Warriors face
Lahainaluna
in semis

Perhaps it makes more sense now.

When Mililani roared back from a 14-point deficit in the third quarter of last week's battle at Lahainaluna, it wasn't just one factor that turned the tide.

Lahainaluna began to suffer mental errors and committed penalties. The running game, so dominant in the first half, also stumbled, thanks in part to Mililani's defensive adjustments.

The effects of eight Lunas playing both ways had kicked in.

The Lunas, however, caught a second wind in the final quarter. After falling behind 27-21, they rallied to win, and they did it their way -- with a potent ground attack fueling a game-winning drive in the final 1:52, all on the ground.

"It's like the Red Sea, like 10 guys running down the sideline," Kamehameha coach Kanani Souza said. The Warriors, who waited 25 years to win the Interscholastic League of Honolulu title, will see plenty of red tomorrow when they meet the Lunas in the state Division I semifinals.

Here's a look at this week's D-I games:

No. 5 Lahainaluna (9-1-1) vs.
No. 2 Kamehameha (8-2-1*)

» On paper: The Lunas, guided since the beginning of time by Bobby Watson, came to the state tournament in 2001 with a talented crew of players. Since then, however, Lahainaluna struggled, losing 17 games in the next two seasons.

Last year's team was relatively young, but that was partly because several players chose not to return. With the void left by key offensive linemen, the Lunas saw Baldwin capture the Maui Interscholastic League crown.

This season, however, brought both the return of those linemen, and an impressive influx of talent from the junior varsity program.

» The skinny: Senior Wayne "Nahiku" Phillips (16 carries, 141 yards vs. Mililani) knows how to use his blockers, make perfect reads, or even initiate opportunities before the blocks are there. But it's not just about Phillips, not by far. The Luna offensive line thrives in an offense that uses fly motion by Phillips to trigger a series of sweeps and counters, using more misdirection than any team in the tournament.

Having time off to prepare doesn't mean the Warrior defense is guaranteed to ace this test. "It's tough for our scout team to simulate the speed. They've done a good job, but it's not quite the same," said Souza.

Kamehameha's defense is among the elite in the state. "We don't know how they're gonna block us. We have to be gap responsible, keep our eyes where they need to be," Souza added.

Lahainaluna's physical defense is in for a major challenge from the Warriors and their punishing ace-double tight end attack. Jayson Rego, the ILH's leading rusher, is well-rested after suffering an ankle injury late in the regular season.

No. 6 Leilehua (9-2) vs.
No. 1 Kahuku (10-1)

» On paper: It's David versus Goliath all over again. The Red Raiders, widely acknowledged as the state's dominant team, have all the horses to overwhelm foes. Running back Micah Strickland, who averaged nearly 20 yards per carry during the regular season, will play this week.

Leilehua, with the top passing offense in the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West, came up short against its top two opponents thus far, Mililani and Kahuku, scoring a combined 20 points.

» The skinny: Mules QB Bryant Moniz played through the win at Kealakehe despite badly bruised ribs. The 6-foot-1 sophomore completed just three of his first 12 attempts due to extra padding plus a flak jacket. Leilehua coach Nolan Tokuda said Moniz, who calls half of the plays, is finally getting used to the added bulk.

However, Leilehua has other injuries to overcome. Defensive end Jordan Lindborg is done for the season after suffering a fractured shoulder blade. The other D-end, Kekoa Kama, also injured, is questionable for tomorrow's game. Left tackle Ikoa Rosa-Paris is out with a concussion.

Kahuku, meanwhile, is coming off a bye week and has no significant injuries. "We're focused on what we need to do," Livai said, noting the strength of his team, the defensive unit.

The Red Raider defense -- big, fast and relentless -- is sparked by B.J. Adolfo, B.J. Beatty, Al Afalava and Max Fairclough.