ON THIS DATE IN 1961: Larry DeRego breaks through just in time

On this date in 1961, field position didn’t matter much to the Hawaii football team.

Former Punahou track and field star John Dow Williams scored twice from 63 yards out in the first half and Leilehua product Larry DeRego scored from the same distance in the fourth as Hawaii beat the Leeward Aliis 32-18 before fewer than 1,000 fans.

DeRego and nine other Rainbows were booted off the team a month later because they were not taking enough classes to earn the required 12 credits to play. He and many of the other former Rainbows latched on with the Waikiki Surfers, spurring them into second place behind the Rangers but one spot ahead of their former mates. The Leeward Aliis finished in last place at 0-8 with 42 points scored and 221 allowed.