StarBulletin.com

Leilehua looks to slow down No. 1 Saint Louis


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POSTED: Saturday, August 29, 2009

Aside from the fantasy of seeing four great matchups in one site, prep football fans will have some tough choices to make today.

There's one consolation, though, for fans who can't be in more than one place at a time: The Kapolei-'Iolani game kicks off at Eddie Hamada Field at 2 p.m. That would give fans enough time to leave 'Iolani and still make it to another game in time for kickoff.

Here's a look at the matchups:

No. 1 Saint Louis at No. 8 Leilehua

The Crusaders (2-0) have scored 83 points in two nonconference games behind the precise passing skills of Jeremy Higgins. Leilehua allowed Mililani's quarterbacks to complete 14 of 18 attempts last week.

The Mules (1-1) will need time to develop offensively. They'd like to run more, but tallied only 18 rushing yards against Mililani, and Manley finished with 38 pass attempts—averaging 5.9 yards per attempt. Not bad, but not spectacular. If he continues to avoid turnovers—he threw no picks against Mililani—the Mules might hang in there.

No. 2 Kahuku at Kailua

The Red Raiders' strong summer work ethic is producing results this fall. Kahuku (2-0) looks more comfortable each week with the mix of formations, particularly the shotgun sets. Quarterback Evan Moe's stats aren't huge, but his confidence is showing, especially on post-route bullets in the red zone.

Kailua (1-1) will have to deal with some speedy blitzers like T.J. Tito, who led Kahuku with three sacks last week against Punahou.

No. 3 Kamehameha at No. 5 Waianae

The Warriors (2-0) have allowed only five points in two nonconference games, including a 34-2 win over Kailua last week. Ryan Ho is no surprise; the senior running back showed glimpses of potential last year and again this season in scrimmages. He has already rushed for 254 yards and four touchdowns.

Waianae (1-1) has one of the toughest early schedules around. The Seariders can throw, as they did out of the shotgun against Saint Louis, or pound away on the ground with their wing-T as they did in a win over Kapolei.

Keoni Napierala-Rose comes up with plays on deep routes, running between the tackles, and has bulk (215 pounds) and elusiveness. The visiting Warriors have a task ahead in trying to contain Waianae's scrambling passer, Puletua Wilson.

No. 10 Kapolei at 'Iolani

A classic matchup of brawn (Kapolei) vs. finesse. Neither team is exceedingly deep, but Kapolei's stable of big running backs could wear down the Raiders (1-1). The visiting Hurricanes (1-1) led at Waianae last week, but tired in the second half and lost 41-21.

Pac-Five at Nanakuli

Wolfpack slinger P.J. Minaya is on a tear so far, with 15 touchdown passes for Pac-Five (2-0). The senior is 47-for-85 for 805 yards with four picks against Kaimuki and McKinley. Pac-Five's defense has given up some yardage on the ground, which is good news for the Golden Hawks.

Kauai at Lahainaluna

The defending Kauai Interscholastic Federation champions opened play with a 47-7 win over Honokaa last week. The Lunas, meanwhile, haven't played a game yet. This is a rare home game for them and a packed house is expected despite the early-afternoon kickoff.

Waimea vs. Maui, War Memorial Stsdium

Fans on the Valley Isle could be in for a treat by watching the Kauai-Lahainaluna game at 12:45 p.m., followed by this game in the evening in Wailuku. The visiting Menehunes—they use the English plural form at Waimea—lost to Hawaii Prep 14-6 last week. The Sabers haven't played a game yet.

Aiea at Pearl City

Na Alii are smokin' hot after winning their first two games by a combined score of 74-3. Pearl City (0-1) lost to Castle two weeks ago in a battle of run-and-shoot offenses.