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Dream matchup

POSTED: Thursday, December 03, 2009

Nearly a week removed from a practically perfect performance, the Kamehameha Warriors look very much the part of state champion.

With a win over Kahuku tomorrow, they certainly would be. After all, a 40-0 semifinal win over two-time finalist Leilehua, which won the state title in 2007, was so stunning that it would be easy to crown the Warriors prematurely.

The two local prep powerhouses meet in the Division I final of the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA State Football Championships at Aloha Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

TICKET PRICES
General admission: $12; Seniors (62+ w/ ID): $5; Students: $5

ROAD TO THE STATE TITLE GAMES
» Kahuku (1): First round, bye; semifinals, def. Farrington 9-6 (OT) » Kamehameha (2): First round, bye; semifinals, def. Leilehua 40-0 » 'Iolani (1): First round, bye; semifinals, def. Aiea 21-7 » Kauai (2): First round, bye; semifinals, def. Hawaii Prep 28-14

TOURNAMENT RECORD BOOK
Previous champions
Division 1: 1999, Saint Louis; 2000, Kahuku; 2001, Kahuku; 2002, Saint Louis; 2003, Kahuku, 2004, Kamehameha; 2005, Kahuku; 2006, Kahuku; 2007, Leilehua; 2008, Punahou Division II: 2003, Aiea; 2004, Campbell; 2005, 'Iolani; 2006, King Kekaulike; 2007, 'Iolani; 2008, 'Iolani Oahu Prep Bowl: 1973: Waianae (OIA); 1974: Kamehameha (ILH); 1975: Kamehameha (ILH); 1976: Kamehameha (ILH); 1977: Waianae (OIA); 1978: Waianae (OIA); 1979: Kaiser (OIA); 1980: Iolani / Waianae (ILH/OIA); 1981: Radford (OIA); 1982: Pac-Five (ILH); 1983: Saint Louis (ILH); 1984: Leilehua (OIA); 1985: Pac-Five (ILH) 1986: Saint Louis (ILH); 1987: Saint Louis (ILH); 1988: Saint Louis (ILH); 1989: Saint Louis (ILH); 1990: Saint Louis (ILH); 1991: Saint Louis (ILH); 1992: Saint Louis (ILH); 1993: Saint Louis (ILH); 1994: Saint Louis (ILH); 1995: Saint Louis (ILH); 1996: Saint Louis (ILH); 1997: Saint Louis (ILH); 1998: Saint Louis (ILH)

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

PARKING/TURNSTILES/GATES

» Turnstile gates Numbers 1, 4, 5 and 8 open at 3 p.m.

» The Main Salt Lake Gate (No. 1), and the Halawa Gate (No. 3) opens at 3 p.m. The Lower Salt Lake Gate (No. 4) opens at 6 p.m.

» Parking fee is $2 per car and $15 per bus/limousine.

Pay-per-view
Oahu customers who order the game early will
get the doubleheader for $29.95, while orders on the day of the games will be $49.95.

Webcast
The webcast will be on www.oceanic.com

CONTRIBUTORS
Sports Editor
Paul Arnett
Reporter
Paul Honda
Designers
Steven Berkowsky, Michael Rovner
Cover Art
Kip Aoki
Copy Editors
Sjarif Goldstein, Dave Reardon, Billy Hull, Brian McInnis
Photographers
Jamm Aquino, George F. Lee

One twist is the father-son connection of Kahuku offensive coordinator Walter Santiago Sr. and Kamehameha cornerback Walter Santiago Jr.

“;They keep the (Kahuku-Kamehameha) conversation to a minimum, but we've joked about it,”; Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said. “;We said, 'What if we end up playing Kamehameha?' He (Walter Sr.) said, 'Somebody might be sleeping outside.' “;

On paper: Top-seeded Kahuku (12-0), five-time champion since 2000, and No. 2 Kamehameha (11-1) meet for the first time since a nonconference game to open the '08 season. Kamehameha won 35-0 as Kahuku used the game more like a scrimmage, playing nearly its entire roster to evaluate personnel. This will be the first state-tourney game between the two schools and the first trip to the final for third-year Kamehameha coach David Stant. Torres guided Kahuku to the title in '06, his first season at the helm.

Ryan Ho has churned out 1,409 rushing yards, including last week's 107-yard effort against Leilehua, and scored 17 touchdowns.

T.C. Campbell has come into his own since being named the starter at midseason. The shifty senior has pierced defenses for seven touchdowns without a pick in his last two games (Punahou, Leilehua). He has also shifted Kamehameha's option attack into another gear; his 65 rushing yards on three early carries had Leilehua's defense on its heels the rest of the night.

“;He reminds me of (Micah) Mamiya,”; Torres said, referring to the former Saint Louis quarterback. “;He can run the option, he can throw. He's smart enough and athletic enough.”;

Campbell's ascent has made playmakers out of receivers Blaise Cuban, Charley Bollig IV and Alika Bell.

Kahuku's depth is always a key resource. Running back Viliami Pasi and fullback Fonoivasa Mataafa got most of the carries last week, but Tyrone Brown is also a breakaway threat.

Evan Moe had a season-high 27 pass attempts in a 9-6 overtime win over Farrington. Moe, a junior, didn't throw a pick, and his midseason problems with holding onto the snap are seemingly gone. Punga Vea had seven catches for 64 yards last week, but Kaipo Pearl, Sage Kaka and tight end Shairone Thompson could also step up. Thompson is especially dangerous on deep play-action routes.

It won't matter, though, without protection. Kamehameha's defense, led by linemen Koa Ka'ai, Landon Aano, Beau Yap and Keko'o Weisbarth-Tafaoimalo, sacked Leilehua's Andrew Manley seven times.

The skinny: Running against Kahuku's 3-4 set may be preferable to dropping back because the Red Raiders often get superior penetration from ends Hauoli Jamora and Kona Schwenke. Farrington's Harry Tuimaseve rushed for 185 yards against Kahuku last week.

Kamehameha has more than enough through the air to keep Kahuku honest. The offensive line—tackles Travis Namohala (6-2, 250) and Cameron Baron (5-10, 215), guards Kamalani Kaluhiokalani (6-1, 260) and Claudio Borge IV (6-1, 240) and center Blaze Ryder (5-11, 250)—did not allow a sack last week.

Kahuku has been a strong second-half team this year, but Torres would love two good halves.

“;The biggest thing for us is we've got to stop their opening drive. I know Coach Stant will have a good game plan,”; he said. “;No. 2, we have to dictate the line of scrimmage from the start. Going around them is not going to work. They're too quick.”;

X factor: Kahuku got three field goals, a career high, from Cameron Mercado against Farrington. One was a 49-yard boomer to tie the game, and he provided all of his team's points. Torres doesn't want his team to rely solely on field goals, though.

“;We can't expect our defense to shut out Kamehameha,”; Torres said. “;We have to put the ball in the end zone.”;

If it does come down to a final kick, Mercado has the distance and experience. Kamehameha's long-ball kicker, Drew Honda, hasn't been tested yet.

KEY STATISTICS

KAHUKU RED RAIDERS (12-0)

No. Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
1 Viliami Pasi	RB	5-9	190	12
2 Johnny Tupola	DB	5-10	162	12
3 Tigi Hill	DB	6-2	195	11
4 Jackson Kaka	TE	6-3	195	12
5 Blaze Kubota	TE	6-0	212	12
6 Lopaka Morris	DB	5-10	175	12
7 Kawehena Johnson	DB	5-7	140	9
8 Natua Teriipaia	WR	5-6	150	12
9 Trayson Medeiros	DB	5-8	170	11
10 TJ Tito	LB	5-10	195	11
11 Andrews Crowell	DB/LB	5-11	180	11
12 Kaipo Pearl	WR	5-8	130	12
13 Galeai Malufau	RB	5-8	165	11
14 B. Welch-Chenier	RB	5-4	110	11
15 Sage Kaka	QB	6-0	165	12
16 Sione Lolohea	TE	5-11	200	12
17 Viliami Livai	QB	5-10	136	9
18 Mekeli Fiso	DB	6-0	155	10
19 Evan Moe	QB	6-0	180	11
20 Judah Kekua	DB	6-2	175	11
21 Pololu Silva	RB	6-0	180	12
22 Punahele Soriano	DB	6-0	190	12
23 Joshua Sorenson	WR	6-0	160	10
24 George Kaka	DB	5-10	160	12
25 Tory Tai Hook	DB	5-11	150	11
26 Paul Keoho	DB	6-0	160	12
27 Evan Ramirez	DB	5-7	130	10
28 Ben Mamea	LB	5-11	200	11
29 Zachary Mathews	DB	5-8	135	11
31 Manulea Lindsey	DB	5-6	150	11
32 B.Fonoimoana-Lessary	DB	5-8	150	11
33 Tyrone Brown	RB	5-10	170	11
34 Jeremy Hood	WR	5-11	180	12
35 Punga Vea	WR	5-10	140	11
36 Benneton Fonua	DB	6-0	185	10
37 Conner Ah Sue	LB	5-9	160	10
40 Loti Kelepi	DL	5-8	220	11
No. Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
41 Joseph Nozawa	DB	5-6	160	12
42 Keoni Tafuna	DL	5-10	190	11
44 Keanu Yoshida	LB	5-10	220	12
45 Fonoivasa Mataafa	FB	5-7	200	11
46 Kuola Walk	LB	5-9	215	11
47 Shawn Fuataga	DL	5-10	260	12
48 Dallin Muti	DL	5-10	210	11
50 Nijahl Auelua	OL	5-11	280	10
52 Hauoli Jamora	DL	6-3	235	12
53 Kamalani Aalona	OL	6-0	245	11
54 Amofala Sopi	OL	5-11	230	12
55 Pier Wilson	DL	5-7	215	11
56 Mark Sauvao	DL	5-9	230	10
58 Christopher Thee	OL	6-1	240	11
59 Alexander Fetuli	OL	6-0	227	11
60 Jamal Napeahi	OL	6-0	265	11
62 Tevita Livai	OL	6-2	290	11
64 Jase Toomalatai	OL	6-1	280	12
65 Steven Siilata	OL	6-0	250	11
69 Jaron Compoc-Hurlbut	OL	6-1	255	12
70 Jonathan Pouesi	OL	6-1	280	10
71 Tevita Tonga	OL	6-3	300	11
72 Vaihi Kaonohi	OL	6-2	290	10
75 Aaron Requilman	OL	5-10	220	11
76 Marc Rivers	OL	5-10	255	12
83 Michael Mariteragi	WR	5-11	140	11
88 Viliami Aloua	WR	5-11	170	11
89 Shairone Thompson	TE	6-4	200	11
90 Kalisi Uluave	LB	6-2	200	11
92 Veteson Sauni	DL	6-0	285	12
93 Cameron Mercado	K/P	6-0	170	12
94 Nicholas Acoba	LB	5-10	195	11
96 Kona Schwenke	DL	6-3	215	12
97 Hauoli Jamora	DL	6-3	235	12
98 Bernard Salazar	LB	5-8	190	12
99 Nelo Vaifoou	DL	5-11	223	11

Head coach: Reggie Torres
Asst. coaches: Garth Spurrier, Kimo Haiola, Walter Santiago, David Te'o, Julian Tyrell, Nihoa Pule, Fatu Fiso, Feso Malufau, Josh Noga, Ken Sasaoka, Keala Santiago, Pulou Tata, Alema Atuaia, Pele Leiataua, Gerald Welch, Doug Vaioleti, Tala Esera, Kendall Buttel, Brad Anae, Sterling Carvalho, Chuck Meade

KAMEHAMEHA WARRIORS (11-1)

No. Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
2 Chaz Bajet	DB	5-8	170	12
3 Christian Akana	QB	5-7	165	10
4 Blaise Cuban	SB	5-8	160	12
5 Dylan Montez	LB	5-8	170	12
6 Bryson Burnett	DB	5-7	155	12
7 Ronson Nakoa-Moniz	RB	5-9	165	12
8 M.K.-Haruno Jr.	QB	5-9	165	12
9 Dyson Hoohuli	SB	5-8	150	12
10 T.C. Campbell	QB	5-11	175	12
11 Brandon Marfil	LB	6-0	200	12
12 Walter Santiago	DB	5-10	150	11
13 Brock Kaululaau	WR	6-0	195	12
14 Charley Bollig IV	WR	5-8	160	11
15 Matthew Mitravich	WR	6-3	160	12
16 Dylan Silva	WR	5-7	165	12
17 Brock Ruelke	WR	6-2	170	11
18 Keanu Haina	SB	5-8	155	11
19 Joshua Panee	SB	5-8	145	11
20 Bryson Baqui	TE	5-7	180	12
21 Wave Ryder	DB	6-2	185	12
22 Ryan Ho	RB	5-6	175	12
23 Jason Muraoka	RB	5-7	170	11
24 Keolapauole Bradley	SB	5-8	150	11
25 Micah Choy	DB	5-10	150	10
26 Mikel Thomas Morita	DB	5-10	160	12
27 Charlton Tang	WR	6-2	195	11
28 D.-Jackson Kawewehi	RB	5-9	175	11
29 Taylor Taliulu	DB	5-11	165	10
30 Tyler Barr	LB	5-7	150	12
31 Tamatea Graham	LB	5-9	220	12
32 Justin Soon	DB	5-7	170	12
33 K. Weisbarth-Tafaoimalo	DL	5-10	245	12
34 Jacob Makaiwi	RB	5-5	150	11
35 George Mukai	LB	6-0	185	12
36 Kupono Park	RB	5-10	195	12
37 Drew Honda	K	5-7	150	11
38 Shayden Terukina	DB	5-5	165	11
39 Tarra Gabriel	K	5-2	120	12
40 Keoni Bush-Loo	TE	6-3	210	10
41 Micah Pescaia	LB	5-10	190	11
No. Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
42 Beau Yap	DL	6-2	235	12
43 Tivaini Tatofi	LB	5-11	190	11
44 David Stant III	LB	5-10	205	11
45 Tory Gomes	DB	5-9	185	11
46 Kekai Newman	LB	5-10	185	11
47 Sean Pickard	DL	6-2	215	11
48 Trey Kodama	LB	5-8	170	10
49 Landon Aano	DL	5-9	285	12
50 Kanekoa Pawn-White	S	5-9	160	10
52 Paul-David Edra	DL	5-9	190	10
53 Jonah Flores	DL	5-10	215	11
54 Aaron Aana	OL	6-0	215	11
55 Hayden Wills	OL	5-9	200	10
57 Brett Stephens	OL	5-10	190	12
58 Travis Namohala	OL	6-2	250	11
60 Donald Okashige	OL	5-10	240	11
61 Kory Rasmussen	DL	6-3	230	10
64 Blaze Ryder	OL	5-11	250	11
65 Keeyan Nakatsu	OL	5-9	235	11
66 Kihaakeanu Sai	OL	6-3	270	10
68 Alika McNicoll	DL	6-0	180	11
69 Kealii Akiyama	DL	5-4	210	11
70 Caleb Borge	DL	6-1	200	10
71 Noah Borden	DL	5-10	160	10
72/83 Shayne Wills	OL	6-2	248	12
73 Cameron Baron	OL	5-10	215	12
74 C.-Gardner Brown	OL	6-1	215	12
75 Claudio Borge IV	OL	6-1	240	12
76 Kamalani Kaluhiokalani	OL	6-1	260	11
77 Lokahi Hoopii	OL	5-10	240	10
79 Conan Donahue	OL	5-10	245	10
81 Alexander Bell	WR	5-7	175	12
82 Brent Auyong	WR	6-1	175	12
84 Kaimipono Bento	TE	6-0	180	11
85 Isaiah Kaahanui	WR	5-7	150	11
86 Jordan Bush	WR	5-10	150	12
88 Tristan Peterson	WR	5-8	145	10
93 Lake Kaai	DE	6-4	235	11
99 Aaron Baron Jr.	DE	5-11	190	11

Head coach: David Stant, Jr.
Asst. coaches: Keli'i Akana, Tamotsu Iwaishi, Mike Morita, James Nakamura, Antone “;Buddy”; Pai, Hanale Vincent, Bill Kaai, Cliff Mookini, Elia Akau, Boyd Yap, Houston Ala, Dwight Dupont, Makai Freitas

OTHER STATS

	Kahuku	Kamehameha
Total offense
Plays	618	620
Avg. Per Play	5.4	5.5
Avg. Per Game	278.4	309.9*
* Does not include Word of Life statistics
Rushing yards
Attempts	433	411
Avg. per rush	4.9	4.8
Avg. per game	178.3	179.1
	Kahuku	Kamehameha
Passing yards
Att.-Comp.-Int.	183-83-13	209-104-8
Avg. per pass	6.5	6.9
Avg. per catch	14.5	13.8
Avg. per game	100.1	130.1*
* Does not include Word of Life statistics

INDIVIDUAL LEADERS

RUSHING
Kahuku
Player	GP	Att	Yds	AVG.	TD	AVG/G
Viliami Pasi	10	138	612	4.4	7	61.2
Tyrone Brown	11	80	560	7.0	4	50.9
Kamehameha
Player	GP	Att	Yds	AVG.	TD	AVG/G
Ryan Ho	11	—	1,409	—	16	128.1
Kupono Park	10	57	267	4.7	8	26.7*
PASSING
Kahuku
Player	GP	EFFC.	A-C-I	PCT.	YDS	TD	AVG/G
Evan Moe	12	106.4	156-72-12	46.2	1,011	10	84.3
Kamehameha
Player	GP	EFFC.	A-C-I	PCT.	YDS	TD	AVG/G
T.C. Campbell	9	123.6	163-82-6	50.3	1,132	11	125.8*
RECEIVING
Kahuku
Player	GP	No.	YDS	AVG	TD	AVG/G
Punga Vea	12	25	280	11.2	3	23.3
Shairone Thompson	12	11	244	22.2	3	22.2
Kamehameha
Player	GP	NO.	YDS	AVG	TD	AVG/G
Blaise Cuban	11	29	548	18.9	1	49.8*
Charley Bollig IV	11	15	279	18.6	0	25.4*

* does not include Word of Life statistics