By Paul Honda
Editor
HondaReport.com
Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004

HONOLULU—Can the Iolani Raiders rise up and upset fourth-ranked Kamehameha-O’ahu?

Will the mighty Mules of Leilehua step up against all odds and knock down the big brown wall of No. 3 Mililani?

These questions—and more—answered in today’s Pupule Pigskin Picks.

BIG ISLAND INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION
Hilo (6-0, 5-0 BIIF) @ Waiakea (3-3, 3-2 BIIF)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: No team in the BIIF has stopped—or slowed—Vikings running back Royden Nabarro.
The Skinny: Waiakea’s defense struggled against Konawaena’s balanced attack last week. The Viks will dare the Warriors to stop their formidable ground attack. This crosstown rivalry could bring out the best in Waiakea.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Hilo 20, Waiakea 12.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Kea’au (2-3, 2-3 BIIF) @ Ka’u (0-6, 0-5)
Friday, 7 p.m. (no JV game)
On Paper: The visiting Cougars have struggled since opening the regular season with two wins.
The Skinny: The host Trojans are testament to the power of participation. They barely have enough players to field a team, and they have real size to speak of. Still, they fielded a team this year for the love of the game.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Cougars 41, Trojans 20.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Kamehameha-Hawai’i (3-3, 2-3 BIIF) @ Hawai’i Prep (5-2, 5-0 BIIF)
Saturday, 2 p.m.
On Paper: No team in the BIIF has stopped Royden Nabarro. Oops, I mean, Mike Kopra. Can the Warriors slow Kopra down?
The Skinny: The book on KS-Hawai’i is to keep a spy or two on Silva and force the Warriors to beat you with other weapons. HPA has enough defense to do that, especially at home.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Ka Makani 31, Warriors 18.
Hemo says: “The Warriors need to stop Kopra, and establish a well balanced offense if they expect to win this... They need to pressure QB Billy Case, and Silva must distribute the ball more...”
Imua91 says: "Mahoe, Crozier and Alnas need a break out game and make big stops against Kopra. As for Mana, the coaches need to test his arm a bit and to make surprising throws down the sidelines to his talented receivers. Make Kaleohano utilize his 6'2" frame to his advantage. And also throw the ball underneath to Alnas. The key is to keep it close the entire game then dig down deep in the late 3rd and 4th quarters. It seems that the Warriors just lose gas in the late quarters."

Honoka’a (1-5, 1-4 BIIF) @ Kealakehe (3-3, 3-2 BIIF)
Saturday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: The Waveriders 3-0 since Jinho Tohara’s return from injury. The senior running back has amassed 780 rushing yards in those three games.
The Skinny: The Waveriders are playing well, plus this is a must-win situation in terms of the Division I race for home-field advantage.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Kealakehe 40, Dragons 14.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Konawaena (4-2, 4-1 BIIF) @ Kohala (0-5, 0-5 BIIF)
Saturday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Since taking a licking at HPA a month ago, Konawaena has picked up momentum with wins over Ka’u, Kea’au and Kamehameha-Hawai’i.
The Skinny: Kohala has speed without a lot of size. The Cowboys pushed Kea’au to the limit before losing, 43-40.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Wildcats 38, Cowboys 22.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

KAUA’I INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION
Waimea (3-1, 2-0 KIF) vs. Kaua’i (2-3, 2-1 KIF)
Vidinha Stadium, Lihue
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
On Paper: The first time these two archrivals met, Waimea won at home, 21-13. Will the tide turn for Kaua’i now that the rematch is in Lihue?
The Skinny: The Red Raiders pulled out a 14-10 win over Kapa’a last week, while Waimea had a bye. Kaua’i's big concerns in preseason were the interior defensive line, inside linebacker and safety. If Waimea wins, the KIF title will be close to sealed up.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Red Raiders even the score with a 28-21 win.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

MAUI INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE
Pac-Three (2-2, 0-0 MIL 2nd round) vs. Maui (2-3, 0-0 MIL 2nd round)
War Memorial Stadium, Kahului
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
On Paper: Come on. Seriously. The Titans over the Sabers? Stranger things have happened, like the year Saint Anthony made a run for the MIL crown.
The Skinny: Maui is certainly struggling this season, at least in the MIL. The Sabers still have enough to fend off the Titans, but it won’t be easy. Pac-Three is confident after a 14-13 win over KS-Maui two weeks ago.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Maui 37, Pac-Three 27 .
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

No. 8 Lahainaluna (5-0-1, 0-0 MIL second round) vs. No. 5 Baldwin (3-0-2, 0-0 MIL second round
War Memorial Stadium, Kahului
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
On Paper: Since the 6-all tie between these teams on Sept. 3 … Lahainaluna has beaten Pac-Three (53-7), Maui (38-0) and King Kekaulike (16-10) … Baldwin has defeated Kamehameha-Maui (47-0) and Maui (47-0).
The Skinny: With two off weekends over the past four weeks, the Bears could be well-rested, yet slightly rusty. Lahainaluna’s secondary can meet the challenge, but can the Lunas’ offense play some ball control?
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Bears escape, 19-14.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE OF HONOLULU
Damien (2-2-1, 0-1-1 ILH) @ Punahou (2-3, 0-2 ILH)
Friday, 3:15 p.m.
On Paper: The label of being a young team fits Punahou, but two lopsided losses to the league’s top teams still don’t digest well for the Buffanblu. If they’re going to make a statement, now’s the time against a proud Damien squad that has expectations of its own.
The Skinny: The Buffanblu struggled without Brett Kan after his second-quarter injury two weeks ago against Kamehameha-O’ahu. They’ve had two weeks to adjust.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Buffanblu 29, Monarchs 25.
opihi1 says: “Not sure if this exactly qualifies as an upset, but I like Damien over Punahou this friday. The Monarchs have a decent running attack, if they can establish the run and sustain some clock eating drives, I like their chances. I also think that their defense is good enough to contain the Punahou O, especially if their young QB is starting.”
American Idol says: "Opihi1, what you got against Punahou? They are much better than you think. Mistakes killed them against KS and SL, but I think they'll right the ship against Damien with a big win. It wouldn't surprise me to see them get a victory against KS or SL, either, just as long as the breaks go their way. The breaks have gotta go their way sometime very soon. Punahou had the same kind of problems last year but got very hot and made people believe they could challenge anyone. The ground game definately needs work, but the defense is improving while the QB's are getting better. I pick Punahou, 37-20. This Punahou team's got the talent to challenge anyone, so it's just a matter of time before it'll right the ship."

No. 2 Saint Louis (4-1, 2-0 ILH) vs. Pac-Five (3-2-1, 0-1-1 ILH)
Aloha Stadium
Friday, 4:45 p.m.
On Paper: The Crusaders are picking up steam, much the way they did during their state title run two seasons ago.
The Skinny: Pac-Five took a shot to the solar plexus in last week’s 38-13 loss to Iolani. Unless the establish control at the line of scrimmage, Saint Louis will speed right by.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Crusaders 33, Wolfpack 10.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

No. 7 Iolani (5-0, 2-0 ILH) vs. No. 4 Kamehameha-O’ahu (3-1-1, 1-1 ILH)
Aloha Stadium
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
On Paper: Kiran Kepo’o may be bigger than some of his own offensive linemen, but the Raiders’ Run & Shoot attack has prospered.
The Skinny: Can the Raiders move the ball against Kamehameha’s stout linebacker crew? The Warriors have proven that they can keep Run & Shoot offenses from exploding, re: Baldwin, Saint Louis, Punahou.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Even with a lead, Iolani will need to move the chains with some consistency, and that’s tough to do without a powerful running back. Warriors win, 23-9.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

O’AHU INTERSCHOLASTIC ASSOCIATION
Red Conference
West Division
Kapolei (2-4, 2-2 league) @ Wai’anae (2-4, 1-3 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Winning at Raymond Torii Field is never an easy proposition
The Skinny: . Kapolei toppled Wai’anae last year in preseason, but this Hurricane team doesn’t have the same level of experience.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Tough call, but the Seariders have enough firepower to stave off their Leeward Coast neighbors. Wai’anae 23, Kapolei 20.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

’Aiea (3-4, 2-3 league) @ Nanakuli (3-3, 2-2 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Na Ali’i are coming off a win over Wai’anae, and before that, they had Leilehua on the ropes before losing in the final minutes.
The Skinny: ‘Aiea has enough offense to win, but can its defense stop Nanakuli’s veer option?
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Na Ali’i outlast the Golden Hawks, 27-26.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

No. 6 Leilehua (6-0, 4-0 league) @ No. 3 Mililani (6-0, 4-0 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Mules are young, Trojans won’t be fazed by the TV cameras. Mules rely heavily on the passing game. Trojans like running the ball behind big Sene Ma’afala.
The Skinny: Mililani found ways to torment the last Run & Shoot team it met (Punahou). Unless Leilehua can control the line of scrimmage, the Trojans will win this battle between archrivals. With two defensive linemen switching to offense this week, Leilehua just might have enough girth to grind out first downs in the second half. Mililani’s secondary will be fully tested since safety Justin Morris is out with a shoulder separation. Will Jon Santos play defense? Nothing is out of the question Friday night.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Get your seats early. This will be a sellout, if all indications are right. A rainy night favors Mililani. Trojans edge Mules, 24-23.
kau wildman says: “People are picking a close one between Mililani and Leilehua. I'd say close for a half, the then Trojans smoke the Mules and win by at least 2 TD's.”

East Division
Kaimuki (0-7, 0-5 league) vs. McKinley (0-5-1, 0-3-1 league)
Roosevelt H.S. Stadium
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Rival schools, yes. Winless, to boot. That gives these teams plenty of incentive, especially with the regular season coming to a close soon.
The Skinny: Tilton Kaluna has stepped up as McKinley’s quarterback, and the Tigers have had two weeks of rest since tying Kailua, 20-all. Kailua trounced the Bulldogs last week, 42-7.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Tigers escape with a 26-20 victory.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Roosevelt (2-4, 2-2 league) @ No. 1 Kahuku (5-1, 4-0 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: The Rough Riders are probably the best 2-4 team in the state. Two years ago, their Duck offense stunned Kahuku in an upset win.
The Skinny: The Red Raiders are dominating the league. Is this the week they have a letdown? Possibly, with an injury to their starting quarterback last week. Whatever the circumstances, Kahuku’s size will wear Roosevelt down in the second half. Micah Strickland has carried the ball just 20 times for 366 yards. That’s a whopping 18.3 yards per attempt. Not bad for part-time work.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Red Raiders 37, Rough Riders 15.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Kailua (3-2-1, 2-1-1 league) vs. Farrington (2-4, 2-2 league)
Roosevelt H.S. Stadium
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
On Paper: The Surfriders need a win to get closer to a playoff berth. The Governors revived playoff hopes by knocking off Roosevelt, 20-12, last week.
The Skinny: Kailua has the antidote to Roosevelt’s dangerous quarterback, Rudy Artuyo (59-of-110, 729 yards, nine touchdowns, three interceptions). Damien Torres leads the league with 752 rushing yards (229 per game) at an 11.4
8 yards-per-carry clip.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Kailua outlasts Farrington, 29-23.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

White Conference
Radford (3-3, 3-2 league) vs. Kalaheo (2-3, 2-2 league)
Kailua H.S. Stadium
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: The Rams are second-to-last in the conference in total offense, yet know how to take care of the ball and eat the clock. No team has given up more passing yardage, however, than Radford.
The Skinny: Kalaheo quarterback Pershin threw for 336 yards last week against Waialua. If the Rams don’t put enough pressure on him, it could be a long night. Radford linebacker Russell Wantkowski could see a lot of Pershin, and vice-versa.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Radford 24, Kalaheo 17.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Waialua (1-4, 1-3 league) @ Kaiser (2-4, 2-3 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: Waialua had problems stopping the pass last week, and it gets no easier this Friday.
The Skinny: Kaiser topped Moanalua two weeks ago, 28-7, and is well-rested after last week’s bye.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Cougars 33, Bulldogs 22.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Kalani (1-5, 0-5 league) @ Waipahu (3-2, 3-1 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: The Marauders have worked hard the past couple of years to rejuvenate their once-proud program. Another victory could propel them into solid position for a post-season berth.
The Skinny: Kalani is a quicker team than it was last year, but handling Waipahu’s ground attack (205 yards per game) will be an issue. Krypton Taito (first, 505 yards, 7.4 yards per attempt) and quarterback Austen Benito (fifth) rank among the top rushers in the conference.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Marauders win at home again, 23-7.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

Moanalua (3-3, 2-3 league) @ Campbell (4-2, 4-1 league)
Friday, 7 p.m.
On Paper: The Menehune rank third in the conference in passing yardage, but Campbell is third against the pass.
The Skinny: The Sabers’ ground game (284 yards per game) determines this outcome.
Pupule’s Crystal Ball: Campbell 41, Moanalua 27.
HRC Ohana says: “ccc”

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