HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Sabers ascend 3 spots to No. 7
The Sabers are loose and on the prowl, and stalking their next foe.
Campbell, coming off a resounding 38-7 win over Damien, rose three spots to No. 7 in the Star-Bulletin Football Top 10 today.
Now 2-0, with a regular-season-opening win at Castle, Campbell is surprising fans and even players in its return to the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West.
"I knew we had a good team. It was just a matter of if we could come together," offensive lineman Matthew Masifilo said. "We had a sloppy offseason, only 20 guys training, but it's working out now."
Campbell's Wing T has caused opponents fits of frustration in the past. Two years ago, Shaye Asoau transferred from Kaimuki and immediately grasped the complex offense.
This year, experience at the position has made a difference.
"If we can establish a passing attack, the offense is unstoppable," Masifilo said. "Our quarterbacks had a varsity season on their record, so they know what to expect."
A win over another Red West contender, Aiea, on Saturday would boost Campbell out of the stratosphere. That would be good news in Ewa Beach.
"I don't really care about rankings. The higher you're ranked, the more other teams want to take you down. If we're losing, our crowd boos us right away," he said.
Fortunately, thanks to a mobile offensive line and steady execution, coach Tumoana Kenessey's team is climbing -- and fans are happy.
On a quest: Punahou collected 11 of 12 possible first-place votes to retain the No. 1 ranking. The Buffanblu, coming off a big win at Waianae, head to the Northwest this week to play in the Emerald City Classic. Punahou will meet Eastlake at Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks.
"I think everyone's excited," said coach Kale Ane, who has been to the facility before. "We want our players to enjoy the opportunity. It's once in a lifetime."
Flying across the ocean to play a nonconference game may have the players' adrenaline levels peaked out. Ane wants them to stay grounded.
"We talk about it every day. We're representing Hawaii. We need to remember to behave," he said.
The Buffanblu depart Honolulu on Wednesday afternoon. A large gathering of Punahou alums will meet in Seattle after the game for a luau. The Buffanblu girls volleyball team, which will be playing in a tournament nearby, will also join the celebration.