By Paul Honda
Editor
HondaReport.com
Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004

HONOLULU—With so many byes in the O’ahu Interscholastic Association this weekend, it’s easy to focus on the heavyweight match between private-school powerhouses.

When second-ranked Saint Louis and No. 4 Kamehameha-O’ahu square off Saturday night, the pay-per-view ratings could bust through the roof. Some of the better matchups, though, are spread around the islands.

In the Maui Interscholastic League, Baldwin has a chance to move closer to a first-round title. The Bears face archrival Maui Friday. On the west side, Lahainaluna will host King Kekaulike Saturday afternoon in a battle of title contenders.

The Big Island Interscholastic Federation race will narrow after this weekend. Kealakehe visits Kamehameha-Hawai’i in a crucial matchup between last year’s league champ and the first-year varsity team from the Warriors’ campus.

The best game, however, might be right back at Aloha Stadium Friday afternoon. Pac-Five, nursing key injuries in recent weeks, takes on Damien in a key early-season battle. Pac-Five cracked the HondaReport.com Top Ten before the injury bug bit, while Damien needs a win to keep pace in the ILH Division II race.

Here’s a look at this week’s Pupule Picks, along with a new feature: Comments by the HondaReport.com Ohana. You can find more of their comments and opinions the HRC Forums.

BIG ISLAND INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION
Kea’au (2-1, 2-1 league) @ Hilo (4-0, 3-0 league)
Dr. Francis Wong Stadium
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: The Cougars travel to Hilo town for their biggest game since the school opened six years ago. Perennial BIIF title contender Hilo has outmuscled every team so far.
The Skinny: Kea’au is rapidly improving under second-year head coach Keliko Iopa. The Cougars don’t have Hilo’s tradition, but they’re headed in the right direction because of Iopa’s discipline.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The Cougars will hang tough for a half, but Hilo’s commitment to conditioning always takes a toll on foes in the second half. Hilo wins 29-13.

Ka’u (0-4, 0-3 league) @ Honoka’a (0-4, 0-3 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: The Dragons seemed to be making headway two weeks ago when they gave Kamehameha-Hawai’i a scare before falling, 13-7. A 55-point loss to archrival HPA last week is a pivotal point for this squad.
The Skinny: If there’s one team struggling more than Honoka’a, it is Ka’u, a program that has barely enough players to field a team. The Trojans’ 21-point loss to Waiakea last week was, by far, their closest margin of defeat so far.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The 100-mile drive to Honoka’a doesn’t help, but the Trojans will keep it close for at least a half. The Dragons win this one, 34-20.
HRC Ohana says: “Ka'u will not win. The stripes wouldn't hear of it. O.K., so tongue in cheek, but no ways Trojans win.” —kauwildman

Kohala (0-3, 0-3 league) @ Hawai’i Prep (3-2, 3-0 league)
Saturday, 2 p.m.
On Paper: The Cowboys showed signs of life two weeks ago, scoring 40 points against Kea’au. However, they gave up 43.
The Skinny: It’s been a long time since the Cowboys gave their neighbors on the other side of the Kohala Mountain Range a tough battle. If HPA has a letdown after last week’s blowout of archrival Honoka’a, Kohala could make this interesting.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Nobody in the BIIF has found a way to counteract HPA running back Mike Kopra. The Cowboys will bend without breaking only so long. HPA 31, Kohala 15.

Kealakehe (1-3, 1-2 league) @ Kamehameha-Hawai’i (3-1, 2-1 league)
Saturday, noon
On Paper: Easily the most intriguing game of the week in the BIIF. Kealakehe, the biggest school in West Hawai’i, are a proud program coming off a league crown. However, the Waveriders have taken some lumps following the graduation of several key players, including standout quarterback Michael Kaniho.
The Skinny: The host Warriors are young—no seniors—and already have a winning tradition. Thanks to the so-so level of competition in the BIIF, KS-Hawai’i is already a title contender. Kealakehe’s 115-mile trek to the Warriors’ campus is another plus for KS-Hawai’i.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: KS-Hawai’i was unbeaten in BIIF junior varsity play last year. One loss in their last 10 games has the Warriors feeling confident, but the Waveriders are desperate for a win. Kealakehe escapes with a 42-41 victory.
HRC Ohana says: “Kealakehe came off of dishing out a shlacking to Kohala. Might be a let down week for Waveriders. Silva vs. Tohara.” —imua91

Waiakea (2-2, 2-1 league) @ Konawaena (2-2, 2-1 league)
Saturday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Two proud programs clash at Julian Yates Field, both in position to improve their title prospects.
The Skinny: The Wildcats got off to a rocky start with lopsided losses to Maui and HPA, but have bounced back with two wins in a row. Last week’s 34-26 win at Kea’au was badly needed. Waiakea is a friend of the road, having played at Moanalua, Kealakehe and Ka’u already. The win at Kealakehe three weeks ago was a good omen for the Warriors.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The Warriors have the size up front to protect a second-half lead. Waiakea has already proven it can win a big game on the road. Konawaena has proven that it underperforms against a quality opponent at home. That all could change this weekend, but for now, I’m going on history. Waiakea 27, Konawaena 21.
HRC Ohana says: “The question for this game is who steps up for both teams. I would have to go with Konawaena by 7 (points).” —imua91

KAUA’I INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION
Waimea (2-1, 1-0 league) vs. Kapa’a (1-2, 0-1 league)
Vidinha Stadium
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
On Paper: The Warriors are in a must-win situation as the first round hits the midway point. Waimea, however, has Kapa’a’s number.
The Skinny: The Menehune are coming off a huge 21-13 win over defending KIF champ Kaua’i. Is an emotional letdown in store? Possibly, but Kapa’a’s ground-oriented attack will keep the game close, for better or worse. .
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Waimea rallies in the second half for a 24-14 win.

MAUI INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE
No. 5 Baldwin (2-0-2, 2-0-1 league) vs. Maui (2-2, 1-2 league)
War Memorial Stadium, Wailuku
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Since blanking Kamehameha-Maui 28-0 four weeks ago, life in the MIL has been an eye-opener for the Sabers. They’ve lost to King Kekaulike (51-10) and Lahainaluna (38-0). Baldwin, meanwhile, is coming off a 47-0 win over KS-Maui.
The Skinny: Since hiring Chad Kauha’aha’a, Baldwin’s Run & Shoot annihilated MIL foes … and then defenses gradually caught up somewhat. Maui’s losses came against run-first offenses. Do the Sabers match up better against Baldwin’s fleet receivers? Cody Nakamura of Baldwin is easily an all-state candidate, as is quarterback Kahelua Moniz.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The rivalry brings out the best in these schools. Baldwin pulls out a 20-17 win. .

King Kekaulike (3-1, 2-1 league) @ Lahainaluna (4-0-1, 2-0-1 league)
Saturday, 4 p.m. (homecoming)
On Paper: For years, King Kekaulike has believed that it is on the verge of an MIL title. Each year, disappointment. This year, hope was rejuvenated after the shellacking of Maui. That put Na Ali’i in contention again for at least a share of the first-round title. .
The Skinny: This Luna squad is still young, but far more experienced than last year’s diaper dandies. Lahainaluna, like Hilo, is easily the best team in the state that almost nobody has heard of. Playing at Lahaina on homecoming can’t hurt the Lunas. Or can it?
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The Luna running game proves to be the difference. Lahainaluna wins, 24-21.
HRC Ohana says: “I have watched a King Kekaulike vs. Lahainaluna game at King Kekaulike High School. All the LHS fans were wearing jackets and freezing their you-know-whats off. It is about time that they come over on the 1 1/2 hour bus ride and melt away in the Lahaina sun. There is definitely something to be said about having a home field advantage. Lunas win in a close one.” —lunas88

Pac-Three (1-2, 0-2 league) @ Kamehameha-Maui (0-3, 0-2 league)
Saturday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Unfortunately, for the Warriors, they play in a football-rich league. If KS-Maui played in the BIIF, title contention would be a certainty. After all, KS-Hawai’i is 3-1 there, and KS-Maui lost to their Big Island brothers by just a field goal in preseason.
The Skinny: The inside track for the MIL’s Division II state tourney berth is at stake when the Titans meet the Warriors. Pac-Three is competitive, but with a first-year head coach, the Titans are actually behind KS-Maui in terms of schemes and terminology.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The Warriors enjoy homey surroundings in a 30-24 victory.

INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE OF HONOLULU
Damien (2-2, 0-1 league) vs. Pac-Five (3-1, 0-0 league)
Aloha Stadium
Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
On Paper: The improvement of both programs over the past few years became loud and clear this preseason as the two ILH bottom feeders pummeled most of their OIA foes. The Monarchs are down one, which makes this game crucial for their Division II state tourney hopes.
The Skinny: The return of key players helps the Wolfpack tremendously. Damien’s best shot is to grind out the clock with a running game behind its mammoth offensive line.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The Wolfpack are healthier now, but the Monarchs are in a must-win situation. Damien prevails, 29-27.

No. 4 Kamehameha-O’ahu (3-0-1, 1-0 league) vs. No. 2 Saint Louis (2-1, 0-0 league)
Aloha Stadium
Saturday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Two seasons ago, when Delbert Tengan last coached the football Crusaders, they began league play with a loss—to Kamehameha—before running the table for a 16th-consecutive ILH crown. This year, Saint Louis lost a preseason matchup with No. 1 Kahuku and has had three weeks to work out kinks—just as it did two years ago.
The Skinny: The Warriors’ confidence is high. Players who were unable to play early on this season are back. The Warriors crushed Punahou last week, 34-7. If they can control the line of scrimmage, it could mean a huge win over 17-time defending league champion Saint Louis.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The Warriors gave up a ton of yardage, but just 14 points against Baldwin’s Run & Shoot offense four weeks ago. Last week, Punahou’s Run & Shoot managed just one touchdown. The Crusaders, however, usually find a way to beat the Warriors, and I’m siding with history. Saints 24, Warriors 22.
HRC Ohana says: “The KS coaches have seen the tapes on Stl/Kahuku game and will look to establish the run just as Kahuku did against a sometimes suspect Crusader run defense.” —opihi1

O’AHU INTERSCHOLASTIC ASSOCIATION
Red Conference
West Division
Wai’anae (2-2, 1-1 league) @ Nanakuli (2-3, 1-2 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: This may be the best matchup between the Leeward archrivals in years. The Golden Hawks need a win to stay in the playoff hunt.
The Skinny: Nanakuli’s veer option attack has given teams fits, but the Hawks’ passing game has been inconsistent. It is imperative that Nanakuli connect through the air against a Searider defense that will be looking to tee off against the option.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The Golden Hawks play tough, but the Seariders still have their number. Wai’anae 27, Nanakuli 19.

Kapolei (1-3, 1-1 league) vs. Pearl City (1-4, 0-3 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
TV: OC 16.
On Paper: The Chargers weren’t very deep to start the season, but were still very competitive in losses to Nanakuli (19-11) and No. 8-ranked Iolani (10-9). However, since the loss of speedy running back Royal Kaua, the Charger offense has struggled.
The Skinny: Kapolei has progressively improved in recent weeks, notching a win at ‘Aiea and playing strong at No. 3 Mililani last week. Pearl City’s home-field edge was dulled when the game moved to Mililani for live telecast.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The Chargers will hang tough, but Kapolei’s team speed will take over in the second half. Kapolei 30, Pearl City 20.

No. 7 Leilehua (4-0, 2-0 league) @ ‘Aiea (2-3, 1-2 league)
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
On Paper: The Mighty Mules have not been ranked this high in the polls for quite some time.
The Skinny: ‘Aiea has the size up front to give Leilehua problems. Defensive lineman Rocky Savaiigaea is possibly the top DL in the state. The Mules, however, have tremendous chemistry. This group went 17-4 on the JV level and has known only success under former JV head coach Nolan Tokuda, who took over the varsity program this year. Tokuda is the one reason why the Mules will not have a letdown this week.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Leilehua 32, ‘Aiea 29.

East Division
Kailua (2-2, 1-1 league) vs. McKinley (0-5, 0-3 league)
Roosevelt Stadium
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: The Surfriders have had two weeks to digest a heartbreaking loss to Castle. Their quest for the OIA Red East title gets a reboot this weekend.
The Skinny: The McKinley defense can’t carry the load forever. After averaging 22 points per game against ILH teams, the Tigers have scored seven points in three OIA Red East games.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Kailua’s Damien Torres could break free for another big performance, but it won’t come easy. Kailua grinds out a 21-7 win.

Roosevelt (1-3, 1-1 league) vs. Kaimuki (0-5, 0-3 league)
Kaiser Stadium
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: The toughest hurdle first-year head coach Daniel Mafua has faced is simply a lack of numbers. Even with key starters back from academic probation, the Bulldogs face a slew of tough Red East foes. Roosevelt looked sharp in last week’s 25-0 win over McKinley.
The Skinny: The Rough Riders have playoff aspirations, and a solid performance against perennial power Kailua in the league opener gave them all the confidence they need. Kaimuki has yet to prove to itself that it is competitive. That confidence will come in time, but not just yet. Sooner or later, the players will have to learn that commitment to excellence means studying hard year-round. It’s tough enough for coaches when the roster is less than 30 strong even when players are eligible.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Rough Riders 30, Bulldogs 20.

White Conference
Kaiser (1-4, 1-3 league) @ Moanalua (4-1, 3-1 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: ccc.
The Skinny: ccc.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: ccc.

Radford (2-3, 2-2 league) vs. Kalani (1-4, 0-4 league)
Kaiser Stadium
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
On Paper: A week ago, the Rams were sailing high in the OIA White. Now, with the forfeiture to Moanalua (league opener) official, they are fighting for a playoff berth.
The Skinny: Last week’s loss at Waialua was a downer for the improved Falcons. They’ll have to be at their best against a Radford team that is hungry, particularly after the Rams were wiped out by Campbell 45-0 last week.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Radford 23, Kalani 13.

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