The first time ‘Iolani and Damien played football against each other, Dale Lee broke a record.
Tonight, every player will have a hand in reaching a milestone.
‘Iolani plays Damien for the 100th time tonight in the first game of an ILH doubleheader at Aloha Stadium. The Raiders lead the series 75-21-3 but the Monarchs have taken two of the last three. The schools played every year except 2015-16 when the ILH rivals were in different divisions.
The first matchup in 1965 went much like the future ones would, with Lee and ‘Iolani drubbing the Monarchs 34-6 at soaked Father Bray Field. The game was scheduled for the previous Friday but was postponed due to the ‘big storm of ’65.’
When they finally got to play, Lee tied an ILH record with 28 points, equaling Abe Dung of Saint Louis’ effort during World War II.
In true ‘Iolani form, Lee stood 5-6 and weighed 163 pounds. He scored on three runs and an interception return and finished with 90 yards rushing on 14 carries.
For all of ‘Iolani’s dominance, the series has had its share of close ones, especially when Kama Bailey took handoffs for the Monarchs. Bailey rushed for 301 yards against ‘Iolani in 2006, the most a Monarch has gouged the Raiders for in a single game. Damien has never had a 300-yard passer against ‘Iolani, but current quarterback Jake Holtz had 287 yards last year.
Here are the top performances in the series:
Damien passing vs. ‘Iolani: Jake Holtz, 287 in 2018
Damien rushing vs. ‘Iolani: Kama Bailey, 301 in 2006
Damien receiving v. ‘Iolani: John Santiago, 152 in 1988
‘Iolani passing vs. Damien: Kela Marciel, 341 in 2007
‘Iolani rushing vs. Damien: Joe Igber, 278 in 1998
‘Iolani receiving vs. Damien: Justin Genovia, 165 in 2017
Even though ‘Iolani has won a vast majority of the games between the teams, Damien has suited up its share of talent over the years, led by Bailey and Kealoha Pilares at running back and Punahou Aina and Matt Wong at linebacker.
It would be tough to match up with Iolani’s all-time greats, but it would be an interesting game nonetheless. Here is an attempt at each team’s best, would Damien have a chance?
‘Iolani
QB Reece Foy
RB Joe Igber
RB Raynold Stowers
REC Raul Pacheco
REC Keoni-Kordell Makekau
REC Stanley Meyer
OL Gordon Chang
OL Len Scanlan
OL Tiloi Lolotai
OL Eugene Watanabe
OL Kelvin Ing
DL Sealii Epenesa
DL Albert Tufono
DL Junior Tufono
DL Ed Taamu
LB Gary Kaneshiro
LB Matt Wright
LB Cody Petro-Sakuma
DB AL Yamashiro
DB Paul Han
DB Packard Harrington
DB Louis Collins
DAMIEN
QB Brian Borges
RB Kama Bailey
RB Kealoha Pilares
REC Chris Truby
REC Ralph Tanga
REC Mel DeLaura
OL Sione Tau
OL Eddie Williams
OL Soane Uigalelei
OL Ana Tuiasasopo
OL Faasiu Saifoloi
DL Mike Sipilii
DL Soane Sevalo
DL Chad Kurashige
DL Todd Schmidt
LB Punahou Aina
LB Matt Wong
LB Thomas Battisto
DB Christian Vasconcellos
DB Joey DeSa
DB Heine Fountain
DB Ranson DeCosta
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