The West Valley Warriors defeated United HS in impressive fashion on Saturday, taking down the perennial national contenders 59-26.

It was a solid performance all around by West Valley, and Head Coach Epoki Mahina said it was part of a rivalry that had run for years.

"These kids played each other in the 9th-10th-grade final a couple of years ago, and they're the same group of boys playing each other now," said Mahina. "They know each other. We started out fast and worked our game plan. We kept to that and we kept the momentum going and kept to our pattern."

The Warriors led 39-14 at halftime, and scored right after halftime, too. However, United didn't back down.

"United is a very good team, very good; probably the best we've played all season," said Mahina. "They came back but we were able to put the game away. It was such a hard-fought game. United is a well-coached team and they've got good players. But with the power we have in our forwards and that combined with our speed in the backline we were tough to stop. Our boys have played together for 4-plus years, and that helps with the chemistry of the game. They instinctively know where to be and when to get there."

Captain and No. 8 Tevita Tauvao was superb on the day. He scored an early try and led the charge all day. Wing Ma'afu Mahina, who his coach said is one of the fastest rugby players in the state, zipped in for a second. Flanker Jay Tufele scored four tries, and scrumhalf Ty Calrson kept the offense crackling.

It was a massive result for West Valley, which is looking for another state championship. This game doesn't count in the league, but Mahina said it's important to get a gauge of how his squsd is progressing.

"This is a high-quality win for us," said Mahina.

Both teams were missing some starters due to spring break and HS All American callups. 

West Valley now looks ahead to a clash with undefeated Genesis.