Advertisement - Click to support our sponsors.


Star-Bulletin Sports


Wednesday, November 15, 2000


P R E P _ F O O T B A L L



Quest for state football
title begins Friday


By Glen Higa and Dave Reardon
Star-Bulletin

A look at the teams in the first round of the Chevron State Football Championships:

ST. LOUIS vs. CASTLE

Where and when: Friday, 5:05 p.m., Aloha Stadium.

How they got here: St. Louis (12-0) is the Interscholastic League of Honolulu champion. Castle (9-3) is the Oahu Interscholastic Association fourth-place team.

About St. Louis: RB Pesefea Fiaseu led the ILH in rushing (1,154 yards) and touchdowns (21), despite rarely playing more than a half. QB's Bobby George and Kelika Higa combined for 28 touchdown passes and two interceptions. That's interesting: The Crusaders have yielded 0 points in the third quarter all season.

About Castle: Former Crusader Joel Botelho passed for 19 TDs and 3 INTs in the regular season. Kaleo Segovia led the OIA White with 19 TDs. That's interesting: Kailua graduate Nelson Maeda beat his alma mater, 7-6, in the OIA quarterfinals.

Analysis: The Knights may be the toughest team on Oahu, pound-for-pound. But that won't be enough against one of the nation's best teams -- even without three top defenders.

Words to remember: "We know they're very athletic and we're overmatched at every position." -- Castle coach Nelson Maeda.

WAIANAE vs. MAUI

Where and when: Friday, 7:30 p.m., Maui War Memorial Stadium.

How they got here: Waianae (11-1) placed second in the OIA. Maui (10-0-1) is the Maui Interscholastic League Champion.

About Waianae: Searider RBs Lono Manners and Peter Sarono were the top scoring tandem in the regular season (18 TDs). Several injuries, including to key defenders FS Kekoa Reyes and LB Keaka Kamai, have slowed Waianae. That's interesting: The Seariders yielded more points in the OIA playoffs (45) than during the regular season (42).

About Maui: Chad Gerard and Tualau "Andrew" Malafu both rushed for over 1,000 yards during the regular season. QB/FS David Tufaga (6-2, 192) is considered a top prospect. That's interesting: The Sabers' defense had five shutouts in 10 regular season games.

Analysis: The most intriguing first-round match-up features two strong running games and stingy defenses. Stamina is the key for Maui with many athletes playing both ways.

Words to remember: "Hopefully it will take a couple of days for Waianae to recuperate from the emotional shock (of its loss to Kahuku)." -- Maui coach Curtis Lee.

WAIMEA vs. KAHUKU

Where and when: Friday, 8:05 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.

How they got here: Waimea (8-0) won the Kauai Interscholastic Federation title. Kahuku (11-2) is the OIA champion.

About Waimea: Menehune is an appropriate nickname for a defense that averages 157 pounds. RB Jesse Sablan leads Waimea's ground-control offense. That's interesting: Sablan holds two single-game state tournament rushing attempt records.

About Kahuku: The Red Raiders used a balanced attack to lead the OIA Red in scoring. QB Inoke Funaki led the division in TD passes and RB Mulivai Pula produced 11 TDs. LB Douglas Hiu is an unsung star of the defense. That's interesting: 16 Red Raiders scored TDs during the regular season.

Analysis: Waimea's strong defense limited KIF opponents to seven points all season, but has not played a team as big as Kahuku. The Red Raiders must avoid mistakes the way it did last week against Waianae.

Words to Remember: "I don't think we can afford any turnovers." -- Waimea coach Jon Kobayashi.

KAIMUKI vs. HILO

Where and when: Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Wong Stadium.

How they got here: Kaimuki (9-3) placed third in the OIA. Hilo (9-2) is the Big Island Interscholastic Federation champion.

About Kaimuki: The Bulldogs rely on WRs Justin Faimealelei and Kila Kamakawiwo'ole to make plays and score points. They also play defense. Chanceton Mirafuentes finished second in OIA Red rushing. That's interesting: QB Brandon Caires' shoulder was injured Saturday. If he can't play, Faimealelei replaces him.

About Hilo: The Vikings dominated the Big Island with strong defense led by DL Kalani Siliga, LB Keola Daog and S Michael Baji. Hayden Stevens is the top RB -- he ran for a 77-yard TD against Kaimuki in presesason. That's interesting: Siliga (5-8, 230) squats 525, powerlifts 275 and benches 340.

Analysis: Kaimuki beat Hilo in preseason, 36-7, as Caires passed for three touchdowns. But if Caires is out this time, things could finish differently.

Words to Remember: "Our kids are getting a little antsy. They haven't hit since their last game (October 27 against Waiakea)." -- Hilo coach Albert Kawelu.

Bracket chart



E-mail to Sports Editor


Text Site Directory:
[News] [Business] [Features] [Sports] [Editorial] [Do It Electric!]
[Classified Ads] [Search] [Subscribe] [Info] [Letter to Editor]
[Feedback]



© 2000 Honolulu Star-Bulletin
https://archives.starbulletin.com