Friday's games

Nonconference
Kahuku at Kealakehe — Waveriders are truly testing themselves with an early-season matchup against the formidable kings of Oahu's North Shore. Both teams are young and learning, but Kahuku has more weapons, especially at running back. Pupule says: Red Raiders pull out a 12-10 squeaker.

Punahou at Castle — Castle has often played the big boys early in the year. Two seasons ago, Saint Louis escaped with a 17-13 win. It won't be easy for the No. 1 Buffanblu. Castle has the speed to match the Buffanblu's aerial attack. Look for Punahou to play a little more smashmouth football between the tackles. That would keep Castle and its no-huddle, run-and-shoot offense off the field. Pupule says: Buffanblu pull away late, 27-14.

Pac-Five at Roosevelt — TV game at the Ticky puts the spotlight on two solid programs. Wolfpack have youth and very good talent for a D-II team. Rough Riders need to score more points — just 13 in two games. Pupule says: 'Pack wins 19-14.

Damien at Kailua — Has the makings of a defensive brawl. Anthony "Bones" Tuitele has become a master of navigation for the old-school Monarchs. Surfriders are adjusting to a new QB (since Kenny Ellis' season-ending injury). Should be close. Pupule says: No bones about it, Damien edges Kailua 21-15.

King Kekaulike at Bay (Panama City, Fla.) — Na Alii are bigger, Bay High is faster. Fresh legs wins. Pupule says: Bay 41, King K 33.

Mission Viejo (Calif.) vs. Baldwin, War Memorial Stadium — Mission Viejo is going to be tough, but the Bears are learning quickly at key positions. Pupule says: Bears in a thriller, 31-29.

Konawaena at Waiakea — The D-II Wildcats have a long drive ahead. It's tough playing at the end of a school week, at the end of the school day, after a 2 1/2-hour drive over and around mountains and gulches. The Warriors are playing well under former standout William Tolentino, but the 'Cats are cohesive and out to prove they deserve more attention from the Big Island media. Pupule says: Gang Green (Kona) 25, Blue Boys (Waiakea) 21.

Maui at Waimea, Hanapepe Ballpark — Never, ever easy to win in Hanapepe, where the bleachers are gray and resemble the seats from old Honolulu Stadium. Pupule says: Menehunes (yes, they do it plural) 35, Sabers 14.

St. John Bosco (Calif.) at Kamehameha — The visitors will give the Warriors a different look, but Kamehameha is simply too strong and precise — mid-season form. Pupule says: Kamano's scrambling gives the defense headaches, Warriors win 41-21.

OIA Red
Kapolei at Waianae — Seariders have a chance to gain momentum after a tough start, but the Hurricanes are deep and loaded. Pupule says: Kapolei survives, 22-20.

OIA White
Kalaheo at Kaiser — Cougars have talent and less than 25 players. Same with the Mustangs. Can Kaiser contain Kalaheo QB Phil Tauai? I think they might. Pupule says: Cougs 44, 'Stangs 33.

Campbell at Aiea — Student versus Teacher, Amosa vs. Say. They'll save the hugs for after the game. Pupule says: Sabers roar, 40-29.

Radford at Moanalua — A true rivalry game between very solid programs. Pupule says: Na Menehune prevail 28-27.

Saturday's games

Nonconference
Keaau at Lahainaluna — Lunas too strong for the rebuilding Cougars. Pupule says: Manning leads the way, Lunas win 33-16.

Kaimuki at Iolani — Bulldogs will make the walk across Date Street in the heat of the day. Raiders are anxious to knock off a D-I team. Pupule says: Bulldogs rack up the points, but the Raiders rally for a 41-40 win. (Again.)

Farrington vs. Saint Louis at Roosevelt — Crusaders are airborne under John Hao. Govs pass rush is the key to the game. Pupule says: Crusaders pull out a 21-14 win.

Word of Life at Kamehameha-Maui — Firebrands bring the Double Wing to Pukalani. Pupule says: Word of Life 27, KS-Maui 21.

Kohala vs. St. Anthony, War Memorial Stadium — Cowboys have an edge on the depleted Trojans. Pupule says: Kohala 34, St. Anthony 21.

OIA Red
Mililani at Leilehua — Traditional arch rivals go at it in the TV game. Pupule says: Trojans split with the Mules last year, winning 16-14 in September and losing 27-21 in the playoffs (OT). Leilehua is ahead of the curve right now. Mules 32, Trojans 21.

OIA White
Pearl City at Waipahu — Marauders are potent with the spread option. Pupule says: Pearl City's run defense is tough, but Waipahu wins 30-15.

Anuenue at Waialua — Bulldogs have more size and the home-field advantage. Pupule says: Waialua 24, Na Koa 20.

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