Pac-Five is in the state tournament for the first time and playing its most meaningful postseason game since the program’s second Oahu Prep Bowl championship in 1985.
Last week, the Wolfpack (4-4) went through some conditioning and are in pads this week. They thought their season was done after a 14-6 regular-season victory over Waialua at the Aiea High field on Oct. 12, but catapulted into the Division II state tournament when St. Francis was removed last week for having used an ineigible player.
Since Pac-Five players go to multiple schools, it’s not as easy as expected to round the team back up.
“They go back to their schools and are starting to get involved in other sports,” Pac-Five coach Kip Botelho said Monday. “It’s a small challenge, but we’ve got everybody back. The kids are excited about this opportunity to play another football game. They’re very fortunate.”
Botelho was an assistant under his father, Don Botelho, for the 1982 and 1985 Prep Bowl championship seasons. He also played for Pac-Five from 1976 through 1979.
“My dad used to get on my case every time,” Botelho said about playing under his dad.
The Wolfpack play against OIA D-II champion Roosevelt in the state D-II quarterfinals on Saturday, Nov. 10. They lost to the Rough Riders 17-15 on Aug. 11 in their first game of the season.”
“It came down to a field goal with no time on clock,” Botelho said. “From what I’ve seen recently, they’re a totally different team and doing different things. They’re very athletic and physical, and we’ve got a challenge ahead.”
When last seen in a football game, Wolfpack defensive lineman Leif Fautanu Jr. was getting muddy on a rain-soaked field and having a blast in that victory over Waialua.
He’s in disbelief that he gets to play in another high school game.
“Everyone is pushing at practice and preparing for Roosevelt,” Fautanu said Monday. “Both teams have matured since the last time we played against them. They’ve done a good job, getting that OIA championship. I’m thankful for this great opportunity and once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Pac5 +35
Riders played them still running old school veer.
That is why only put up 15 1st match up. Someone finally got thru coach kui and now pistol/shotgun RPO offense been putting up high points.
Pac5 no chance vs riders. Make sure your phone fully charged going be a boring game.
21-0 half time.
I said it 1st Riders OIA Champs. That was in Sept.
Wouldve been nice to have a rematch.
Sounds like sour grapes. Maybe next year you can get away with using college players.
Dawg pac-5 ain’t gonna win nothing they didn’t deserve any of that.
Is that the Mascot’s son chirping again?
@9-0 Roosevelt streak ends in Lahaina. Oahu D2 had no compatition for us this year. Roosevelt got lucky they had a really weak division this year.
We really wanted to play St.francis instead
#Lunas
#bigtrucks
9-0- what you guys get dialed up for the Luna’s?
Care to tell us what the spread is for that game?
Lets go Rough Riders!
Riders were given zero looks, naysayers called em scrubs, easy to beat, 3rd place highest will ever get, yada yada! . Talk is cheap, take it out on the field – the Results speak for themselves – Rough Riders The Real Deal – OIA CHAMPIONS nuff said.
St. Francis vs Lahainaluna would’ve been called the:
A) Sandbagger Bowl
B) King of the Cowards Bowl
C) Big Bowl of Cheatahs
D) Big 4 Nothing Bowl
E) No Shame Bowl
F) Supposed to Be in D1 Bowl
Having these 2 teams in D2 isn’t just unfair, it’s unsafe! Thanks HHSAA for appeasing St. Francis and Lahainaluna so that they can feel good about themselves by beating up on teams with physically smaller player. Look at Aiea. They didn’t have the numbers or the size St. Francis and Lahainaluna had, but they played in D1. Hey, Sheeple! Never be impressed by a grown adult beating up a kindergartener. It’s actually criminal. Move up to D1, Aints and Lahainalosers.
I think everybody knows Pac-5 got no business being in the state tournament. And of course Lahainaluna vs. St. Francis would be a great one to wach.
BUT, it is still a important lesson to let Pac-5 in as a message to coaches around the state. Know your players histories and don’t make enemies with other coaches.
#9 is the Bestest.
Sandman- I agree, your team did very well this year. Props to the D. They were lights out this year. How does it look for next year?? Hopefully some kids will return to play for Roosevelt and those that sat out this year will play next year.
Good luck in States.
@MauiNoKaoi Lahainaluna doesn’t belong in the D2. Roosevelt does. How about you guys move to D1 next year or Open then run your mouth. How does a team who is beating the D1 teams on Maui represent the D2. Sandbag much? Move up or shut up.
#9….another entry: The 21 Year Old and Over Polynesian Players Bowl
*maui, think you meant to say competition. Secondly how you guys still wanna play D2 when your beating D1 schools? Move up. You claim no competition then go play with the big boys. U guys make states d2 every year yet u don’t move up? And saying Roosevelt’s division is weak is ridiculous. Kaimuki is well coached and those kids are fearless, something that can’t be taught. Pearl city is great too. Kaiser is making a come up. Roosevelt belongs there cuz this was their first title ever. Yea st Francis should be in here but what’s done is done. I’m sure next year they’ll come out hungry, and if you guys stay down AGAIN they’ll see you guys I’m sure. But that’s if they get their stuff figured out too
Comparing lahainaluna to the rest of the D2 is like comparing St. Louis to McKinley… how can you get excited about that? Move up to where the big dogs at and then we see if them lips still chirping.
Roosevelt battled this season and came away with the D2 crown… Can’t take nothing away from the players and coaches!
Pac5 got in because St. Francis forfeited… It ain’t Pac5’s fault… blame the AD and the coaches for St. Francis! They knew the rules, probably thought they wouldn’t get caught.
@PhILHarmonic Lunas -20. Hard to stop a team with many looks in run formation. Roosevelt has what it takes to keep up might be like last year high scoring game but i dont think 2 weeks isnt enough prep time to prepare for an offense like Lunas.
+side for Roosevelt Ogata can run but he cant pass for S#$&.
Mmm maybe Ogata can’t pass, but Ogata is a registered student athlete, not a fifth year student. Have fun watching them continue their playoff run while you watch from your couch. Stop being mad at the world for your team not making states