HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Kahuku, Leilehua revive rivalry

The former Rural OIA powers meet in the OIA semifinals

By Paul Honda
phonda@starbulletin.com

When a crisis arrives, Reggie Torres is the name people call.

The Kahuku coach and faculty member was on the move yesterday afternoon when a telephone pole broke near the school. The damage to the pole, near Giovanni's shrimp truck just a block away, shut down Kamehameha Highway in both directions.

The school's safety team, which includes Torres, convened to draw up a game plan. Fortunately, things went smoothly. Hawaiian Telcom fixed the downed wires.

"The road was reopened within an hour," said Torres, who has seen plenty of organization and planning during his 18 years as wrestling coach. Since moving up from the junior varsity football program to guide the varsity, he's stuck to the basic core of academics first, football second.

When Kahuku kicks off against Leilehua in tomorrow's Oahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference semifinals, fans could rekindle memories of the past. Not so long ago, the two schools ruled the Rural OIA, and then the West and East divisions of the merged OIA that began in 1970.

When the doubleheader kicks off on Aloha Stadium's FieldTurf tomorrow afternoon, three of the four teams will represent the rising Red West. The east is represented by three-time defending league champ Kahuku, which has a throwback style that goes back to an era of paisley polyester shirts and Angel Flight slacks.

Torres has both the biggest offensive line in the league and the same commitment to punish defensive fronts as Kahuku had under Siuaki Livai. Eleven different running backs touched the ball in the Red Raiders' first game, a nonconference loss to Punahou, and the theme has remained the same.

The only team Kahuku fell to in OIA play was McKinley, which has since been eliminated. The Red Raiders, with Nai Fotu and Kaniela Tuipulotu leading a stalwart defensive unit, have survived scares from smaller teams like Castle and Kapolei.

The Red Raiders have won seven of the last eight OIA championships, and 10 of the last 13. Along the way, Castle won the league title in 2002 and Waianae took the crown in 1996 and '97.

Waianae's approach hasn't changed in what could be its most successful season in years. The Seariders relied on a punishing defense anchored by linebacker George Kauwalu to shackle Aiea 46-0 last week.

Leilehua, an old-time powerhouse in the West, hasn't won the OIA since 1984. The Mules are one of the few teams, however, to beat Kahuku in recent years.

Mililani, meanwhile, has yet to win an OIA title. The preseason Red West favorites are certainly playing like champions now, with five wins in a row. Last week's 33-6 win over Farrington was thoroughly impressive on both sides of the ball.

Here's a look at this weekend's games:



TOMORROW

OIA Red

No. 7 Leilehua (7-2) vs. No. 3 Kahuku (7-2) -- The last time these teams met, the Mules kicked up a storm.

Ryan Bibilone's early 35-yard field goal proved to be the difference as Leilehua shocked Kahuku 17-14 in the semifinals of the 2004 state tournament. The Red Raiders bounced back to win the '05 state championship, and they remain on red alert.

"Leilehua is tough. Coach (Nolan) Tokuda is awesome. He's done a great job with that program," Torres said. "And Bryant Moniz is a senior. He's even better now."

In the '04 upset, Moniz was just a sophomore quarterback with a mastery of Leilehua's hybrid passing attack. Today, the Mules offense is less predictable.

"They're a very well-balanced team. With the shotgun offense, they do some of the things Saint Louis and McKinley do," Torres noted.

Moniz has 1,506 yards on 123-for-211 passing in nine games. He has thrown for 16 touchdowns with just six picks, but is ailing a bit with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder after running for some key first downs last week.

Leilehua drove 99 yards on the ground during a late drive in last week's win over McKinley. The Mules operated out of an I formation for the entire march. Kahuku runs the same I set that was put in place more than 30 years ago, but the Mules may have a greater capacity to throw out of the I.

Viliami Haunga (6-foot-4, 245 pounds), Leroy McCloud (5-10, 250) and Afe Talaeai (6-3, 230), all defensive linemen, give the Mules depth and power at tight end.

Torres sees running back Micah Abreu-Laybon as a dual threat. The senior ran for 165 yards and caught four passes for 53 more against McKinley. Still, Torres is more concerned with Moniz in the shotgun than the I set.

"We've shown that we can stop the run, but it's the shotgun that's given us problems," he said. "Punahou. Kailua in the first quarter. McKinley. It's especially tough against a quarterback as athletic as Moniz. Even if we stop the pass, he scrambles," Torres said.

Things have changed somewhat for Kahuku since those early games. A simplified defense has returned to last season's aggressive, stunting style.

The Mules held Kahuku to just 177 yards on the ground in the upset two seasons ago. The Red Raiders will still be without offensive lineman John Manu-Olevao. The 6-4, 320-pound senior could return soon. "He had a bad ankle, but now it's academic. We're just making sure he takes care of his studies," Torres said.

Even without Manu-Olevao, the Red Raiders are mashing foes at the point of attack. Quarterback Richard Torres ran for 109 yards and running back Lehi Aumua had 92 against Kapolei.

Torres didn't have to complete a pass then. Leilehua's quick, highly aggressive defense will pose a different challenge.

Dealing with Kahuku's massive offensive linemen will make or break this game. If they play well, Torres will have one less crisis to handle.

For Tokuda, there is a healthy concern.

"Just looking at their athletes, the front four and three linebackers, their DBs -- (defensive back) Shiloah Te'o is all over the field," he said.

Leilehua will not fall into a tempo that favors Kahuku.

"We're going to mix up our offensive sets. We've got a tough task ahead. You gotta go out and attack 'em. If you just try and stay in the game with Kahuku, they'll wear you down in the fourth quarter," Tokuda said.

Leilehua has just five players who were part of that upset win two years ago. However, the Mules beat Kahuku in junior-varsity ball last year. They are not lacking confidence.

"If we bring our 'A' game, we can win this and play for the championship next week," Tokuda said.

No. 8 Mililani (7-2) vs. No. 4 Waianae (6-3) -- When they battled two months ago at the Trojans' field, Waianae sent a statement to the entire league. The Seariders kept then-fifth ranked Mililani off balance and out of the win column. Waianae ran for 214 yards on 38 carries in a resounding 28-13 win to open the Red West schedule.

Since then, Waianae asserted its strength and took the West. Mililani, on the other hand, reeled with another loss and has faced a gut check in each week since.

The Trojans, settling in with commitment and execution, may be the hottest team in the OIA. They've won five in a row, including last week's surprising rout of Farrington.

They did it with a secondary that allowed just seven completions in 23 attempts by one of the league's top passers, Elijah Filifili. The Trojans also did it with unbreakable will on offense.

The receiving corps and quarterback Rustin Funakoshi are on the same wavelength. Offensive coordinator Darnell Arceneaux's influence is paying dividends for a unit that used to rely heavily on play-action.

Funakoshi picked the Govs defense apart with 13-for-16 passing and three touchdowns. The new system, which requires receivers to read the defense and adjust on the fly, took advantage of Farrington's generous cushions.

When cornerbacks applied tight pressure, Funakoshi and his receivers streaked downfield for well-timed connections.

"The guys just believe now," said Arceneaux, a former All-State quarterback and head coach at Saint Louis. "Once they got more responsibilities, you just had to wait for them to get on the same page."

Aiea had a prolific passing attack, but came up empty against the Seariders last week. However, Na Alii haven't had an elite, power running back since Donny Mapusaga graduated. Mililani has the top back in the West, Jordan Torres.

The hard-running senior rambled for 105 yards on 18 carries last week, while Isaiah Lawelawe ran 11 times for 77 yards.

For longtime coach James Millwood, the game plan was clear. "You think you're prepared, but you don't know until the game," he said.

The Searider defense, led by Kauwalu, limited Torres to 90 yards in the first meeting. Lawelawe did not carry the ball, and Funakoshi threw for 106 yards on 11-for-23 passing.

Waianae ran on 38 of its 50 plays in that game, but Ben McQuown's early 77-yard touchdown pass to Nathan Malaki set the tone.

ILH

Pac-Five (2-6, 0-5) vs. Damien (3-5-1, 2-3-1), Kunuiakea Stadium -- The Monarchs, in large part, can control their own destiny. They currently share first place in Division II with Iolani. A Damien win plus a tie or loss by Iolani, which plays Saint Louis on Saturday, would give the Monarchs the D-II title and a state-tournament berth.

The Wolfpack were 2-1 against OIA teams, but the ILH slate has been frustrating. Six weeks ago, they lost to Damien 21-16 as Monarch running back Kama Bailey ran for 159 yards and three touchdowns, including an 80-yard jaunt.

Bailey has rushed for 1,278 yards and 11 scores in nine games. Containing the speedster won't be easy. He also has 15 receptions for 237 yards.

BIIF

Division I playoff

Waiakea (5-5, 4-5) at Keaau (6-4, 6-3) -- The winner earns the unenviable right to face Kealakehe for the title next week. Keaau has rebounded since a slow start, making Waiakea one of its regular-season victims in a 19-15 win.

Division II playoff

Konawaena (6-4, 6-3) at Honokaa (6-4, 6-3) -- The Wildcats took a tough blow when quarterback Kawai Kanuha suffered a collarbone injury in last week's home loss to Honokaa. The Dragons have roared back since forfeiting a win at mid-season. Kaipo Stender paced Honokaa with 182 yards on the ground.

KIF

Kauai (7-0, 5-0) vs. Kapaa (1-7, 0-6), Vidinha Stadium -- The Red Raiders have clinched the league title, their fourth in as many years, so preservation is the word. Quarterback Andrew Renaud and receiver Pono Matthews have racked up sensational numbers, but staying healthy is key for the upcoming state tourney.

MIL

King Kekaulike (6-3, 3-1) vs. Lahainaluna (7-2, 3-1), War Memorial Stadium -- Na Alii have a Division II title and state berth sewn up, but last week's 25-22 loss to Baldwin gives them the biggest boost of all. King Kekaulike, which received a first-round bye for the state tourney, continues to run first. Shannon Kamakaokalani has 1,065 yards (6.9 per attempt) and 16 touchdowns.

Lahainaluna is chasing Baldwin in the second-round D-I race and can't afford a loss. The Lunas blew out King K, 46-14, in the first round, but that matters little now.

King K lost to Baldwin 54-14 in the first round before nearly upsetting the Bears last week.

Maui (1-7, 0-3) at Kamehameha-Maui (2-6-1, 1-2-1) -- With both teams out of the postseason scenario, this game is a matter of pride. Maui has struggled in D-I, but still has Jonathan Los Baños, who ranks second among MIL rushers with 885 yards (6.7 per carry).

SATURDAY

ILH

No. 2 Punahou (7-2, 4-2) at No. 5 Kamehameha (7-3, 3-3), Aloha Stadium -- A play here, another one there, and these two teams could be playing with an ILH title at stake. Instead, they're playing purely for pride. Kamehameha lost to Punahou five weeks ago, 14-13. A failed 2-point attempt after Ryan Montez's touchdown run with 2:50 left was the difference.

Miah Ostrowski's eye-popping statistics grew bigger after last week's win over Pac-Five. The senior has 76 receptions for 1,180 yards and nine touchdowns.

Quarterback Brett Kan has thrown for 2,231 yards and 15 touchdowns on 154-for-243 passing. He has thrown 14 picks. The senior threw for just 112 yards in the win over Kamehameha, but was not intercepted.

No. 1 Saint Louis (9-0, 6-0) vs. Iolani (4-4-1, 2-3-1), Aloha Stadium -- Micah Mamiya's sterling season has made the difference for a Crusader team that already had a stellar defense and superb special teams coming into the season. Mamiya, who threw four touchdowns in his five completions against Damien last week, now has 1,434 passing yards. He has 11 touchdowns and just four interceptions.

Iolani needs this win to strengthen its chances for the D-II title and a state berth. Saint Louis won last year's matchup, 35-3.

MIL

No. 6 Baldwin (7-0-1) vs. Pac-3 (0-7-1, 0-3-1), War Memorial Stadium -- The Bears are heavily favored to win, but they will get a battle from the Titans. The running combo of Andrew Pacheco (644 yards) and Billy Pacheco (351 yards) has kept the Titans competitive. The Titans gave Kamehameha-Maui a scare in last week's 34-28 loss.




HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

STANDINGS AND STATISTICS

ILH

Division I

League



Overall

Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA

Saint Louis 6 0 0 183 99 9 0 0 262 119

Punahou 4 2 0 197 137 7 2 0 261 183

Kamehameha 3 3 0 112 71 7 3 0 190 116

Division II

League



Overall

Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA

Damien 2 3 1 105 165 3 5 1 146 229

Iolani 2 3 1 122 158 4 4 1 193 208

Pac-Five 0 6 0 94 171 2 7 0 173 246

OIA

Red East
Conference


Overall

Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA

Farrington 5 1 0 198 112 6 3 0 247 152

Kahuku 5 1 0 192 71 7 2 0 268 114

McKinley 4 2 0 120 115 5 4 0 169 194

Castle 3 3 0 128 112 3 6 0 159 164

Kailua 3 3 0 96 118 4 4 0 128 152

Moanalua 1 5 0 110 229 2 6 0 158 255

Kalaheo 0 6 0 104 191 1 7 0 198 225

Red West
Conference


Overall

Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA

Waianae 5 1 0 143 65 6 3 0 205 123

Leilehua 5 1 0 141 98 7 2 0 191 152

Mililani 4 2 0 146 115 7 2 0 239 156

Kapolei 3 3 0 96 148 4 5 0 138 236

Aiea 2 4 0 140 168 4 6 0 206 267

Campbell 1 5 0 105 131 3 5 0 160 144

Radford 1 5 0 117 163 2 6 0 164 208

White
Conference


Overall

Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA

Kaiser 6 1 1 263 71 6 3 1 290 125

Waialua 5 2 1 209 137 6 3 1 283 193

Waipahu 5 1 2 166 75 6 2 2 201 129

Pearl City 5 2 1 204 122 6 2 1 211 128

Kaimuki 5 2 1 198 94 6 3 1 236 151

Roosevelt 3 5 0 172 184 4 6 0 172 225

Nanakuli 2 4 2 118 146 2 5 2 130 173

Anuenue 1 7 0 83 255 1 8 0 89 265

Kalani 0 8 0 20 338 0 9 0 26 412

KIF



Conference


Overall

Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA

Kauai 5 0 0 178 22 6 0 0 185 28

Waimea 3 3 0 87 148 5 3 0 158 168

Kapaa 0 5 0 58 153 1 6 0 85 189

MIL



Second round


Overall

Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA

King Kekaulike 3 1 0 173 103 6 3 0 296 242

Lahainaluna 3 1 0 102 35 7 2 0 249 103

Baldwin 3 0 1 95 44 8 0 1 280 86

KS-Maui 1 2 1 94 121 3 5 1 208 237

Maui 0 3 1 41 115 1 7 1 115 253

Pac-Three 0 3 1 54 141 0 8 1 111 338



First round


Overall

Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA

Baldwin 5 0 0 185 42 5 0 0 185 42

Lahainaluna 4 1 0 147 68 4 1 0 147 68

King Kekaulike 3 2 0 123 139 3 2 0 123 139

KS-Maui 2 3 0 114 116 2 3 0 114 116

Maui 1 4 0 74 138 1 4 0 74 138

Pac-Three 0 5 0 57 197 0 5 0 57 197

BIIF



Conference


Overall

Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA

Kealakehe 9 0 0 439 34 10 0 0 496 41

Honokaa 7 2 0 211 177 7 3 0 238 225

Konawaena 6 3 0 201 127 6 4 0 207 144

Keaau 6 3 0 231 176 6 3 0 231 176

KS-Hawaii 7 2 0 340 166 8 2 0 367 166

Waiakea 4 5 0 152 184 4 6 0 152 222

Hawaii Prep 3 6 0 120 194 3 7 0 129 221

Kohala 1 8 0 135 296 1 8 0 135 296

Hilo 2 7 0 116 206 2 8 0 136 229

Ka'u 0 9 0 26 401 0 9 0 26 401

ILH

Note: Missing stats from 10/27 Kam-Iol game.

TEAM OFFENSE G Rush Pass Total Avg

Punahou 6 509 1,678 2,187 364.5

Iolani 5 732 998 1,730 346.0

Saint Louis 6 1,051 971 2,022 337.0

Damien 6 1,279 475 1,754 292.3

Pac-Five 6 877 725 1,602 267.0

Kamehameha 5 495 479 974 194.8

TEAM DEFENSE G Rush Pass Total Avg

Kamehameha 5 523 605 1,128 225.6

Saint Louis 6 268 1,095 1,363 227.2

Damien 6 882 1,002 1,884 314.0

Pac-Five 6 1,034 952 1,986 331.0

Punahou 6 1,016 993 2,009 334.8

Iolani 5 1,320 679 1,999 399.8

RUSHING G Att Yds TD YPC YPG

Bailey, DAM 6 153 953 8 6.2 158.8

Yamamoto, IOL 5 96 553 7 5.8 110.6

Ho-Ching, PAC 6 46 435 1 9.5 72.5

Mamiya STL 6 47 366 7 7.8 61.0

Chun, KAM 5 59 318 6 5.4 63.6

Augustus, PAC 6 66 304 1 4.6 50.7

Hilliard, PUN 6 57 303 5 5.3 50.5

Montez, KAM 5 44 194 1 4.4 38.8

Auelua, STL 4 20 185 0 9.3 46.3

Dung, IOL 5 28 163 2 5.8 32.6

PASSING G C Att Pct. Yds TD INT

Kan, PUN 6 128 209 0.61 1,600 13 6

Dung, IOL 5 72 147 0.49 977 4 6

Mamiya, STL 6 65 114 0.57 968 10 2

Beirne, PAC 6 55 130 0.42 646 2 11

Hoke, KAM 5 38 75 0.51 479 4 2

Martin, DAM 6 43 105 0.41 475 2 2

RECEIVING G Rec Yds TD YPC YPG

Ostrowski, PUN 6 46 706 8 15.3 117.7

Hilliard, PUN 6 22 204 0 9.3 34.0

Kim, PUN 6 22 252 1 11.5 42.0

Fujioka, IOL 5 20 259 1 13.0 51.8

Ho-Ching, PAC 6 18 229 0 12.7 38.2

Hirokawa, IOL 5 17 376 2 22.1 75.2

Furukawa, IOL 5 17 167 1 9.8 33.4

Whitford, PUN 6 16 195 2 12.2 32.5

Kaina, DAM 6 16 168 0 10.5 28.0

Augustus, PAC 6 16 139 0 8.7 23.2

Ahlo, STL 6 14 225 5 16.1 37.5

SCORING G TD FG 2pt PAT TOT

Bailey, DAM 6 10 0 0 0 60

Ostrowski, PUN 6 10 0 0 0 60

Mamiya, STL 6 7 0 0 0 42

Yamamoto, IOL 5 7 0 0 0 42

Chun, KAM 5 6 0 0 0 36

Kim, PUN 6 1 3 0 21 36

Chun, STL 6 0 4 0 21 33

Ahlo, STL 6 5 0 0 0 30

Satele, PAC 6 5 0 0 0 30

Hilliard, PUN 6 5 0 0 0 30

Martin, DAM 6 4 0 2 0 28

Adams, IOL 5 0 5 0 11 26



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