By Paul Honda
Editor
HondaReport.com
Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2004

Silence will yield to cranky carnival rides and children’s laughter when the Maui County Fair opens this weekend in Kahului.

That means a quiet weekend in Maui Interscholastic League football—and a chance to build more drama for the football race. Baldwin and Lahainaluna ended the first round in a first-place tie, but there will be no tiebreaker. The second-round winner will win the crown outright.

That’s good news for King Kekaulike, which finished right behind the two frontrunners.

Across the islands, some longshot matchups are in place. Castle is in dire straits with a plethora of injuries as it enters Saturday’s showdown with top-ranked Kahuku.

Punahou is also a decided underdog against No. 2-ranked Saint Louis Friday, though the Buffanblu have enough offensive spark to stay close.

Here’s a look at this weekend’s games statewide.

BIG ISLAND INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION
Kamehameha-Hawai’i (3-2, 2-2 league) @ Konawaena (3-2, 3-1 league)
Friday, 7:15 p.m.
Julian Yates Field
On Paper: There is no hotter team—aside from Hilo—in the BIIF than Konawaena. Conversely, the visiting Warriors are on a two-game losing skid.
The Skinny: The Wildcats are playing back-to-back games at home for the first time this fall. Containing KS-Hawai’i quarterback Mana Silva is a top priority. Whether the visitors can match up with Konawaena’s running game and receivers (Cody Silsley) is key. For KS-Hawai’i, this is a serious drought. Counting last year’s 6-0 run through the JV ranks, the Warriors had a nine-game win streak until losing to Hilo and Kealakehe.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Konawaena’s ground game controls the second half. Wildcats 23, Warriors 13.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Kohala (0-4, 0-4 league) @ Waiakea (2-3, 2-2 league)
Friday, 7:15 p.m.
Dr. Francis Wong Stadium, Hilo
On Paper: The Cowboys have struggled, especially on the road. After scoring 40 points at home three weeks ago against Kea’au, Kohala has been outscored 110-26 in two road games.
The Skinny: Waiakea is finally home after falling on the road two weeks in a row.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The 115-mile trek from North Hawai’i to Hilo town will take a toll, especially on a school day. Waiakea prevails, 42-27.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Hilo (5-0, 4-0 league) @ Honoka’a (1-4, 1-4 league)
Saturday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: The Dragons broke into the win column against overmatched Ka’u, but Hilo is the class of the league.
The Skinny: The Vikings love to ram the ball through opposing defensive lines over and over and over … Honoka’a will need perfect execution and recognition defensively to take the Viks out of their game. For a change, it doesn’t help Honoka’a to play at home. Hilo is quite used to playing in rain and mud.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Viks 33, Dragons 14.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Kealakehe (2-3, 2-2 league) @ Kea’au (2-2, 2-2 league)
Saturday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: After opening the BIIF slate with two wins, the Cougars have leveled out. Kealakehe began 0-2 and has bounced back. The Waveriders can’t afford a letdown.
The Skinny: The Cougars gave Konawaena fits two weeks ago before losing, 34-26. Kealakehe’s offense isn’t the same without playmaker Jinho Tohara.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The Waveriders escape with a 27-25 victory.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Hawai’i Prep (4-2, 4-0 league) @ Ka’u (0-5, 0-4 league)
Saturday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Ka Makani are healthy and on a roll.
The Skinny: The Trojans had their best game in BIIF play two weeks ago—at home—in a 21-0 loss to Waiakea.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Mike Kopra runs free, and HPA wins, 29-0.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

KAUA’I INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION
Kapa’a (1-3, 0-2 league) vs. Kaua’i (1-3, 1-1 league)
Friday, 7:15 p.m.
Vidinha Stadium, Lihue
On Paper: The Warriors are a run-first offensive unit. The Red Raiders live and die by the Run & Shoot.
The Skinny: Kaua’i won the first matchup (Sept. 10), 20-2. Unless Kapa’a can balance its offense, the results won’t change.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Red Raiders 21, Warriors 13.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

MAUI INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE
No games this week due to the Maui County Fair.

INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE OF HONOLULU
Iolani (4-0, 1-0 league) vs. Pac-Five (3-1-1, 0-0-1 league)
Friday, 4:45 p.m.
Aloha Stadium
On Paper: The Raiders have won the close ones—10-9 at Pearl City, 28-25 over Damien. They’re also well-rested after a bye week.
The Skinny: The Wolfpack are coming off a 19-all tie with Damien, and if they’re back to early preseason form, i.e. no injuries, they’re competitive with anyone.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Iolani’s ability to run dictates this final outcome. Raiders 33, Wolfpack 31.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

No. 2 Saint Louis (3-1, 1-0 league) vs. No. 10 Punahou (2-2, 0-1 league)
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Aloha Stadium
On Paper: Battle of Run & Shoot offenses. A few years back, Punahou actually scored 28 first-half points on the Saints before losing big.
The Skinny: The difference between these two teams is experience. Punahou’s young offensive line will be tested severely by Saint Louis’ defensive schemes.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Saint Louis 29, Punahou 17.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

O’AHU INTERSCHOLASTIC ASSOCIATION
Red Conference, West Division
No. 3 Mililani (5-0, 3-0 league) @ Pearl City (1-5, 0-4 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
Bino Neves Stadium
On Paper: The Chargers are not a team to be toyed with, especially at Bino Neves Stadium. They’ve been in almost all of their games, and they won’t pay mind to Mililani’s high ranking or unbeaten record. In some ways, these two have been archrivals for years—though in other sports.
The Skinny: The Chargers dearly miss the services of speedy running back Royal Kaua, but continue to play over their heads, playing out of position when necessary. Pearl City led Kapolei last week at the half before falling, 21-10. Mililani, however, is well-rested after a bye week. The Trojans would be wise to get the win and get out of Pearl City with as little damage (injury risk) as possible.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Trojans dominated the line of scrimmage for a 28-7 win.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Kapolei (2-3, 2-1 league) @ No. 7 Leilehua (5-0, 3-0 league)
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
Hugh Yoshida Stadium
On Paper: Kapolei, a team that lost 15 starters to graduation, is on the rise. Leilehua, meanwhile, is proving capable of winning close games.
The Skinny: The mighty Mules rallied with two late touchdowns at ‘Aiea for a 21-14 win last week. Coming home will be a relief for the young Mules. Kapolei, meanwhile, was outmuscled in the second half of a loss at No. 3 Mililani two weeks ago. Leilehua relies on finesse and the arm of sophomore Bryant Moniz. The ‘Cane defense must bring enough pressure on the young Leilehua passer. Should Kapolei grind out yardage with its option offense, Leilehua’s unbeaten run will end.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Kainoa Kaheaku-Enhada and Gilbert Brown will play pivotal roles in Kapolei’s secondary against Leilehua’s Anthony Palomares and Chustin Senas. The Hurricanes upset the Mules, 34-28
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

’Aiea (1-5, 1-3 league) @ Wai’anae (1-3, 0-2 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
Raymond Torii Field
On Paper: Na Ali’i nearly became the first team to beat Leilehua, but another injury to quarterback Kali Kuia played a key factor.
The Skinny: Wai’anae’s two losses in Red West play have been by a total of three points.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Home field never hurts the Seariders. Wai’anae breaks into the conference win column, 37-23.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

* McKinley (0-5-1, 0-3-1 league) @ Nanakuli (3-3, 1-1 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: This intriguing matchup pits two improving teams. The Tigers’ highlight of the season thus far came last week with a 20-all tie against Kailua. Nanakuli, meanwhile, is coming off a 9-7 win over rival Wai’anae.
The Skinny: The Tigers showed offensive spark with Tilton Kaluna at quarterback beginning two weeks ago in a loss to Roosevelt. If they protect him, they have a chance to win in hostile territory. Nanakuli, meanwhile, would love to run its veer option and eat chunks of time off the clock.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The Golden Hawks build an early lead and hold on for dear life in a 26-22 victory.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Red Conference, East Division
Kaimuki (0-6, 0-4 league) @ Kailua (2-2-1, 1-1-1 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Damien Torres is having a sensational year running the ball for the Surfriders. Joe Igber’s single-game mark of 352 yards may stand, however. Torres is a target for every defense, and Kailua needs more balance to get past the best teams in the league.
The Skinny: Kaimuki’s probies are back, and the Bulldogs are big and physical, if not deep at all. This will be a close game for at least one half. Kailua’s near-loss to McKinley is a big wake-up call.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Surfriders outlast ‘Dogs, 34-20.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Farrington (1-4, 1-2 league) @ Roosevelt (2-3, 2-1 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: The Rough Riders have been in every game so far, and another win would push them closer to a potential playoff berth.
The Skinny: Farrington is coming off consecutive defeats to Kahuku and Castle. The Govs will have to deal with a shifty, dangerous passer in Roosevelt signal-caller Rudy Artuyo. Roosevelt nearly upset Kailua four weeks ago, and has downed McKinley (25-0) and Kaimuki (21-7) since.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: The Rough Riders win a close one, 28-21.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

No. 1 Kahuku (4-1, 3-0 league) @ No. 6 Castle (5-1, 4-0 league)
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
Kailua H.S. Stadium
On Paper: In most cases, Castle has an outside chance of upsetting any team, formidable or otherwise. However, the Black Knights are dealing with a rash of injuries, including one to middle linebacker Blaze Soares.
The Skinny: Castle stays close for a half, but Kahuku’s girth up front and a talented stable of running backs (Micah Strickland) takes over in the second half.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Kahuku 32, Castle 20.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

OIA White
Campbell (4-1, 4-0 league) @ Waipahu (3-2, 2-1 league)
Friday, 6:30 p.m.
On Paper: The Sabers and their Wing T formation have given foes plenty of trouble this season. Another win vaults Campbell into good position for a Division II state tournament berth.
The Skinny: Waipahu’s ability to run the option without turnovers is the X Factor. Marauder quarterback Austen Benito has breakaway speed, but it’s a matter of holding on to the ball in short-yardage situations.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Campbell wide receiver Isaac Laupola is a gamebreaker, and he’ll be the difference when Waipahu’s defense crowds the box. Sabers 24, Marauders 21.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Kalaheo (2-3, 2-2 league) @ Waialua (1-4, 1-3 league)
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
On Paper: The Bulldogs are deeper this year, and have been in their share of games, losing to Moanalua 19-11 and Kapa’a 13-7. Kalaheo’s playoff hopes hinge on this weekend.
The Skinny: If the Mustangs don’t come to Waialua ready to play—and the long ride will give them ample time to get sluggish or pumped up—the Bulldogs could post their second win.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Kalaheo outlasts Waialua, 23-17.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

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