By Paul Honda
hondareporttop10@aol.com
Sunday, Oct. 1, 2006

A season of parity has made life much more dramatic for teams across the state, none more so in the top two leagues.

Saint Louis has emerged as the best team in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, while the Oahu Interscholastic Association is up for grabs.

Here's a look at Pupule's ballot.

1. Saint Louis (5-0-0, 1-0-0 ILH). A resounding win over season-long No. 1 Punahou, on top of a win over Kamehameha two weeks ago, makes this a no-brainer. Not only are the Crusaders a team that has beaten five quality teams, they know how to win in the clutch. Did you know? Look at the numbers and you'll find several all-state candidates on the roster, including quarterback Micah Mamiya (64-for-128, three TDs, 2 INT), who ran for 113 yards and two touchdowns against Punahou. Quality wins: Punahou (38-35), McKinley (42-7), Leilehua (20-0), at Castle (17-13), Kamehameha (10-3).

2. Punahou (4-1-0, 1-1-0 ILH). It's basically Saint Louis as 1a and Punahou as 1b right now. Did you know? Is it just me, or does it seem like Brett Kan plays his best when his team is trailing in the final minutes? Overall, his numbers are a mix. Kan is 107-for-171 with 1,317 yards passing in five games, eight TD, 11 INT. In the clutch, though, it would be hard to pick another QB. Quality wins: Kahuku (20-18), at Waianae (21-12), Eastlake (Wash.) 23-16, Kamehameha (14-13). Loss: Saint Louis (38-35). Note: Eastlake was ranked No. 3 and No. 1 by separate Washington state media.

3. Kamehameha (4-2-0, 0-2-0 ILH). Nice rest for the Warriors, who are the best third-place team in the ILH in recent memory. Quality wins: Aiea (35-20), Farrington (7-6), Redlands East Valley (Calif.) 9-7. Losses: Saint Louis (10-3), Punahou (14-13).

4. Waianae (5-2-0, 5-0-0 OIA Red West). The string of shutouts is over, but forcing six turnovers in yesterday's win over Aiea is a remarkable stat. Quality wins: Aiea (34-21), at Mililani (28-13), Campbell (16-14), at Leilehua (24-0), Radford (28-0). Losses: Farrington (37-0), Punahou (21-12).

5. McKinley (5-2-0, 4-1-0 OIA Red East). Still rolling after a 30-13 win over Moanalua. X factor: Staying healthy is of utmost importance for the Tigers, who don't have the kind of depth that is taken for granted for Saint Louis, Punahou, Kamehameha, Kahuku, Farrington and Waianae. Quality wins: at Kapolei (28-13), at Castle (12-9), Kahuku (14-13). Losses: Saint Louis (42-7), at Kailua (19-8).

6. Kahuku (4-2-0, 3-1-0 OIA Red East). Big win over Farrington was orchestrated by the Big Red Defense. When this team is at its best, few can stop them. Other times, beatable. Mr. T: Kaniela Tuipulotu's halftime speech was just what the country doctor ordered. Quality win: Farrington (38-0). Losses: Punahou (20-18), McKinley (14-13). Note: Kahuku defeated Narbonne (Calif.) 25-6; Narbonne is currently 1-2.

7. Farrington (4-1-0, 4-0-0 Red East). McKinley, Kahuku and Farrington are virtually interchangeable on my ballot from 4 to 6. Big E: With quarterback Elijah Filifili healthy, the Govs can beat anyone in the state. If he returns too early from that broken finger, the Govs might squander post-season hopes. Quality win: at Waianae (37-0). Losses: Kahuku (32-0) at Kamehameha (7-6).

8. Iolani (3-1-1, 1-0-1 ILH). Bye week is a huge help for the small, speedy Raiders. Winning smart: The stats aren't necessarily off-the-charts week to week, but the Raiders are impressing their coach (Wendall Look) by finding different, new ways to win each week. Quality wins: Radford (22-16), Pac-Five (24-14). Loss: Mililani (26-23). Tie: Damien (34-34).

9. Baldwin (4-0-0, 4-0-0 MIL). This is the way it is for me: Baldwin didn't play, yet I dropped the Bears two spots on my ballot. Why? McKinley is a truly emerging team, plus Iolani simply has quality wins. Baldwin has a quality win. Singular. Quality win: Lahainaluna (6-5).

10. Leilehua (4-2-0, 3-1-0 OIA Red West). Tough win over Kapolei pushes the Mules into position to probably host a first-round playoff game ... which is a curious point. Would the Mules rather play on a dry, fast surface, or on the cake of mud on their home field? Quality wins: Kapolei (23-14), Radford (37-19), Mililani (23-14). Losses: Saint Louis (20-0), Waianae (24-0).

On the cusp
Kealakehe (7-0-0, 5-0-0 BIIF). The Waveriders have talent and numbers, but remain untested by a league that is Division II — in talent and numbers — from top to bottom. The 'Riders are the only D-I team in the BIIF that actually should be there. In the mid-1960s, Hilo High was so dominant that the BIIF was literally a waste of time for the Viks. They went to play in the MIL, taking a ferry ride that eventually got pretty old. During their three years in the MIL, Hilo actually won the title once, an interisland-interleague feat that has never been done — or tried again — since. If I had beellions of dollars, I'd love to pit the Waveriders against top teams in August and early September, and then schedule another exhibition game (mainland trip?) during a mid-season bye. Quality wins: none. Notes: The last time Kealakehe played a quality opponent was in the 2005 state tournament. Waveriders lost at home to Waianae 28-21. ... Kealakehe's nonconferene foes were Bassett (Calif.) and a Canadian all-star team. Waveriders beat each team soundly. Bassett is currently 0-5 overall, 0-1 in the Montview League, outscored 168-26.

Under consideration
Damien
Mililani
Aiea
Castle
Lahainaluna
Kapolei
Kauai

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