Thursday, November 12, 1998
Kahuku, Waianae
in title rematch
The Red Raiders routed the
By Pat Bigold
Seariders earlier this season
Star-BulletinKahuku football coach Siuaki Livai has every expectation that Waianae will come into tomorrow night's Oahu Interscholastic Association championship game at Aloha Stadium with the temperament of a cornered cougar.
That's because the last time Kahuku and Waianae met on Sept. 18, the nationally ranked (USA Today) Red Raiders stomped the Seariders, 49-14.
"It is a concern," said Livai. "They definitely will be motivated and ready."
But Waianae head coach Leo Taaca, who has led his team to the last two OIA titles, said that if there's anything he doesn't want, it's for the Seariders to become too keyed-up about revenge.
"I am trying to keep them on even keel," he said. "We don't want too much emotion before a game."
His sober analysis: "To play Kahuku, we have to be flawless in all phases of the game.Kahuku capitalized on every mistake in the first game. They got us early, quick and fast."
Kahuku built a 35-0 lead in the first half and didn't even allow the Seariders a first down until the last four minutes of the half.
This will be the first time Kahuku and Waianae have met in an OIA title game since 1995, when Doug Semones was still at Kahuku's helm. The Red Raiders won that game, 33-20, as the late Jason Keo rushed for 269 yards and two touchdowns.
Kahuku went on to lose to St. Louis, 27-26, in the Oahu Prep Bowl.
The Red Raiders dominated in so many areas of the September game against Waianae that the big question is, can the Seariders find a way to even close the gap?
"We want to stop their running backs -- and they have outstanding running backs like (Talamoni) Talamoni and (Andreas) Manumaleuna -- and a great offensive line," said Taaca.
"Their defense -- you forget about that because their offense is so overwhelming. But look at their game scores -- they haven't allowed very much."
Kahuku used six running backs in last week's 48-14 OIA playoff semifinal win against Kailua.
Talamoni, the Red Conference's premier rusher, had 146 yards on 13 carries, including a touchdown.
But when Kahuku met Waianae in September, Talamoni sat out for most of the first half for disciplinary reasons. That speaks volumes for the Red Raiders' depth in the running game.
Kahuku spotted Kailua two touchdowns last week before going on a 48-point spree.
But Waianae's problems with Farrington lasted throughout the game as the Seariders hung on for a 14-7 victory.
"We are definitely the underdog this time," said Taaca, a role he actually relishes.
Taaca said that his season-long starter at quarterback, Sam Keaulii, might not start tomorrow. Eric Fonoti could get the call because Keaulii is recovering from a leg injury suffered late in the Farrington game.
"Eric has been taking a lot of snaps," said Taaca."We will try to control the ball."
Livai said he wants Kahuku to cut down on its mistakes, but he said he was very pleased with the scarcity of penalty yardage in the last game.
"We had only 50 yards in penalties last weekend and that's the least I can remember as long as I have been associated with this program," said Livai.
Probably the most awesome aspect of the Kahuku offense is the line.
It is big enough and quick enough to overpower anybody when it's awake.
Siuaki Livai Jr., a 6-foot-3, 310-pound senior right tackle is joined by 6-4, 300-pound senior left guard Toniu Fonoti, 6-3, 263-pound senior right guard James Tupola, 6-2, 288-pound senior left tackle Kendall Buttel and 5-11, 280-pound senior center Tuufuli Masoe.
Waianae's wall doesn't quite measure up: 6-0, 220-pound junior Brian Baker, 5-10, 230-pound junior Samson Paishon, 6-1, 315-pound senior James Mailo, 6-2, 250-pound senior Gary McEnroe and 5-10, 230-pound senior Lidda Alaga.
OIA football championship
Kahuku vs. Waianae
