The Kahuku Red Raiders have staked their claim.

With one of the top defenses in the state, the Red Raiders enter tomorrow's Oahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference football championship game at Aloha Stadium with an eight-game win streak. Only once in those eight matchups has an opponent scored more than 14 points.

Farrington's West Coast offense is a on a tear lately, scoring 104 points in wins over Kaimuki, Kapolei and Leilehua—all solid defensive units.

Something's got to give.

Kahuku (9-1) is No. 3 in the Star-Bulletin Football Top 10. Farrington (8-2) is ranked fourth.

Like their regular-season smash-mouth battle, won by Kahuku 13-6, tomorrow's game figures to be another display of endurance, patience and attrition. Alapeti Magalei, who had an otherwise quiet season, bolted for a 26-yard touchdown to break a 6-all tie. It was a rare use of deception by the Red Raiders, who put their standard I formation on hold for one down to line up in a shotgun set.

One missed read allowed Magalei, a transfer from Washington state, to score untouched down the left sideline.

Kahuku's defense limited Apelu So'oalo to just 40 rushing yards on 12 carries. The Govs finished with 122 total yards against a unit led by linebacker Ben Mamea.

“;I don't think Farrington is going to venture far from what they do. Maybe add a few wrinkles, maybe put the ball in the air more through play-action,”; Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said. “;But they'll try to establish So'oalo. Our biggest test is still to stop So'oalo.”;

Farrington coach Randall Okimoto, ever a proponent of balanced offense, won't go that far.

“;Everybody on offense has had some success this season. It's just about us executing the best in the game,”; Okimoto said. “;The team's focused. Coming off last week's win, we've got momentum. I like the practices we've had (this week).”;

If the title game comes down to the kicking game, both teams are in good hands. So'oalo has been one of the league's most productive field-goal kickers. Kahuku's St. John Lessary III, the starting running back, boomed a 36-yard field goal last week with room to spare.

Kahuku won six Rural OIA championships prior to the infusion of city public schools in 1970. Since then, the Red Raiders have won 13 OIA titles.

Farrington captured the OIA crown in 1990 under coach Skippa Diaz when Okimoto was the starting running back behind the original “;Bamboolas”; offensive line.

Here's a look at more of tomorrow's matchups:

No. 10 Campbell vs. Radford

The OIA White championship game, also at Aloha Stadium, is a contrast in styles. One team has video-game statistical totals. The other wins the more conventional way, with defense and a run-first attitude.

The Campbell Sabers (9-1) took their only loss of the season against Radford (8-2) two months ago. Quarterback Lalo Respicio was ill that week, hospitalized for a time. When he's on the field, Respicio has been nearly unstoppable, with 23 touchdown passes and just three picks out of the Sabers' run-and-shoot offense. Radford's defense, led by UH commit Marcus Malepeai, will be tested.

Radford defensive back Tevita Baravilala was a key factor in the regular-season meeting between the teams. He returned a pick 97 yards for a touchdown just before the half and the Rams went on to a 26-14 win.

Waiakea vs. Hilo

The Warriors (2-7, 2-5 Big Island Interscholastic Federation) won the first-round game against Hilo 20-6. They're coming off a 17-14 loss to Honokaa. Hilo (1-7, 1-6), meanwhile, had a bye last week.

Kealakehe at Honokaa

The Dragons (4-5, 3-4 BIIF) are out of title contention but have a chance to spoil Kealakehe's late-season run. Kealakehe (8-2) has the Division I title and a state-tournament berth sewn up. The Waveriders would like nothing more than to leave this game unscathed—easier said than done against the proud Dragons.

Ka'u at Kohala

The Trojans (0-7, 0-7 BIIF) hit the road for the state's longest bus ride from Pahala to Kapaau—132 miles. After a strong start, the Cowboys (6-4, 3-4) have struggled lately. Last week's bye should help.

Konawaena at KS-Hawaii

The Wildcats (10-1) can clinch the BIIF's Division II championship with a win, but the Warriors continue to improve and could spoil the party. Konawaena could also be derailed by injuries. KS-Hawaii (3-7, 3-4) lost its first-round matchup against the Wildcats, 27-0.

St. Anthony vs. Lahainaluna

The Lunas (6-2, 5-1 Maui Interscholastic League) have the D-II title and state berth locked up. They defeated the Trojans 41-6 six weeks ago. St. Anthony (1-7, 1-5) trailed just 6-0 after one quarter in that game, but that'll be tough to repeat because of key injuries.