By Paul Honda
hondareporttop10@aol.com
Friday, Sept. 22, 2006

I remember Punahou. Didn't they play high school football in the ILH? Boy, that was a while ago.

What? They played in the ILH last year? That's right ... it only feels like a decade since they played a league game.

Seriously, though, will we see a rusty Buffanblu team when they face fourth-ranked Kamehameha tomorrow night? Or will they be flying at full speed, clicking on every cylinder after a three-week break. In actuality, it has been four weeks since Punahou played on Hawaiian soil.

Here's a Pupule look at this weekend's games.

Friday's games
Castle at Kailua (homecoming) — The Surfriders have always had trouble beating their neighbors, and this is no exception. Castle may be small and inexperienced at a lot of positions, but speed is always the X Factor. Castle 22, Kailua 19.

Radford at Waianae (homecoming) — The Rams are probably the best one-win team in the state. The promotion to the OIA Red West was worthy, but it's a tough year to be in this conference. Every team has talent and enough depth to make a run at the OIA title. Waianae is just a force that is playing near the limits of its potential. Waianae 41, Radford 20.

Mililani at Aiea (homecoming) — Unwise is the man or woman who picks against the defending West champion (Mililani) when its back is to the wall. However, Aiea is talented, fast and will find a way to contain the Trojans' passing game. That means the burden is on Mililani's O-line and ballcarriers Jordan Torres and Isaiah Lawelawe. Aiea will miss Lofa Liilii (ankle), but has enough ammo to get over the hill. Aiea 38, Mililani 28.

Campbell at Kapolei (homecoming) — The Sabers are slipping quickly after a strong start during nonconference play. An injury to Aaron Santiago puts a serious dent in Kapolei's option attack. Campbell 27, Kapolei 15.

Kaiser at Waialua — Two explosive offenses collide at Tosh Nakasone Field. The 40-yard drive through Friday afternoon traffic on an old yellow school bus (no a/c) will knock the wind out of Kaiser's sails. Waialua 33, Kaiser 29.

Keaau vs. Waiakea, Wong Stadium — The Warriors are resilient, but the Cougars have a little more talent. Cougars 18, Warriors 16.

Ka‘u at Kamehameha-Hawaii — The Trojans have noting to lose, but matching up with the Warriors is impossible. Kamehameha-Hawaii 46, Ka‘u 6.

Kealakehe at Konawaena — Julian Yates Field will be packed for this battle between district rivals. The Wildcats are in position to capture the Division II title, but the Waveriders are too talented, powerful and deep. If any BIIF defense can contain Gabe Tuata, Kealakehe is vulnerable. That isn't the case this season, though ... Kealakehe 41, Konawaena 19.

Kauai vs. Kapaa, Vidinha Stadium — The Warriors are competitive, but falling into that old pattern of fading away by mid-season. One of these years, they'll have the talent and grit to go strong for an entire season. The Red Raiders simply have a mental edge over the Warriors. Kauai 27, Kapaa 6.

Lahainaluna at King Kekaulike — Na Alii would like to prove that the first few weeks of success aren't a fluke. The Lunas, though, have too much defense to allow that to happen. Lahainaluna 20, King Kekaulike 7.

Pac-3 vs. Baldwin, War Memorial Stadium — The best team in the MIL against the smallest. Not a good test for the Bears, who would be advised to rest its starters as much as possible. Baldwin 48, Pac-3 7.

Saturday's games
Pac-Five vs. Iolani, Aloha Stadium — The Raiders have been idle since a 34-all tie with Damien two weeks ago. Pac-Five is hungry for a win, but its supposedly experienced secondary hasn't improved much since last year. Raiders 51, Wolfpack 34.

Kamehameha vs. Punahou, Aloha Stadium — Punahou's offense against Kamehameha's defense is the juicy matchup, but what will happen when Kamehameha's offense takes on Punahou's young defense. The Buffanblu gained plenty of experience against quality foes in nonconference play. That will make a big difference against a Kamehameha offense that still could use a bit more unpredictability. Punahou 17, Kamehameha 10.

Farrington vs. Kalaheo (homecoming) — Mustangs are game, but thin. Govs are big, fast and still very good without injured quarterback Elijah Filifili. Farrington 40, Kalaheo 19.

Kahuku vs. McKinley, Roosevelt Stadium — Tigers will keep this close, but the Red Raiders will wear down any foe at the point of contact. Kahuku 33, McKinley 19<'/b>.