With the first high school football action of the season the Service Cougars played to a 34-34 draw Thursday night against the Leilehua Mules in Hawaii. Officially a preseason contest there was no overtime played.
Cougars Junior Quarterback Viliamu Aukusitino put forth a monster effort in the game. Aukusitino threw for one touchdown, ran for two, and made a fourth trip to the house in the fourth quarter on a 100 yard interception return. The returning player of the year posted a state line of 187 yard passing, 88 yards rushing, 100 yard interception return.
With less than two minutes on the scoreboard the game seemed like it was in the bag for the Green and Gold, Service held a 34-21 lead. The Mules unwilling to accept that thought, the team scoring on a passing play with 1:03 to play, a botched point after made the score 34-27.
Leilehua recovered the ensuing onside kick, marched down the field, and with just two seconds remaining tied the game on a pass Kenan Sadanaga to Cole DeCorte. The TD was the fourth on the night for the Mules Quarterback.
While it may not be the outcome the Cougars had hoped for the effort should raise eyebrows home in Alaska. The 2010 State runner up Cougars got no love from the preseason poll failing to crack the top five however they may have a say in the rankings when the season ends.
