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Prep Beat
The top spot in the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red Division is up for grabs tomorrow when perenniel powers Kahuku and Waianae clash at Aloha Stadium. First place in
OIA Red on the lineBy Tim Crouse
Special to the Star-BulletinKickoff is 25 minutes after the completion of the 5 p.m. junior varsity game.
The Seariders routed the Red Raiders 43-7 last year in a regular season game, but Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai said his team isn't looking at this game as a chance for revenge.
"We want to approach things in a positive way," Livai said. "The right attitude for any game is to try to win."
The Red Raiders will have to contend with a Searider defense that held Mililani's Brian Daniels to just eight yards on eight carries last week. Daniels is the division's leading rusher.
Waianae also has a potent running attack, led by Peter Sarono (271 yards, 5.6 avg.) and Lono Manners (163 yards, 4 TDs).
"Their runners have speed and power," Livai said. "The (whole team) is experienced and confident. I have a lot of respect for their coaches and the program."
Kahuku will counter with the passing of Inoke Funaki (34-for-62, 565 yards, 7 TDs) and a group of talented running backs.
A.J. Smith leads the team in rushing (28 rushes, 197 yards) and Muliwai Pula (188 yards) has scored five touchdowns. Funaki has also gained 179 yards on the ground.
Livai said his main concern is his team's discipline.
He said the Red Raiders dropped three or four touchdown passes in last week's 26-14 win over Farrington, and had numerous penalties.
"Our biggest opponent is ourselves," he said.