KAHUKU — Vowing to "Shock the world," the Kapolei High School football team carried out its mission last night, stunning defending state champion Kahuku, 14-7, in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association quarterfinals.

It was Kahuku's first home loss since 1999 and first home loss to a Hawai'i team since 1996.

"This is awesome," said Kapolei defensive lineman Kalei Awong, who made a key fumble recovery on his own 12-yard line with 5:03 remaining. "It's the best feeling in the world."

The Hurricanes, which finished fourth in the OIA Western Division, improved to 7-3 and will face West runner-up Wai'anae in Saturday's semifinal at Aloha Stadium. The game time has yet to be determined.

The East champion Red Raiders, ranked No. 2 in The Advertiser's statewide Top 10 poll of coaches and media, end their tumultuous season at 6-3.

"Kapolei played a great game, hat's off to them," said Kahuku coach Reggie Torres, who has been under intense scrutiny all season and withstood a partial team boycott of practice earlier this month. "It's my fault as head coach; we need to find better ways to get the team ready."

The Hurricanes stepped up on defense, holding the Red Raiders to 195 total yards, including just 58 in the first half. But Kahuku also was its own worst enemy, losing three fumbles and being penalized 10 times for 110 yards.

Still, the Red Raiders were driving for a potential game-tying score and advanced to the Kapolei 34-yard line with under 90 seconds left. But after quarterback Jray Galeai gained only three yards on a keeper before being tackled inbounds, he spiked the ball on third-and-7 with 1:17 remaining as Kahuku was out of timeouts.

On fourth down, a pass to the left sideline was incomplete and the Hurricanes proceeded to take a knee twice to run out the clock.

"I always felt if our defense came together and played like it was capable of, they could carry this team," Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said. "They played as a unit, as one heartbeat."

Kahuku's only score came on St. John Lessary's 69-yard punt return for a touchdown with 9:22 left in the first quarter.

The Hurricanes tied it with 26 seconds remaining in the quarter after Keli'i Aki's 39-yard scamper down the left sideline on an option pitch.

Kapolei recovered a fumble on the Red Raiders' 5-yard line with a minute left in the half, and Cyril Ontai ran it in from the 2 on second-and goal to help the Hurricanes take a 14-7 halftime lead.

After that, it was all defense, as Hernandez had predicted. At the bottom of the team's defensive game plan sheet, the last sentence was written in bold letters:

"Shock the world 10/26/07."

KAPOLEI (7-3) 7 7 0 0—14

KAHUKU (6-3) 7 0 0 0— 7

Kah — St. John Lessary 69 punt return (Lessary kick)

Kap — Keli'i Aki 39 run (Kevin Tanaka kick)

Kap — Cyril Ontai 2 run (Tanaka kick)

RUSHING — Kapolei: Ontai 6-25, Bryan Tabion 3-6, Mason Koa 10-(minus-23), Noah Pascua 1-6, Aki 6-43, Shenon Moore 2-23, Chase Alcott 3-9. Kahuku: Junior Mata'afa 4-33, Lessary 7-17, Jray Galeai 9-63, Keliki Unga 5-17, Dustin Akiyama 4-3, AJ Atuaia 6-23.

PASSING — Kapolei: Koa 4-6-1—70. Kahuku: Galeai 5-15-1—42.

RECEIVING — Kapolei: Shaydon Akuna 1-20, Nate Dixon 2-37, Tyler Kukahiko 1-13. Kahuku: Mata'afa 2-7, Unga 1-9, Willie Ching 1-9, Jordan Kamae 1-17.

JV SCORE: KAHUKU 29, LEILEHUA 19

KAUA'I INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION

Kaua'i 14, Waimea 10

MAUI INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE

King Kekaulike 55, Trojans 14

BIG ISLAND INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION

Kohala 54, Ka'u 6

Waiakea 21, Hilo 20

Read Wes Nakama's blog on prep sports at http://blogs.honoluluadvertiser.com

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.