Teams playing to
prolong season

OIA WHITE

Kaiser at Waipahu

When: Tomorrow, 6 p.m.

Record: (Kaiser 4-4, 4-3 OIA White), Waipahu (6-2, 6-1 OIA White)

On paper: A win tomorrow means a state tournament berth for either Kaiser or Waipahu.

The Marauders planned for success from Day 1 of coach Sean Saturnio's ascension. In the offseason, Marauder coaches traveled the country, gaining insights to the option offense. One stop even included the Naval Academy, where former UH offensive coordinator Paul Johnson shared his philosophy.

On the field, Waipahu rushed for 209 yards per game, ranking second in the White. Quarterback Austen Benito's direction has been superb since a close loss to Radford early in the season.

Krypton Taito led the White with 728 yards (104 per game), and Benito averaged 68 rushing yards per game. That could spell trouble for Kaiser, which gave up 162 yards per game on the ground.

It all goes both ways, though. Kaiser led the White in passing (207 per game) thanks to versatile Shannon Wise. The quarterback ranked second to Taito in rushing (637 yards) and led the conference in rushing touchdowns with 12.

Wise also ranked second in passing yardage (940) and completed 65 percent of his attempts. He threw just three interceptions in 112 attempts.

Matt Ching was his favorite target, hauling in 41 receptions for 736 yards and eight touchdowns.

The skinny: Playoff football often favors teams that can move the chains and eat time off the clock. Kaiser ranked third in the White defensively, but stopping Benito and the option attack is a large task.

X factor: Are the Marauders ready to succeed? It'll depend on their ability to take care of the ball. If Waipahu takes a significant lead early, the pressure decreases.

Waipahu's offense is best at building and protecting leads, but if Kaiser jumps ahead early, the Marauders' patience will be tested.

Waipahu won their regular-season meeting, 42-26.

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Radford at Campbell

When: Tomorrow, 7 p.m.

Record: Radford (5-3, 5-2 OIA White) at Campbell (6-2, 6-1 OIA White)

On paper: The Rams have been a statistical anomaly all season. Outgained by 41 yards per game, Radford succeeded by taking care of the football and making big plays defensively.

The Rams completed just 37 percent of their pass attempts, though. Campbell could put a lot more pressure on Radford by opening an early lead.

The Sabers are certainly confident. They beat Radford 45-0 six weeks ago.

Radford running back Alex Daniels ranked fourth in the White with 77 yards per game (5.5 per carry).

The skinny: Campbell's unique offensive formations, including a Delaware Wing-T, makes it nearly impossible for defenses to key on one running back.

Although the Sabers led the White in rushing (282 yards per game), they don't have a rusher among the top 6 individuals.

Shaye Asoau was impeccable his first season. The senior transfer from Kaimuki threw the ball just 57 times, but completed 58 percent of his attempts. He threw 10 touchdown passes without an interception.

X factor: The Rams have had two weeks to prepare for Campbell's Wing-T. How well they prepared will have everything to do with unwinding that midseason loss and winning a state tournament berth.