Footballholics Anonymous

Yep, it's in full gear now. Rumblin', stumblin', tumblin'.

Catch up with scores on the football forum with my scoreboard, which is updated every day with story links from across the state and freshly-brewed scores.

The Top 10 countdown series that I recently completed in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin is just a heavy pupu platter. Coming up in the next few days are previews of the OIA Red and White Conferences, as well as the new Top 10. I was originally against our Top 10 countdown. Just seemed way too early to ask coaches and media for ballots on August 2. Players hadn't even gotten their pads on, let alone start scrimmaging.

I was wrong. My bosses have pretty good instincts, and so far, I've gotten a huge number of unsolicited comments about the countdown. Not a single negative opinion. Hard for me to believe it's that one-sided, but that's the truth. Of course, a poll that early will be more wrong than right, and Saint Louis proved this to be true by knocking down Kahuku 21-6 on Friday.

No surprises there. Kahuku has 96 players to analyze and played a bunch of them, perhaps all. The offense showed a lot more than it did in last year's opener against Punahou because they had an OC and a playbook intact this time. Jray Galeai has a ton of potential, but coach Reggie Torres emphasizes that his new quarterback needs time to settle in. He runs well, makes good decisions on the option, and has a nice throwing touch. Even with a one-dimensional offense last year, Kahuku won the state title. Drawing up a defensive gameplan against the Red Raiders this fall won't be quite as simple.

Saint Louis, as expected, was tough and most of the time looked like it was in mid-season form. Micah Mamiya had total command and the Crusaders were content to sit in a shotgun formation for much of the game. That allowed Mamiya to make quick decisions and unload the ball if the pass rush was heavy. They didn't let him run the option until the second half, but I was surprised they let him run it at all considering last year's shoulder injury in the state semifinal. I suppose they can't coddle him forever, plus it gives opposing teams something else to work on when they see the video. They did show both shotgun two-back and pistol formations, as have a few other teams this season.

One of them is Punahou, which didn't run the option at all. I thought that was a possibility with Kimo Makaula (6-2, 210) at quarterback, but he stood there in the pocket like Brett Kan. The Buffanblu showed their I formation in addition to the pistol and shotgun sets, including the two-back. Cayman Shutte's background as a quarterback in the Punahou system showed brilliantly yesterday in the 56-18 win over McKinley. His timing and coordination with receivers was impeccable.

Coach Kale Ane insists there's no controversy, and I agree. Makaula, the ex-linebacker, is a good mid-range passer who will be tough to bring down. He never looked flustered yesterday throwing the ball, and time will give him a chance to become a better ballhandler (two fumbles). Shutte, who was 10-for-11 with four touchdowns, took advantage of McKinley's press coverage. His timing with receiver Robbie Toma, who had a huge game, was uncanny.

I don't think I want to miss a single Punahou game this season. And yes, though it was hot at Alexander Field, I would rather see all games played in the afternoon. There's nothing like it, and it would render electrical issues meaningless.

A game that ends before sundown gives families and friends a chance to hang out together afterwards. Fellowship should count for something in high school sports, and that comes more naturally when there's time. A night game? I understand the importance of gate revenue, and the economics of high school sports revolves around football income. What I hope for is a societal change, a collective mentality of what's best for the kids. I see that with afternoon football, not with evening games that often end closer to 11 p.m. than 10.