HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Iolani, Moanalua go at it in the sun
The game is a rematch of last year's D-II semifinal
Football in the sunlight is a beautiful concept.
Back in the days when there were no powerful stadium lights, when sporting events were primarily daytime activities, football games finished at dusk and fans still had an evening of recreation to enjoy.
Not everyone likes afternoon football, though. When Moanalua visits Iolani for a 2 p.m. game tomorrow, it'll be the host Raiders who will be more acclimated to the humidity in an area that is a mere mile from Waikiki.
The game is one of four between the private-school Interscholastic League of Honolulu and public-school Oahu Interscholastic Association, but it may have the most pride involved.
Last year, in the Division II state tournament, Iolani played host and defeated Moanalua. Tomorrow's rematch was originally scheduled to be at Moanalua, but a change in the scheduling at Iolani's request moved the site back to Eddie Hamada Field.
That didn't sit too well with Moanalua coaches and players, and in effect it hurts the Menehunes at the gate and concessions to the tune of about $4,000. Is there more on the line than a win or loss when these teams meet tomorrow? Definitely.
Here's a look at tomorrow's matchups.
NONCONFERENCE GAMES
» Moanalua at No. 8 Iolani -- New starters in key positions for both teams make this rematch intriguing. Iolani's Lionel Fujioka is one of the most productive receivers in the state so far, but the Raider defense will be challenged. Moanalua's option attack could take advantage of an undersized Iolani defense.
Both teams are 1-1 in nonconference play.
» Kalaheo vs. Pac-Five, Kailua stadium -- Wolfpack quarterback Bryson Beirne's numbers have been good thus far: 12-for-21, 151 yards and no turnovers against Kaiser; 22-for-43, 256 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions at Radford.
Castle, a run-and-shoot squad, actually ran the ball 26 times in a 34-6 win over Kalaheo last week with only 13 pass attempts. Pac-Five, with a run-first I-slot offense, will have a game plan worth examining.
» No. 6 Farrington at No. 4 Kamehameha -- Randall Okimoto is relatively young compared to his peers in the coaching ranks, but he comes from old-school stock. That's why it's always intriguing that his West Coast offense, meticulously tweaked by Yoda-esque figure Elroy Chong, is racking up nice numbers through the air.
Elijah Filifili's rampage has included a 323-yard splurge against Moanalua last week. Elijah Lesu's 234 yards in receptions included three touchdowns, and he also broke off an 85-yard touchdown on a kickoff return.
The week before, Filifili threw for 227 yards and three touchdowns. He has yet to throw an interception.
Kahaku Ka'ai, meanwhile, is throwing the ball with accuracy and the Warrior offense is unpredictable so far.
» No. 1 Punahou at Eastlake (Wash.), Qwest Field -- The Buffanblu are gaining name recognition in the Northwest as the Emerald City Classic, a five-game extravaganza, kicks off tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. Eastlake, ranked No. 3 in Washington state's 4A division, includes Tanor Johnson, its most versatile player.
Last season, he had three touchdowns on punt returns, five rushing scores, two touchdown passes, a receiving touchdown and 22 extra-point kicks. He also drilled six field goals.
Former Washington State assistant coach Don Bertel is Eastlake's defensive coordinator. Eastlake has not played a game yet, while Punahou is 2-0, including a 20-18 win over No. 2 Kahuku.
LEAGUE GAMES
» Aiea at No. 7 Campbell -- Can the Sabers continue to work their Wing-T magic without fullback Brazill Kelii (knee)? Possibly. Eight returning starters on defense give Campbell the right blueprint to match its ball-control offense.
Aiea's high-powered run-and-shoot offense is the antidote to Campbell's ground attack. Star-Bulletin All-State wide receiver Lofa Liilii rested last week and is expected to suit up in this OIA Red West opener.
» No. 10 Leilehua vs. Radford, Mililani stadium -- The longtime rivalry between these two military-flavored schools has been renewed with vigor.
The Rams are back in Division I, and despite a smallish enrollment, talent is formidable. New quarterback Epa Maika has physical tools, but will be tested by one of the OIA's quickest defensive units.
The Mule offense, meanwhile, had a slow start against Kailua and then was stymied by Saint Louis. Coach Nolan Tokuda wants his running game to pick up and take pressure off quarterback Bryant Moniz, but yardage has been tough to come by.
» Kaimuki at Kaiser -- The Cougars are apt to air it out under former Iolani assistant Pat Samsonas, but the Bulldogs want to keep the ball out of Kaiser's hands.
Kaimuki's small roster -- 26 suited up in last week's win over Anuenue -- means a good ground attack is vitally important. Perry Faleao ran for 94 yards, but the 'Dogs rely on a committee of running backs.
» Kalani at Pearl City -- The Falcons are enthusiastic and have decent numbers, but have scored just one touchdown in three games, including two shutouts in recent weeks. Pearl City is 2-0 after a 31-21 win over Nanakuli last week and a 7-6 win over Anuenue two weeks ago.
» King Kekaulike vs. Maui, War Memorial Stadium -- Na Alii opened its season with a lopsided win over Pac-Three, and resurgent Maui awaits.
The Sabers have big numbers this season under new coach Mike Nesmith, but Baldwin doused their enthusiasm in a 41-0 result.
Before King Kekaulike opened its doors, the Upcountry Maui players enrolled at Maui High. New Na Alii coach J.W. Kenton can gain key momentum with a win tomorrow.
» Hilo at Kohala -- The Vikings fell 33-20 to Waimea last week at Wong Stadium. Now comes a cross-island drive and an afternoon clash with the Cowboys and coach Anthony Manantan.
» Kamehameha-Hawaii at Honokaa -- The BIIF's defending D-II champions picked up a lot of confidence with a 27-0 win over Kauai on the Garden Island. Nick Miyasato, the new Warriors quarterback, threw for 184 yards and two scores.
Honokaa has not played since losing at home to Waialua two weeks ago.
» Konawaena at Keaau -- The Wildcats have been idle since a tough 7-6 loss at Kauai two weeks ago. Quarterback Kawai Kanuha has size and tools, but the Wildcats will need protection to make the air game go.
Keaau lost to the same Kauai team, 28-2, three weeks ago.