HHSAA D-I FOOTBALL
Rough running Kahuku favored
Back in the big game after 28 years, Punahou faces daunting task
FROM THE OUTSIDE, top-ranked Kahuku equals Goliath.
From the inside, though, these Red Raiders haven't won a state football championship in nearly two years.
At Punahou, meanwhile, it has been 28 years since the Buffanblu (11-2) have played for a postseason gridiron championship. The Division I final of the HHSAA/First Hawaiian Bank State Championships kicks off at 8 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.
"I think the pressure's on them. I think people expect them to win," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "It's no surprise that they're where they are, but outside of our group, it's a surprise that we're where we are."
Toss out the No. 1 ranking in the Star-Bulletin Top 10 (five straight weeks), the most feared defense in the state, and the epitome of smashmouth offense, and it's easy to peg Kahuku (10-1) as unbeatable.
Yet, some fans easily forget the one blemish on an otherwise flawless season on the North Shore.
"The fact is, if we didn't lose to Castle this year, it would be very difficult to stay focused. We showed them that if all these breakdowns happen, we can lose again," Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai noted.
Here's a look at tomorrow's matchup:
On paper: The one team that gave Punahou its two losses this year is Kamehameha, a physically imposing team that loves to play smashmouth football. Kahuku beat Kamehameha in nonconference play 16-0.
Malosi Te'o is as fast and strong as any running back Punahou has seen this year. The Kahuku senior continued his rampage last week, galloping for 160 yards and three touchdowns in a 43-0 win over Waianae. His breakaway ability is unmatched, but Kahuku's dominance starts up front.
With a senior-studded offensive line, Kahuku has paved the way for the best running game in the state. Kamuela Alisa's switch from tailback to fullback has been another key factor.
Punahou's offense includes a mix of shotgun and offset-I formations. Last week, the Buffanblu ran the ball 35 times and had "only" 25 pass attempts.
"Their two-back (set) is still a passing two-back attack. It's not a true smashmouth attack," Livai said. His defensive unit is one of the few that has enough speed to stay with its normal personnel.
"We'll try to stay basic first, and then do what we need to do, especially if our front three guys can get pressure," he said. "Those guys, they're well-balanced, so they'll give us a lot to look at. It will be a big challenge because we can't ignore the run."
If quarterback Brett Kan has time to throw, he has myriad talented targets to chose from, including Miah Ostrowski, River Kim and Zac Yamagishi. Running backs Kainoa Carlson and Colin Viloria are also valuable receivers.
The skinny: Kahuku's defense, which has recorded eight shutouts this season, has tremendous quickness on the perimeter. Micah Wily, B.J. Beatty and Kevin Unga are among several standouts who bring size and speed off the edge.
However, defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu (6-1, 250) has been absolutely punishing at times. He'll face one of the state's top offensive linemen in Cody Kekipi (6-1, 260). If Punahou can't control the Kahuku junior, who had five sacks against Aiea, there will be no way to establish a balanced offense. Becoming one-dimensional could be bad news for Kan, who is more of a pocket passer than a scrambler.
X factor: If Kahuku tight end Devin Unga is at full strength, he could be a matchup problem for the Punahou secondary. The athletic, 6-foot-1, 201-pound two-sport standout may be too big and quick for any defensive back in the state.
Summary: No matter how the Red Raiders view this game, they're the favorites in so many ways. Turnovers have been a bane in the past, but in the past six games, Kahuku has a 30-3 edge in takeaways.
Penalties, however, could be a culprit. Kahuku committed 18 for 160 yards last week. "They're kind of like the Oakland Raiders with a lot of penalties," Ane said. "We need to take advantage of the yards in our favor."
Unless the yellow flags get in the way, the Red Raiders have too much brute strength for any foe.
Extra points: Tickets for the doubleheader are $12 (per adult) at the stadium, but only $9 when purchased at any Oahu location of First Hawaiian Bank. Youth and senior admission is $5.