Hilo’s Pop Warner Team Out of Super Bowl

The Panaewa Ali`i, Hilo’s entry in the Pop Warner Super Bowl, was knocked out of contention today in a 33-22 loss to the Southside Cyclones of New York.

The Ali`i had been sent to the consolation round Saturday when they lost 25-6 to the Greensboro Ravens of North Carolina.

The Hilo team, consisting of players ages 12 to 15, was the first from Hawai`i to win the Western Region finals and advance to the Pop Warner championship tournament.

Among those rooting them on in Kissimmee, Fla. was Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi, whose son, Justin, is a member of the Ali`i.

Earlier today, Kenoi posted a photo on his Facebook page of a trip to Disney World with some of the team members.

“It was great to be a chaperone and uncle to a great group of kids!” Kenoi said in his post.

Kenoi also posted that the Leeward Steelers from Kona, a team of players ages 7-9 playing in Saturday’s Pop Warner Mitey Mite Bowl, won both of their games.

They played the Wilmington Wildcats of Massachusetts in the first game, and the Liberty Lake Lions of Washington in the second.

“I spoke with a coach from the other team who said he couldn’t believe how well coached and tough they were but he was most impressed how respectful the kids were!” Kenoi said. “Thanks for representing us so well!”