|
Pupule Pigskin Picks, Week 6, Sept. 21-22
Posted at 1:01 PM
Nice matchups this week, starting with No. 1 Saint Louis and No. 2 Punahou.
(Rankings according to Honolulu Star-Bulletin coaches and media panel.)
Friday's games
ILH
No. 1 Saint Louis (3-0, 0-0) vs. No. 2 Punahou (3-0, 1-0), Aloha Stadium -- So many facets to this jewel. Though last year's games were high scoring wins by Saint Louis (38-35 and 33-27), I think both coaches will look to control the ball and field position. That's what having a good defense can do, and both teams are solid there. Saint Louis has not played in three weeks. Punahou, obviously, will bring heat defensively with Manti Te‘o. Who will bring the heat for Saint Louis? I'm looking for SL to put major pressure on Cayman Shutter while closing off the edge when Kimo Makaula is in the game. In the end, this game comes down to one thing: can Mamiya hit the short and deep outs the way he did as a sophomore? Pupule says: Crusaders rally for a 21-17 win.
Iolani (2-2, 1-0) vs. Pac-Five (1-3, 0-1), Aloha Stadium -- The Wolfpack need some defensive plays and offensive consistency. Turnovers and moving the chains, those will make a difference against a hot Iolani offense. Raiders are hot until someone proves they're not. Pupule says: Raiders 32, Wolfpack 22.
Kailua (1-4, 1-2) at Castle (2-3, 2-1) -- The suspension of Solomon Koehler leaves two huge gaps to fill for the Knights. Pupule says: Surfriders hang on, 19-12.
Aiea (3-2, 2-1) at No. 4 Mililani (4-1, 2-1) -- Na Alii are hungry, Trojans are efficient and balanced. Pupule says: Trojans escape, 27-21.
No. 7 Waianae (4-1, 2-1) at Radford (0-4, 0-2) -- Seariders have questions on offense (Ben McQuown's shoulder) but no questions on defense. Pupule says: Seariders 26, Rams 7.
OIA White
Waialua (2-3, 1-3) at Kaiser (1-4, 1-3) -- Cougars getting better each week, while Waialua makes another cross-island trip. Can Kaiser keep Waialua back Donovan Matas under wraps? Pupule says: Bulldogs bite Cougars 28-27.
Pearl City (2-1-1, 1-1) at Waipahu (2-2, 2-1) -- Crucial matchup for some inside position for a playoff berth. Battle of the running backs, Antoine DeWalt vs. Keo Palimoo. Pupule says: Marauders 22, Chargers 19.
Anuenue (3-2, 2-2) at Roosevelt (3-1, 3-1) -- Great matchup. Rough Riders finally get to play at home again. Na Koa need to right the ship and head back into playoff direction. Pupule says: Rough Riders in a thriller, 33-28.
KIF
Waimea (3-0, 1-0) vs. Kapaa, Vidinha Stadium -- Menehunes are on a roll, and though Kauai won the last four KIF titles, Waimea still has a historical and psychological edge on Kapaa. Pupule says: Menehunes 32, Warriors 7.
BIIF
Kamehameha-Hawaii (1-3, 1-1) at Ka‘u (0-2, 0-2) -- Warriors finally got a win last week, and though they're young, they're still deeper and bigger against the Trojans. Pupule says: Warriors 41, Trojans 6.
Hilo (3-2, 2-0) at Kealakehe (4-0, 3-0) -- The Vikings have won once already this season on the west side, a non-league game with Konawaena. Of course, Kealakehe beat Konawaena by three touchdowns last week. Pupule says: Waveriders pull away, 34-17.
MIL
Lahainaluna (3-0, 1-0) vs. St. Anthony, War Memorial Stadium -- Trojans are proud, but this could be the Lunas year. Pupule says: Lunas 41, Trojans 13.
Saturday's games
OIA Red
Kapolei (3-1, 1-1) at Campbell (0-2-1, 0-2), 1 p.m. -- Neighborhood rivals in a mid-day scorcher. Hurricanes are impressive physically, but can they contain Campbell's Wing T? Pupule says: Sabers rise for 15-14 win.
Farrington (2-1-1, 2-1) vs. No. 9 Kalaheo (4-1, 2-1), Roosevelt Stadium -- Governors struggled for three quarters against the Mustangs last year before pulling away. This time, the Mustangs eke it out. Pupule says: Mustangs 25, Governors 20.
McKinley (0-4, 0-2) at No. 6 Kahuku (2-2, 2-0) -- Don't be surprised if the Tigers hang tough for more than a half. Between a good pass-catching running back (Will Sparks) and tall targets (Tavita Woodward, Tana Woodward), quarterback Earvin Sione (6-foot-4) will get looks. Question is, can he get the ball off before Kahuku's fast 'backers get to him? Pupule says: Red Raiders outmuscle the Tigers, 41-21.
OIA White
Kalani (0-4, 0-4) at Nanakuli (1-4, 1-3) -- Both teams are showing improvement, but the senior-heavy Golden Hawks won't give up on their playoff hopes. Pupule says: Golden Hawks 39, Falcons 13.
MIL
Baldwin (2-1, 1-0) at King Kekaulike (1-2, 1-0) -- Bears are getting healthy, Na Alii are finding their identity after a heavy graduation. King K can score points, but Baldwin's defense is tough. Pupule says: Bears 29, Na Alii 8.
BIIF
Honokaa (0-4, 0-3) at Keaau (1-2, 1-1) -- Dragons installed a new offense (again), but the results have been tough to bear. Last week's 26-22 loss to Hilo hurts. Keaau gave Kealakehe big problems two weeks ago. Pupule says: Cougars 36, Dragons 26.
Kohala (1-3, 1-2) at Konawaena (1-4, 1-2) -- Despite losing three starters (transferred to Kealakehe), the Wildcats have remained resilient. Pupule says: Wildcats 33, Cowboys 19.
Previous Article: BIIF and Division II
Next Article: Pupule's Top 10 ballot (Sept 23)
© Copyright 2003 HondaReport.com/Leahi.Net
|