By Paul Honda
hrcFantasyLeague@aol.com
Thursday, Sept. 14, 2006

Some real, pivotal rivalries will be renewed this weekend. Here's Pupule's look.

Friday's games

Damien vs. Pac-Five, Aloha Stadium — The Monarchs spent a lot of energy last week in a 34-all tie with Iolani. The Wolfpack should be better rested. Pac-Five's balance on offense should make the difference. 'Pack 34, Monarchs 22.

No. 4 Kamehameha vs. No. 3 Saint Louis, Aloha Stadium — It's the Crusaders who are rested, while the Warriors have played four weeks in a row. Truman Chun did not play last week, a smart move by Kamehameha coach Kanani Souza. Whether either team will move the ball effectively through the air is a big question mark. I like the Crusaders and placekicker Kenton Chun in an extremely physical battle. Saint Louis 16, Kamehameha 14.

McKinley at No. 10 Castle — The Knights are deeper. Castle 24, McKinley 20.

Kalaheo at Moanalua — Jordan Monico is taking a pounding as the best running quarterback in the state. Does he have enough gas to get through another battle? I think so. Savaii Eselu's play at defensive end and wide receiver is a huge edge for the Menes. Moanalua 31, Kalaheo 24.

Kapolei at Mililani — The Hurricane defense was brilliant in last week's win over Aiea. Kamuela Foki is a major presence as a hard-hitting safety and a playmaking running back. The Trojans need to find a way to move the chains when defenses are glued to sensational running back Jordan Torres. Another tight battle in the OIA Red West. Mililani 26, Kapolei 21.

Aiea at Radford — Big question at quarterback for Aiea, where Alfredo Higa has been great (win at Campbell) and not-so-great (loss to Kapolei). The Rams have rested since a loss to Leilehua two weeks ago. Aiea's experience should make a difference, but injuries are a problem. Aiea 21, Radford 14.

No. 8 Waianae at No. 7 Leilehua — The Mules could be ripe for the picking after a huge win over arch rival Mililani. Waianae pulled an upset win over Mililani by exposing the Trojans' secondary, but Leilehua is a stronger, faster defensive unit. Mules 32, Seariders 26.

Nanakuli at Roosevelt — Rough year for the red and gold. Nanakuli is showing spunk under first-year coach Tai Apisa. Golden Hawks 22, Rough Riders 17.

Honokaa at Kealakehe — Dragons are much-improved offensively, but the Waveriders simply have too much talent. Gabe Tuata continues to light up scoreboards across the Big Island. Kealakehe 41, Honokaa 14.

Kamehameha-Hawaii at Keaau — For neighborhood bragging rights. The Warriors are young and improving. The Cougars are bouncing back from a surprisingly poor start. Cougars 29, Warriors 21.

Waimea vs. Kauai, Vidinha Stadium — A true pick-'em game between the improving Red Raiders and the resurgent Menehunes. Friday night lights, quality football and a jumbo saimin at Hamura's. It doesn't get much better than that. Red Raiders 26, Menehunes 24.

Kamehameha-Maui vs. Pac-3, War Memorial Stadium — Warriors simply too deep and big for the mighty Titans. KS-Maui 31, Pac-3 7.

No. 6 Baldwin at King Kekaulike — Momentum is with Na Alii, but Baldwin is by far the best team on the early schedule. King K has not had a good history of defending against the pass, and Jordan Helle will bring plenty of spirals. Bears 33, Na Alii 16.

Saturday's games

Kailua vs. No. 5 Farrington, Roosevelt Stadium — Surfriders have been very good so far, but the Governors are deep, big and fast. Elijah Filifili is most dangerous when the pocket breaks down. Govs 32, Surfriders 14.

Kaimuki at Waipahu — Another physical battle in the OIA White between two run-first teams. Bulldogs showing signs of an effective aerial attack. Kaimuki 33, Waipahu 28.

Anuenue at Kaiser — Anuenue will keep this game close, but the Cougars will keep deep threat Kamaki Sherman covered. Kaiser 41, Anuenue 32.

Kalani at Waialua — Bulldogs too explosive on offense for the visiting Falcons. Waialua 39, Kalani 7.

Hilo at Hawaii Prep — Afternoon football on the slopes of the pristine Kohala Mountains. Pine trees and the "world's best hamburgers" make football at HPA always worth the drive. Ka Makani gave Honokaa a tough game last week. Hilo's sophomore quarterback has already won on the road (at Kohala two weeks ago). Another close one. Hilo 17, Hawaii Prep 16.

Waiakea at Ka‘u — Tough season for the Trojans. Again, I hope Division III football comes around soon. Warriors 41, Trojans 7.

Konawaena at Kohala — Definitely a winnable game for the Cowboys, but they haven't shown much resilience at home. Quarterback Kawai Kanuha has the skills to guide the 'Cats to victory in hostile territory. Konawaena 19, Kohala 13.

Maui at Lahainaluna — Afternoon heat scorches everything in Lahaina. Lunas 26, Sabers 7.

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