Here we go again ... opening week is a shot in the dark.
Friday, August 17
Kahuku vs. Saint Louis at Aloha Stadium, 7 p.m. Coach Torres will not stray from his philosophy of playing everyone (96 players) to gauge their gametime performance. Same as last year, when they could've beaten Punahou, but kept running basic plays with the third and fourth string in. Saint Louis 20, Kahuku 18.
Damien at Kapolei, 7 p.m. New coach, new playbook at Damien. Kapolei has enough returning experience to have a slight edge. Who will step in as a playmaker now that both Santiago brothers have graduated? Mason Koa is a tough option QB, but he can't take a pounding all night. That would not be healthy. Hurricanes 26, Monarchs 20.
Castle at Mililani. Knights have speed. Trojans have a new offense, but Rustin Funakoshi is in his third year at QB under the tutelage of Darnell Arceneaux. Mililani 17, Castle 13.
Farrington at Waianae. Postponed to Saturday.
Kaimuki at Aiea. Bulldogs have a big turnout and decent size, but learning a new system under Darren Johnson will take a little time. Na Alii have speed to burn, plus its entire starting LB and DB corps back. Aiea 29, Kaimuki 19.
Kalaheo at Nanakuli. Mustangs have Cody vonAppen back at QB and some momentum under second-year coach Chris Mellor. Nanakuli's young coaches have a solid group together. This could be the most competitive game of the weekend. Golden Hawks 20, Mustangs 19.
Leilehua at Kailua. Lot of promise coming out of the Windward side. Mules have a tough defense but may miss former DC Rod York. Leilehua is also adjusting to a new QB. Mules 24, Surfriders 20.
Pearl City at Moanalua. Chargers have numbers. Menehune have numbers. Interesting matchup. Difference-maker is Moanalua QB Jordan Monico, who is strong as most linebackers and fast as most receivers. Menehune 31, Chargers 27.
Roosevelt at Campbell. Rough Riders don't have a lot of size, but always have the potential to upset bigger teams thanks to a wide-open system. Sabers have that Wing T, which can be a headache for any opposing DC. Sabers 24, Rough Riders 22.
Keaau at Kauai at Vidinha Stadium, 7:30 p.m. The visiting Cougars will face the four-time defending KIF champions on Kauai. Red Raider fans support their team well, which makes this inter-island matchup an advantage for Kauai. New coach, same system for the Red Raiders. A lot of mixed feelings on the Kauai side with former coach Kelii Morgado ousted by adminstration. Kauai 34, Keaau 21.
Saturday, Aug. 18
Hawaii Prep at Kapaa at Vidinha Stadium, noon. Kapaa, the black sheep of KIF football, tends to play well against the BIIF. HPA has not been the same in recent years after playing at a high level for decades dating back to the 1960s. Warriors 33, Ka Makani 26.
McKinley at Punahou, 3 p.m. Debut for many new Buffanblu starters, but all eyes will be on RB Dalton Hilliard and LB Manti Te'o. Tigers can't be underestimated; they upset Kahuku last year. Depth is on Punahou's side. Buffanblu 32, Tigers 18.
Kohala at Anuenue at Kaiser, 6 p.m. A great matchup between two true Division II schools. Kohala always has speed, but lacks size. Anuenue is only in its second season at the varsity level, but returns everyone from last year's team with the exception of a single graduated senior. Na Koa are beefy, but not deep. Na Koa 41, Cowboys 34.
Waimea at Waiakea, 6 p.m. Menehune have a proud history and could begin their comeback campaign with an off-island win. Won't be easy to travel across the state. If this game is at Wong Stadium and the rain falls, this could be a miserable night for the passing games of both teams.Waimea 21, Waiakea 16.
Honokaa at Waialua, 6 p.m. Honokaa rarely travels to Oahu for preseason games, so this is a treat. Bulldogs lose Caleb Fore, their outstanding QB, to graduation. This is a toss-up. Home team gets the edge. Bulldogs 22, Dragons 21.
Hilo at Konawaena, 7 p.m. Before you wonder why BIIF teams are playing league games, Hilo is in Division I and Kona is D-II. Wildcats lost two key players, including QB Kawai Kanuha, to Kealakehe in the off-season. New coach, new system, time will tell what happens here. Hilo has the benefit of a veteran staff under Albert Kawelu. Basic, power football. Viks 20, Wildcats 6.
Farrington at Waianae. Game originall scheduled for Friday. Governors won in nonconference play last year, 37-0. Seariders haven't forgotten. Farrington lost experience and talent at the skill positions, but returns a ton of talent on defense. Same goes for Waianae, but they have QB Ben McQuown back. Seariders 19, Governors 8.
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