HondaReport.com - Pupule Pigskin Picks

You know the feeling you get when there hasn't been a full day off in a couple of weeks, but you still have the drive and energy to get through each day without a pause?

Yeah.

It ain't gonna happen, but I'm not going into heavy detail with my Pupule Pigskin Picks today. Don't hold it against me. Who else do you know goes to this length? And if you know anyone who will, have him (or her) post his picks on the forum so we can compare notes.

Friday's games
No. 2 Kahuku 26, Narbonne (Calif.) 21 — The Red Raiders are going to clear the sideline as everyone plays, and somehow, they'll find a way to beat a very good team from the Marine League of the CIF.

@ Kailua 30, Damien 27 — Sione Tau isn't healed up yet from an internal injury, and that hurts Damien just enough against a Kailua squad on the uprise. Zach Akamine runs up some ungodly stats, but his arm separates the Surfriders from the average OIA team. Throwing for less than 33-percent accuracy makes Akamine look like an average quarterback on paper, but the Surfriders are a threat in the East.

No. 3 Saint Louis 31, Castle 19 — The Knights are speedy, but young, and Saint Louis will converge at every mistake. Kenton Chun has been the most consistent, efficient placekicker in the state.

@ No. 5 Mililani 24, Waianae 14 — Televised games may trigger more anxiety and penalties, but the Trojans have the most experienced O-line in the state. Jordan Torres will be keyed on, so Rustin Funakoshi's reads will be crucial.

@ Waialua 33, Anuenue 31 — Both teams can throw the ball, but the question will be 'Who has the ball last?' Best quote of the season came from a Waialua assistant: "Last year, we had boys who loved to hit. This year, we got boys who love to grab."

Waipahu 27, @ Roosevelt 22 — The home team should win this, but the Marauder defense shut down Waialua last week, so ...

Baldwin 19, Kamehameha-Maui 6 — The Warriors will play ball-control, but the Bears still have too much firepower behind Jordan Helle, Chase Nakamura and Colten Quinabo.
Lahainaluna 46, Pac-3 0, War Memorial Stadium — Pity the Titans, who have some real talent, but a shortage of bodies.

@ Kealakehe 52, Ka‘u 0 — The Trojans truly are a tiny school with a smallish team. This is why Division III would be cool, especially for the Ka'us and Pac-3s of the land.

Saturday's games
@ Iolani 34, Moanalua 27 — The Menehunes lack experience, size and big playmakers, but they find ways to compete. The Raider offense is the best in Division II.

Pac-Five 27, Kalaheo 22 — The Wolfpack are better balanced, but the Mustangs will make a battle of it.

@ No. 4 Kamehameha 26, No. 6 Farrington 20 — Probably the best matchup between the two schools in a decade. Warrior fans have to be pleased with the playcalling, which is far less predictable since Kanani Souza returned from Corvallis.

No. 1 Punahou 23, Eastlake (Wash.) 20 — This is a ridiculous prospect, trying to gauge a game when one of the teams is a complete mystery. Oh well.

Aiea 41, @ Campbell 38 — There is no way this game will so high-scoring, but if Lofa Liilii plays, Campbell will be on its heels all night.

Leilehua 21, Radford 13 — Playing on a neutral field (Mililani) helps the Mules, who have the horses (no pun intended) to give Rams quarterback Epa Maika a lot to think about.

@ Kaiser 35, Kaimuki 20 — The Bulldogs have the ground game and defense, but lack the depth to stay fresh as the Cougars' relentless passing game takes a toll.

@ Pearl City 40, Kalani 6 — The Chargers have numbers, size and talent to handle the Falcons, who won't go down easily.

King Kekaulike 27, Maui 7 — The Saber program will need time to resurrect, while Na Alii are on a roll under J.W. Kenton.

Kamehameha-Hawaii 29, @ Honokaa 22 — Big test on the road for a young Warrior squad.