’t be possible without the help of the Kaiser JROTC volunteers, who help with parking and the presentation of the colors before each game. Right Guard, Tyson Iga, stated how their march, coupled with the national anthem, brings a sense of reverence and respect before the football game.
All in all, this game was a success for the Cougars, in all areas. The next game for the team will be Saturday, October 26 2024, 6:00 pm at Roosevelt. Come and support Kaiser and bring that Cougar Spirit!
