WEEK 7 STATS: 5 total tackles (4 solo), 2.0 sacks, PBU, FF
Ma'afala-Maiava’s impactful performance powered Saint Francis’ smothering defensive effort in a win over Wagner. While the Red Flash limited their opponent to only one offensive touchdown, the senior linebacker totaled five tackles, 2.0 sacks, one pass break-up and one forced fumble. Wagner gained no more than three yards on any of five plays that ended with a tackle by Ma'afala-Maiava. Four of his hits proved detrimental to Wagner drives. The Hawaiian-born Ma'afala-Maiava made his first tackle midway through the opening quarter, stopping the ball carrier for no gain as the Seahawks punted two plays later. He forced a three-and-out on Wagner’s second possession of the third quarter, logging a sack on a 3rd-and-9 play. Ma’afala-Maiava added a strip sack with Wagner facing a 3rd-and-6 situation early in the fourth. He broke up a pass play on second down of the Seahawks’ opening possession of the second half, which ended with a punt two plays later.