HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Bulldogs fight over OIA White division
There are Bulldogs, but Waialua and Kaimuki offer rather different breeds.
The Kaimuki breed stays low to the ground, pummeling all prey on both sides of the ball. These kelly green-and-yellow 'Dogs prefer to run with the football and chew up the clock whenever possible.
The Waialua breed loves to toss the football all over the field, leaving a trail of fatigued defenders. The red-and-gray 'Dogs will get past most defenses, but falter sometimes in stopping other teams from reaching the end zone.
When the two teams meet tomorrow night at Roosevelt's field, it won't be an ordinary dog show. The battle will be fierce because a potential playoff berth will be at stake. Kaiser, Waipahu and Pearl City have just one loss each, which means that fourth playoff spot is sacred ground. Waialua (4-2, 3-2 Oahu Interscholastic Association White) and Kaimuki (3-2-1, 2-2-1) have almost no margin left for error.
May the best dog win.
"We're just playing one game at a time, not really talking about the playoff picture," Kaimuki coach Daniel Mafua said. "We've just gotta take care of business."
That means a full night's work for the Kaimuki defense, which will face plenty of empty-back sets by Waialua, which has thrived with veteran quarterback Caleb Fore at the helm. In six games, the senior has completed 54 percent of his pass attempts for 1,008 yards and 13 touchdowns. Even better, he has thrown only two interceptions in 127 attempts.
"Oh, he's pretty good. Shifty. He's a got a nice arm," Mafua said. "He had an awesome season last year, and he's more mature now."
Linebacker Dolly Ainuu, who also sees action at running back, spearheads a Kaimuki defense that has stifled pass-first teams like Kaiser (12 points), Anuenue (six) and Roosevelt (seven).
"Dolly plays a consistent role on both sides of the ball," Mafua said of the 5-foot-10, 200-pound senior. "We should match up pretty well with their passing attack. But it's hard to predict what will happen. It's a game of adjustments."
OIA WHITE
Waipahu (4-2, 4-1) at Nanakuli (2-4, 2-3)
Coach Sean Saturnio's Marauders have allowed only eight points per game in conference play. They have come a long, long way since last season's challenges with low numbers and eligibility. A win at Nanakuli would solidify their hold on a playoff berth.
Waipahu threw the ball only three times, without a completion, in a 32-0 win over Kalani last week.
The Golden Hawks have bounced back from an 0-3 start with wins over Kalani and Anuenue. Chase McGill passed for 181 yards without an interception against Anuenue.
OIA RED
Mililani (4-2, 2-2) at Campbell (3-3, 1-3)
Perhaps no other team in the OIA has endured as much heartbreak as the Sabers. After two early nonconference wins and bolting into the Star-Bulletin Top 10, they lost their first three Red West games, all by narrow margins.
Campbell lost to Aiea (21-20), Waianae (16-14) and Kapolei (33-27). That's why last week's 20-6 win over Radford was a big relief, and it keeps the Sabers' playoff hopes alive.
The visiting Trojans won't be merciful. The preseason Red West favorites blanked Radford two weeks ago and had plenty of time to rest.
BIIF
No. 10 Kealakehe (7-0, 5-0) at Hawaii Prep (2-3, 2-4)
Linebacker Fetu Iongi may be the most underrated linebacker in the state. He leads a defensive unit that has permitted only 20 points in seven games. Waiakea managed just 16 total yards in a 43-0 loss at Kealakehe last week.
Honokaa (3-3, 3-2) at Kohala (1-4, 1-4)
After being in the thick of the Division II race, the Dragons find themselves clinging to third place -- which would be the final playoff spot -- after forfeiting a win last week.
Kamehameha-Hawaii (4-2, 3-1) at Konawaena (4-2, 4-1)
The biggest game thus far in the league's Division II race. The defending champion Warriors swept Konawaena last year, winning at Julian Yates Field 31-21 and 41-6. KS-Hawaii is much younger this season, however, and Konawaena quarterback Kawai Kanuha has led his team over D-I foes Hilo and Waiakea in recent weeks.
MIL
No. 6 Baldwin (4-0, 4-0) vs. Maui (1-4, 1-4), War Memorial Stadium
Yes, the Bears mauled the Sabers when they met in the first round. Forget the 41-point gap, though. This is one of the state's most heated rivalries, and if Maui can get a break or two, this game could go down to the wire.
Lahainaluna (4-1, 4-1) at Kamehameha-Maui (2-3, 2-3)
The Lunas have scored 92 points in their last two games. In their season opener, they edged the Warriors 33-26, and tomorrow's game will be in Pukalani.
At the halfway point of the season, KS-Maui ranks second in the league in total defense. The Warriors are last in rushing offense, but are second only to Baldwin in passing yardage under new coach J.W. Kenton. Keoni Raikes has 662 passing yards and five touchdowns so far.