Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Last Saturday, ASHSAA hosted this year's varsity football championship match, where Tafuna High School proved that they were still at the top of the sport in the territory.

After a second-half comeback that stunned the Lions to a halt while Tafuna collected their third championship title in a row – to become 3-Peat Champions.

Coverage of ASHSAA Football is proudly sponsored and brought to you by Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata.

Leone Lions Head Football Coach Duke Elisaia and his mighty Lions were the first to draw blood.

Early in the second quarter, Leone had Tafuna in a trance while moving the ball into Warrior territory and into the end zone, when Isaia Elisara sent Berea Te’o straight up the middle for a 2-yard touchdown reception, with 11:10 remaining in the first half of play.

Leone took the lead by 8 points after a play-action pass from Elisara to Jiovanni Siatini.

Not too long after that, Deacon Samoa who was at the helm for Tafuna’s offense led the Warriors into Lions territory and delivered six points after sending Chris Su’a up the middle for a 5-yard touchdown reception.

It was a tied match after a quarterback keeper by Metuliki Tupou put more points on the board for the Warriors, going into halftime.

The second half proved to be a defensive contest between both teams – It wasn’t until late in the third quarter, that the Lions again drew blood after a fourth-and-goal situation from Tafuna’s 15-yard line.

Elisara threaded a pass to Jiovanni Siatini on a slant route to put six more points on the board. Leone led 16-14 with just 21 seconds remaining in the quarter.

Tafuna didn’t hesitate to respond with a long run by Chris Su’a from their own 35-yard line to score another six points for Tafuna who came back and led the match 22 - 16 after a two-point conversion by Deacon Samoa with just 8 seconds remaining in the third.

The Warriors made two more end zone appearances by way of Deacon Samoa and Metuliki Tupou to claim their third championship title in a row with a 36 - 16 victory.

AWARDS CEREMONY

Most Valuable Player of the Game – (4) THS Metuliki Tupou

The Most Valuable Player of last Saturday morning’s ASHSAA Championship Game, was awarded to Tafuna High School’s Senior, Metuliki Tupou. [photo: Tony Gasu]

Offensive Player of the Game – (2) THS Chris Su’a

ASHSAA Football’s 2022 O ensive Player of this years Championship Game was awarded to Tafuna High School’s Running Back, Chris Su’a (2). [photo: Tony Gasu]

Defensive Player of the Game – (23) THS Toa Ho Ching

ASHSAA Football’s 2022 Championship Game Defensive Player of the Game Award was given to Tafuna High School’s Defensive Back, Toa Ho Ching. [photo: Tony Gasu]

Quarterback of the Year – (7) LHS Isaiah Elisara

ASHSAA Football’s 2022 Quarter of the Year Award was given to Leone High School’s Isaiah Elisara. ). [photo: Tony Gasu]

Special Teams – (18) LHS Ilalio Sefika

ASHSAA Football’s 2022 Championship Game – Special Teams Award was given to Leone High School’s All-Purpose player, Ilalio Sefika (18). [photo: Tony Gasu]

Special Recognition Award – (2) LHS Phillip Tipoai

‘ASHSAA Football’s 2022 Championship Game – Special Recognition Award was given to Leone High School, linebacker, Phillip Tipoai (2). [photo: Tony Gasu]

Special Recognition Award – (7) THS Deacon Samoa

ASHSAA Football’s 2022 Championship Game – Special Recognition Award was given to Tafuna High School Quarterback, Deacon Samoa. [photo: Tony Gasu]

Coach of the Year – THS Kevin Magale

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Tafuna Warriors head football Coach, Kevin Magalei raising their Perpetual Trophy as the Warriors claimed ASH SAA’s Football Championship title for a third year in a row. Magalei was named Coach Of The Year. [photo: Tony Gasu]

A look at the two teams who battled in this years ASHSAA Varsity Championship Game – Holding hands and returning the glory to the Almighty Father after a safe and competitive match between the two top teams in the league, the Warriors and the Lions – Both from the Western side of the territory. Tafuna won 36 - 16. Coverage of ASHSAA Football is proudly sponsored and brought to you by Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata. [photo: Tony Gasu]