Friday
No. 4 Punahou at No. 5t Mililani
Trojans are further along than the new starters at Punahou. Mililani has at least two clear and definite gamebreakers in Dalaunte "Taz" Stevenson and Hassan Richardson, not to mention an athletic quarterback in Trent McKinney. Punahou has athletes, but they're learning on the job. The two most positive elements: Experienced O-line and defense. With the WR/SB corps diminished by graduation and injury, don't be surprised if the Buffanblu eventually move at least one athlete to the position and give the keys to Liloa Travis, who understands the offense and has a quick trigger on progressions. Pupule says: Trojans 24, Buffanblu 21.

No. 7 Farrington at Roosevelt
Rough ride for Roosevelt against one of the most physical teams in the OIA. Pupule says: Governors veto the Teddies, 42-7.

Kaimuki at No. 9 Castle
The Bulldogs can win this game if they take care of the ball. Two or fewer turnovers would keep them in the game. Castle, though, has major speed and might wear down the visitors in the second half. Pupule says: Black Knights 25, Bulldogs 21.

Damien at Campbell
Sabers have playmakers, but Damien has a history of success against OIA teams in nonconference action. Can someone send me the DVD? Pupule says: Sabers escape Monarchs, 33-28.

Word of Life at Waipahu
Firebrands are rested and healed up for this battle of ground troops. Waipahu has the option game wired, while WOLA is tinkering with the aerial attack. The Firebrands have size and skill up front, but lack depth. Pupule says: Marauders hang on for a 30-20 victory.

Kalaheo vs. Kaiser, Kailua field
Kaiser has the potential to be a dangerous offensive force, which is what coach Pat Samsonas and his staff thrive on. Kalaheo's ball-control offense, with Phil Tauai at quarterback, is a tough challenge. Experience is with the Mustangs. Pupule says: Kalaheo 29, Kaiser 22.

Moanalua at Radford
Very interesting matchup between neighboring rivals. A lot of good playmakers in this one. Moanalua gets big plays from RB Tahje Canyon, but will someone else step up if Radford's defense puts a lid on him? Pupule says: Rams 23, Na Menehune 21.

Anuenue vs. Waialua, Kaiser Stadium
Bulldogs have some girth in the trenches, while Na Koa will suit up 20 players. Playing at "home" will help Anuenue, but the Graham Rowley (BYU) effect will be substantial. Pupule says: Na Koa 25, Bulldogs 24.

Kapaa at Waiakea
Very interesting matchup as Waiakea (Warriors) come off a 12-0 win over KS-Hawaii (Warriors) to play Kapaa (Warriors). War. What is it good for .... But seriously, this is a big step for Kapaa and coach Kelii Morgado. How will the program fare on this faraway trip? Win or lose, it could be one of the chapters that lead to Kapaa's emergence as a D-II state contender down the road. For now, Waiakea has enough to defend its turf. Pupule says: Waiakea 27, Kapaa 20.

Saturday's games
No. 1 Saint Louis at No. 8 Leilehua
The Mules are proud and not happy about last week's loss, but progress takes time, and the Crusaders have a solid defense to go with QB Jeremy Higgins' offensive proficiency. The Crusaders are simply ahead of everyone else right now. Pupule says: Saints hang on for a 34-29 win.

No,. 2 Kahuku at Kailua
Kailua LB Calen Friel is very good, but he'll need lots of help against a Kahuku offense that is developing the air game. Pupule says: Red Raiders 35, Surfriders 14.

No. 3 Kamehameha at No. 5t Waianae
This might be the best game of the weekend. The Warriors haven't been tested through the air a whole lot, and this is going to be a mid-term exam of sorts. Ryan Ho is one of top rushers in the state, but Waianae will be ready. They've seen what Jeremy Higgins can do when given time. I don't know if they'll sit back against unproven Kamehameha passers. Keoni Napierala-Rose is one of the top playmakers in the state, and WR James Wilson may be back to good health after a week with the flu. Pupule says: Seariders scramble to 17-10 win.

No. 10 Kapolei at ‘Iolani
It's muscle versus finesse in this afternoon game. The Raiders can take the heat, and that no-huddle offense might cause the Hurricanes to fade away. Pupule says: 'Canes 27, Raiders 26.

Pac-Five at Nanakuli
The Golden Hawks, like most run-oriented teams, can't really prepare for P.J. Minaya's aerial circus. Can they put enough pressure on him? That's the key. Pupule says: Wolfpack march on, 33-20.

Kauai at Lahainaluna
Another afternoon game, just as the game was meant to be played. The Red Raiders are the favorite in the KIF. The Lunas are the D-II fave in the MIL. Lunas are used to that scorching afternoon (12:45 p.m. kickoff) heat in West Maui. How much zip will the Red Raiders' run-and-shoot offense have? Pupule says: Lunas 25, Red Raiders 22.

Waimea vs. Maui, War Memorial Stadium
Could be a breakthrough game for the once-proud Sabers. Waimea lost at home last week to Hawaii Prep. Pupule says: Sabers 24, Menehunes 20.

Aiea at Pearl City
Na Alii swept the Chargers in girls volleyball on Thursday. The football team will have it a little tougher. Pupule says: Aiea 27, Pearl City 25.

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