The Moanalua Nā Menehune varsity football team won their first home game on the new and improved home field on Friday, September 13th. Moanalua fought their way to a 24-21 victory against Waianae with a winning play that happened in the final few seconds of the game.
Though there were many standout moments and players, no play was as critical as the game-winning 18-yard field goal from Senior Kicker Andy Nguyen, who was able to make the field goal with time severely running out. Nguyen recalls a moment from a few years back when he was in this same scenario and missed a kick to win the game. He feels as though this game-sealing kick was his “redemption” for his past mistakes. Through such an intense moment in the game, Nguyen didn’t let the pressure get to him.
“I put all my trust into the line, the snapper and the holder,” Nguyen said. To him, this was just a routine kick. “I just trusted them, put my head down, and swung at the ball.” Nguyen was confident in his skills tonight and helped his team to edge out a tight victory. He plans to keep attacking every game with this same level of confidence.
Another key factor in securing a victory for the Nā Menehune was the performance of Defensive Lineman Tyson Alualu-iu (10), who was also selected as OC16’s “Impact Player” of the game. Starting as only a sophomore, Alualu-iu’s presence was definitely felt, where he caused multiple stops on the defensive side of the ball as well as applied pressure to Waianae’s quarterback. He credits his performance to his teammates who are like a family to him.
“Off the field we all hang out with each other, we have our special spots, we treat each other like brothers on and off the field,” he states. This camaraderie was a key factor in the team’s overall success. He also credited the environment and the fans playing a role in tonight’s victory.
“Getting the atmosphere of all of our families and loved ones here really hyped up the team,” he says. This is the first time Moanalua has got to play at their school on their new and improved field. Players and coaches on both sides of the field could feel the fans and their excitement.
