United behind a mountain of adversity in 2017, the pride and courage of the McKinley Tigers junior varsity and varsity football teams shined through as they faced the precision and power of the Pearl City Chargers last Friday night at Edwin Bino Neves Stadium. The Tigers lost both games against the Chargers (JV 41-0), (Varsity 42-0) but played hard with a compassion and spirit to win.
The Tigers went straight at the Chargers from the opening whistle. Undermanned, they fought in the trenches, battled for every yard, and banged heads to stop the speedy and powerful Chargers offense led by QB Isaiah Asinsin.
As I stood on the Tigers sideline while shooting game photos, I experienced up close, the heart of the team and coaching staff as they battled for every inch of real estate on the Edwin Bino Neves Stadium turf. These kids wanted to play, and never gave up. Leading the Tigers offense was sophomore QB Alexandria Buchanan. Alexandria did her job, leading both the running and passing games. She got hit hard a few times, but jumped right back up and continued calling and executing plays. No fear, just passion, brains, and the ability to be as one with boys as their leader. The Tigers, and opposing teams, have a true respect for her talent and courage under fire. Alexandria has thrown for 268 yards, completed 22/48 with two touchdowns duirng the 2017 OIA D2 regular season.
The Tigers (1-5) have one game remaining in their regular season schedule against Roosevelt (3-3) this Friday, October 6
GO TIGERS!
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
McKinley QB Alexandria Buchanan is pictured leading the Tigers offense
against Pearl City on Friday, September 29, 2017 at Edwin Bino Neves Stadium
on the campus of Pearl City High School. The Chargers defeated the Tigers 42-0.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
The McKinley coaching staff continued to teach and
guide the Tigers until last second on the game clock.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
The Tigers played hard for every yard against the tough and hard hitting Chargers defense.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Tigers swarming D in action!
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
The Chargers D got to Tigers QB Alexandria Buchanan, but she bounced
back up after every hit and continued on with her duties behind center.