On September 12, the Saint Francis varsity football team defeated the McClymonds Warriors in a thrilling game that ended with a final score of 34-14. While there was no shortage of exciting moments, the biggest storyline was running back Kingston Keanaaina’s (’25) spectacular game. 

The game started with a key interception from Quentin Robinson (’25). However, this turnover didn’t amount to any points, even after starting with great field position. On the Warrior’s punt after their second drive, Keanaaina received the kick and returned it all the way to inside the Warrior’s 35 yard line. The incredible drive ended with a 19-yard touchdown for him. This was just the beginning of what turned out to be a near record-breaking game for the running back.

Furthermore, the Saint Francis defense came up with yet another stop, keeping the Warriors scoreless. This was followed by the Lancers stringing together their first long drive of the game. Anchored by a huge 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty in addition to successful plays, the drive ultimately ended with another touchdown, this time a pass from Aaron Knapp (’25) to Perrion Williams (’26). 

After the Lancer’s defense stood tall on their own ten-yard line, the offense returned to the field, aiming to extend the lead to three scores. While the Lancers had a huge run from Keanaaina and long passes from Knapp, they were unable to score points, leaving the game at a two score difference at the half. 

As the Lancers started the second half with the ball, things boded well for them with the momentum on their side. A forty-yard pass from Knapp to Williams brought the Lancers within the Warrior’s ten-yard line. Knapp’s second touchdown pass of the day made it a three-score game. However, the offense wasn’t done yet, as their running back still had a record to chase. 

The Lancer’s defense lost their bid to hold the Warriors scoreless in the second half, as McClymonds strung together plays that ended with a forty-yard touchdown pass. The Lancers, hoping to keep their momentum, put the ball in the hands of Keanaaina in the next drive. He rewarded them with a thirty-yard touchdown rush, completing his second touchdown of the game. 

After the Warriors scored another touchdown to cut the deficit to two scores, the Lancers aimed to run out the clock by relying on their running back. This time, the drive was fruitless, and the Warriors got the ball back with the momentum on their side. Even though they were fighting to make it a one-score game and stay competitive for the final minutes of the fourth quarter, the Warriors came up short. 

At this point, the game seemed to be finished, but the Lancers hammered home the win with a forty-yard run by Keanaaina followed by a thirty-yard touchdown on the next play. 

Once the clock hit zero, Keanaaina ended up with 328 yards, just short of the school record set by Villiami Teu (’22) in 2021. Keanaaina has had an excellent senior year so far, averaging 186 rushing yards per game. It will be exciting to see what he and the Lancers can pull off in their games to come!