The West is going to be wild. Again
Star-Bulletin: OIA football kicks off with a lot at stake | Waianae the favorite in stacked conference
It's only fitting that the Red West regular season kicks off at Waianae. As one coach said, that's where the West title goes through.
I just hope there's time to stop at Tasty Freeze for some of those onolicious homemade fries. That's hope. Instead, the traffic along the road, especially Nanakuli, will probably have me fighting to get there for the kickoff. Normally, I'd be out there early, but there are responsibilities to tend to in town first, and that's how it goes.
It won't matter how traffic is by kickoff. Torii Field is one of the best places on Earth to watch a football game. Sun going down over the ocean, which is just a stone's throw from the field.
The West won't be won in one day. In fact, the West winner and runner-up get nothing more than higher seedings in the playoffs, and home-field advantage is no guarantee, as Farrington learned last year. But it's all about positioning and momentum, which are almost as important as staying healthy.
Let the games begin!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Star-Bulletin's Volleyball Tabloid: Ke Anuenue
Once again, the Star-Bulletin staff turns out a beautiful, fun guide to the UH Wahine Volleyball season.
Star-Bulletin: Ke Anuenue
Will this win another award? Take a look at the e-edition and the hard copy and judge for yourself. Cindy Luis has no peer, and neither do the Star-Bulletin's creative forces.
Nice to see that the tabloid has been split up. For several years, it was a combo volleyball-football project. You've seen them. The Roadmap/Rand McNally theme. The H-Man comic book theme. (Kip Aoki is the best in the business.) Friggin awesome.
Now I'm eager to see what Dave Reardon has in store for the football tab. Yeeehaaa!!!
Star-Bulletin: Ke Anuenue
Will this win another award? Take a look at the e-edition and the hard copy and judge for yourself. Cindy Luis has no peer, and neither do the Star-Bulletin's creative forces.
Nice to see that the tabloid has been split up. For several years, it was a combo volleyball-football project. You've seen them. The Roadmap/Rand McNally theme. The H-Man comic book theme. (Kip Aoki is the best in the business.) Friggin awesome.
Now I'm eager to see what Dave Reardon has in store for the football tab. Yeeehaaa!!!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Pupule Pigskin Picks, Week 2, Aug. 24-25
Week 1 record: 13-1-1. Sounds nice, but at the prep level, anything below 90% is really not good. So, I'm kind of on the bubble.
Week 2: No fooling around for many teams as regular-season play begins. The schedule makers didn't hold back, that's for sure. It's time to put on the hat and bring it.
OIA Red
Mililani at Waianae
Friday. Talk about a whopper. I wish I could leave town early, stop by Waianae Starbucks, kick back in the air conditioning with a vanilla frapuccino, then stop by Tasty Freeze for a burger and homemade french fries with the awesome mustard-mayo sauce ... but it ain't gonna happen. Got things to do until 4 p.m. in town, so I'll be lucky to be out of traffic and on Farrington Highway by 5, and by then, it's straight to Torii Field because of the traffic tie-up that normally clogs the Nanakuli area. Who wins this game? I think Waianae will find its identity after a few games. So many new faces on defense, but plenty of talent. Mililani will bring enough weaponry to stay close. Pupule says: Trojans 16, Seariders 14.
Campbell at Aiea
Saturday. Sabers lost out on game-speed experience when thieves vandalized their stadium last week before a nonconference game. Aiea is ahead of a lot of teams because of Keenan Naeole and his talented receivers. Pupule says: Na Alii 29, Sabers 19.
Radford at Leilehua
Saturday. Oh man, this doesn't get more intense. Old rivals in a huge showdown. Rams are young and Coach Fred Salanoa is downplaying his team's status as a potential contender. True, the Rams are young, but Salanoa and his staff are terrific. Mules are looking for an offensive identity since the graduation of All-State quarterback Bryant Moniz. Pupule says: Mules 14, Rams 7.
OIA White
Waipahu at Waialua
Friday. Both teams searching for new offensive focal points, but Waipahu has the edge with running back Keo Palimoo. Can Waipahu's defense corral new Bulldog quarterback Donovan Mata? If the answer is yes, Waipahu starts the rugged White schedule with a 'W.' Pupule says: Marauders 20, Bulldogs 12.
Nanakuli at Pearl City
Friday. Golden Hawks have experience, but last week's loss to Kalaheo was a wake-up call. Can the Hawks contain Chargers' running back Antoin DeWalt? Not many teams have. Pupule says: Chargers 27, Golden Hawks 14.
Kalani at Roosevelt
Friday. Possibly the two smallest teams in the league. Kalani is in building mode, while Roosevelt has experience and skill at quarterback. Pupule says: Rough Riders 34, Falcons 20.
Anuenue vs. Kaimuki
Saturday at Kaiser Stadium. These teams were in a close game last year until Anuenue ran out of gas in the fourth quarter. Now, Na Koa are older, stronger, faster ... but Kaimuki is deeper. Will the Bulldogs learn new coach Darren Johnson's system quickly? Or will Anuenue's cohesion and run-and-shoot offense show some new wrinkles? Tough call. Pupule says: Bulldogs 30, Na Koa 27.
Nonconference
South East (Calif.) at Maui
Thursday. Can't find anything about South East on the net right now. Maxpreps.com is down. Doh!
Hilo at Kauai
Friday. Vikings will bring old school football to Vidinha Stadium. Coach Albert Kawelu believes in run-first offense and hard-nosed defense. The Red Raiders won in coach Derek Borrrero's debut last week. Interesting matchup of contrasts. Pupule says: Red Raiders 24, Viks 14.
Komabagakuin at Kapaa
Friday. Never heard of the team from Japan. Have to take a pass here.
Kwansei at King Kekaulike
I've seen Kwansei play before. Back in the 1990s, they came to the Big Island and shut out then-perennial BIIF champion Konawaena 26-0. Kwansei back then was a West Coast offense team, extremely precise and technically sound. Their coach had gone to the U.S. and spent time under the tutelage of Bill Walsh. King K better be ready. Pupule says: Kwansei 26, Na Alii 17.
Baldwin at Kamehameha-Hawaii
Friday. The Bears are on the road, and big gun Jordan Helle is battling injury. KS-Hawaii lost a lot of talent last year, but could get a boost if Kolten Wong suits up. MIL's D-1 champion versus BIIF's D-2 champ. Pupule says: Bears 27, Warriors 15.
Konawaena at Waimea
Friday. Wildcats are struggling, Menehunes are ramping up. Pupule says: Waimea 41, Konawaena 16.
Saint Louis at Kailua
Friday. Crusaders don't want to risk injury to anyone, especially quarterback Micah Mamiya, but they have a history of playing all out regardless of the situation. Won't be easy against an improved Surfrider squad. A year ago, Saint Louis went to Castle and rallied in the second half for a close win. Pupule says: Crusaders 31, Surfriders 13.
Ft. McMurray at St. Anthony
Saturday. Damn. I need help with Ft. McMurray info. Maxpreps please fix your site!
Waiakea at Lahainaluna
Saturday. Lunas finally get the game unis on. Pupule says: Lunas 34, Warriors 14.
Kalaheo at Iolani
Saturday. Big, big test for the uprising Mustangs. Their biggest test in years. OIA teams have not fared well at Eddie Hamada Field in recent years. Iolani is ranked in the Star-Bulletin Top 10 now, but last week's win over Kaiser wasn't a strong test. Kalaheo quarterback Cody vonAppen is a savvy quarterback who makes smart plays that don't show up in the stats. Pupule says: Raiders 44, Mustangs 35.
Farrington vs. Damien, Kunuiakea Stadium
Saturday. Battle of Houghtailing Street. This is basic smashmouth football at its best. Pupule says: Govs 20, Monarchs 14.
Kapolei vs. McKinley, Roosevelt field
Saturday. Interesting matchup. Despite the lopsided loss at Punahou last week, McKinley has some considerable talent on the field. Kapolei, though, has a very solid system and a potentially great defense (re: shutout of Damien last week). Pupule says: Hurricanes 20, Tigers 16.
Kamehameha at Castle
Saturday. Warriors have waited all summer to get on the field and butt heads with someone else. Pupule says: Warriors 28, Knights 14.
Pac-Five at Moanalua
Saturday. Intriguing matchup of two teams with some new faces. Moanalua has incumbent Jordan Monico at quarterback. He's arguably the toughest QB to bring down in the state, projects as a linebacker or safety in college, imho. Pac-Five defense is stellar, led by Aaron Tipoti and a tough linebacking corps. Pupule says: Wolfpack 23, Na Menehune 21.
Week 2: No fooling around for many teams as regular-season play begins. The schedule makers didn't hold back, that's for sure. It's time to put on the hat and bring it.
OIA Red
Mililani at Waianae
Friday. Talk about a whopper. I wish I could leave town early, stop by Waianae Starbucks, kick back in the air conditioning with a vanilla frapuccino, then stop by Tasty Freeze for a burger and homemade french fries with the awesome mustard-mayo sauce ... but it ain't gonna happen. Got things to do until 4 p.m. in town, so I'll be lucky to be out of traffic and on Farrington Highway by 5, and by then, it's straight to Torii Field because of the traffic tie-up that normally clogs the Nanakuli area. Who wins this game? I think Waianae will find its identity after a few games. So many new faces on defense, but plenty of talent. Mililani will bring enough weaponry to stay close. Pupule says: Trojans 16, Seariders 14.
Campbell at Aiea
Saturday. Sabers lost out on game-speed experience when thieves vandalized their stadium last week before a nonconference game. Aiea is ahead of a lot of teams because of Keenan Naeole and his talented receivers. Pupule says: Na Alii 29, Sabers 19.
Radford at Leilehua
Saturday. Oh man, this doesn't get more intense. Old rivals in a huge showdown. Rams are young and Coach Fred Salanoa is downplaying his team's status as a potential contender. True, the Rams are young, but Salanoa and his staff are terrific. Mules are looking for an offensive identity since the graduation of All-State quarterback Bryant Moniz. Pupule says: Mules 14, Rams 7.
OIA White
Waipahu at Waialua
Friday. Both teams searching for new offensive focal points, but Waipahu has the edge with running back Keo Palimoo. Can Waipahu's defense corral new Bulldog quarterback Donovan Mata? If the answer is yes, Waipahu starts the rugged White schedule with a 'W.' Pupule says: Marauders 20, Bulldogs 12.
Nanakuli at Pearl City
Friday. Golden Hawks have experience, but last week's loss to Kalaheo was a wake-up call. Can the Hawks contain Chargers' running back Antoin DeWalt? Not many teams have. Pupule says: Chargers 27, Golden Hawks 14.
Kalani at Roosevelt
Friday. Possibly the two smallest teams in the league. Kalani is in building mode, while Roosevelt has experience and skill at quarterback. Pupule says: Rough Riders 34, Falcons 20.
Anuenue vs. Kaimuki
Saturday at Kaiser Stadium. These teams were in a close game last year until Anuenue ran out of gas in the fourth quarter. Now, Na Koa are older, stronger, faster ... but Kaimuki is deeper. Will the Bulldogs learn new coach Darren Johnson's system quickly? Or will Anuenue's cohesion and run-and-shoot offense show some new wrinkles? Tough call. Pupule says: Bulldogs 30, Na Koa 27.
Nonconference
South East (Calif.) at Maui
Thursday. Can't find anything about South East on the net right now. Maxpreps.com is down. Doh!
Hilo at Kauai
Friday. Vikings will bring old school football to Vidinha Stadium. Coach Albert Kawelu believes in run-first offense and hard-nosed defense. The Red Raiders won in coach Derek Borrrero's debut last week. Interesting matchup of contrasts. Pupule says: Red Raiders 24, Viks 14.
Komabagakuin at Kapaa
Friday. Never heard of the team from Japan. Have to take a pass here.
Kwansei at King Kekaulike
I've seen Kwansei play before. Back in the 1990s, they came to the Big Island and shut out then-perennial BIIF champion Konawaena 26-0. Kwansei back then was a West Coast offense team, extremely precise and technically sound. Their coach had gone to the U.S. and spent time under the tutelage of Bill Walsh. King K better be ready. Pupule says: Kwansei 26, Na Alii 17.
Baldwin at Kamehameha-Hawaii
Friday. The Bears are on the road, and big gun Jordan Helle is battling injury. KS-Hawaii lost a lot of talent last year, but could get a boost if Kolten Wong suits up. MIL's D-1 champion versus BIIF's D-2 champ. Pupule says: Bears 27, Warriors 15.
Konawaena at Waimea
Friday. Wildcats are struggling, Menehunes are ramping up. Pupule says: Waimea 41, Konawaena 16.
Saint Louis at Kailua
Friday. Crusaders don't want to risk injury to anyone, especially quarterback Micah Mamiya, but they have a history of playing all out regardless of the situation. Won't be easy against an improved Surfrider squad. A year ago, Saint Louis went to Castle and rallied in the second half for a close win. Pupule says: Crusaders 31, Surfriders 13.
Ft. McMurray at St. Anthony
Saturday. Damn. I need help with Ft. McMurray info. Maxpreps please fix your site!
Waiakea at Lahainaluna
Saturday. Lunas finally get the game unis on. Pupule says: Lunas 34, Warriors 14.
Kalaheo at Iolani
Saturday. Big, big test for the uprising Mustangs. Their biggest test in years. OIA teams have not fared well at Eddie Hamada Field in recent years. Iolani is ranked in the Star-Bulletin Top 10 now, but last week's win over Kaiser wasn't a strong test. Kalaheo quarterback Cody vonAppen is a savvy quarterback who makes smart plays that don't show up in the stats. Pupule says: Raiders 44, Mustangs 35.
Farrington vs. Damien, Kunuiakea Stadium
Saturday. Battle of Houghtailing Street. This is basic smashmouth football at its best. Pupule says: Govs 20, Monarchs 14.
Kapolei vs. McKinley, Roosevelt field
Saturday. Interesting matchup. Despite the lopsided loss at Punahou last week, McKinley has some considerable talent on the field. Kapolei, though, has a very solid system and a potentially great defense (re: shutout of Damien last week). Pupule says: Hurricanes 20, Tigers 16.
Kamehameha at Castle
Saturday. Warriors have waited all summer to get on the field and butt heads with someone else. Pupule says: Warriors 28, Knights 14.
Pac-Five at Moanalua
Saturday. Intriguing matchup of two teams with some new faces. Moanalua has incumbent Jordan Monico at quarterback. He's arguably the toughest QB to bring down in the state, projects as a linebacker or safety in college, imho. Pac-Five defense is stellar, led by Aaron Tipoti and a tough linebacking corps. Pupule says: Wolfpack 23, Na Menehune 21.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
A time of learning, a time of character
No, it's not the title of a speech by some Presidential candidate. But it wouldn't be bad, would it?
My brain is sore and spinning. There's a lot of information to absorb every time my phone rings, or when I make the call and interrupt some poor coach's normal routine. I hate to bug them, whether it's at work, practice or home. Especially at home. That's quiet time. Some rare quiet time each day for these hardworking people.
The coaches and their players have been on the field for spring football. Summer camp. Oh yeah, summer camp, which is nothing like it used to be. No more two-a-day workouts. No more bonding with everyone on the squad. It's just not the same when preparation involves one afternoon practice a day.
There are coaches who concede that having normalcy is good. Trying to get vacation time from the boss just to coach at summer camp is never easy for most folks. But there is a difference these days now that there's no camp. How do you build trust without spending the time together?
It's no different from any family or organization. You can't fake the growth and unity. Nobody can. You're either there and together for hours or you're not. That's why I think it's easier to get into problems than before, and tougher for coaches to build team chemistry.
It's a trust issue, always has been and always will be. That will change for the better with more games under the belt. Until then, this is a true test of coaching character, and an absolutely essential test for student-athlete character. It's not about who's wrong. It's about doing what's right, applying the right correction and discipline, and moving forward.
Together.
My brain is sore and spinning. There's a lot of information to absorb every time my phone rings, or when I make the call and interrupt some poor coach's normal routine. I hate to bug them, whether it's at work, practice or home. Especially at home. That's quiet time. Some rare quiet time each day for these hardworking people.
The coaches and their players have been on the field for spring football. Summer camp. Oh yeah, summer camp, which is nothing like it used to be. No more two-a-day workouts. No more bonding with everyone on the squad. It's just not the same when preparation involves one afternoon practice a day.
There are coaches who concede that having normalcy is good. Trying to get vacation time from the boss just to coach at summer camp is never easy for most folks. But there is a difference these days now that there's no camp. How do you build trust without spending the time together?
It's no different from any family or organization. You can't fake the growth and unity. Nobody can. You're either there and together for hours or you're not. That's why I think it's easier to get into problems than before, and tougher for coaches to build team chemistry.
It's a trust issue, always has been and always will be. That will change for the better with more games under the belt. Until then, this is a true test of coaching character, and an absolutely essential test for student-athlete character. It's not about who's wrong. It's about doing what's right, applying the right correction and discipline, and moving forward.
Together.
Pupule's Top 20
Time for some shuffling. Here's how I voted in today's Star-Bulletin Football Top 10.
1. Saint Louis (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Kahuku 21-6
This week: at Kailua
Crusaders have some work to do, but what they've already done supercedes all opposition. They had the physical power to contain Kahuku's lethal ground attack. They were superior on special teams, which is never surprising. The offense will come around, and when it does, Saint Louis will be explosive. Mamiya's return is the biggest plus of all, and when he regains his accuracy, this group of receivers will show how good it can be.
2. Punahou (1-0-0)
Last week: def. McKinley 56-18
This week: bye
Buffanblu have a lot of strengths at the skill positions and an experienced defensive unit. Sloppy tackling, however, will be a focal point after the unit gave up two long touchdown passes to McKinley.
3. Kahuku (0-1-0)
Last week: lost to Saint Louis 21-6
This week: bye
Red Raiders have great potential, but as Reggie Torres says, they need time. Jray Galeai is getting more comfortable with the offense. Strong arm, great wheels, only a junior. Kahuku defense stood strong despite poor field position for much of the second half against Saint Louis.
4. Baldwin (0-0-0)
Last week: did not play
This week: at Kamehameha-Hawaii, Friday
Bears slide one spot in my ballot only because Punahou executed so well on Saturday against McKinley. Perhaps the most explosive passing attack in the state. The O-line is relatively young and will be tested this weekend.
5. Mililani (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Castle 43-6
This week: bye
Trojans are always tough at home and proved it with a rout of Castle. The Darnell Arceneaux era is off to a bullish start.
6. Waianae (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Farrington 21-7
This week: bye
I can hardly wait for the Mililani-Waianae showdown.
7. Kamehameha (0-0-0)
Last week: did not play
This week: at Castle
Almost unfair to gauge a team that hasn't played yet. If the Warriors win, but don't blow out Castle — a proud program that returns home this week — voters will give Mililani more votes. That's not fair since emotion is a huge part of prep football. Castle will likely respond well to last weekend's loss at Mililani, and it usually plays well at home. Castle led Saint Louis before losing last season 17-13.
8. Aiea (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Kaimuki 21-7
This week: bye
Na Alii beat a solid Kaimuki squad, and yet Iolani zoomed into the Star-Bulletin Top 10 and landed above Aiea. Never underestimate the power of a good returning quarterback (Keenan Naeole).
9. Iolani (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Kaiser 44-0
This week: vs. Kalaheo, Saturday
Raiders rolled big over alumni and Kaiser coach Pat Samsonas at the Father Bray Classic. Big test for the ILH's defending D-II champion this weekend. Kalaheo is coming off a 43-0 win at Nanakuli. Afternoon football at Iolani hasn't been kind to OIA teams recently, though.
10. Lahainaluna (0-0-0)
Last week: did not play
This week: vs. Waiakea, Saturday
Often underrated, the Lunas are West Maui's favorite sons this time of year. Physical, disciplined and tricky with that Wing T offense.
More?
11. Leilehua (0-0-0)
Last week: won at Kailua 6-3
This week: bye
The Mules' offensive success in recent years may not prepare fans for baseball scores, but this is going to be more of the norm. Leilehua has led the OIA Red West in total defense the past two seasons and the trend continues. Can't fight the trend.
12. Farrington (0-1-0)
Last week: lost at Waianae 21-7
This week: vs. Damien, Kunuiakea Stadium, Saturday
Very little time for the Governors to rest after a loss on the road at Waianae. These are excellent testing grounds for a team that has potential. Damien will be just as ornery after a road loss to Kapolei.
13. Kapolei (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Damien 14-0
This week: vs. McKinley, Roosevelt Stadium, Saturday
Hurricanes are on a mission. So much talent has departed in recent years, but they keep reloading. Damien provided basic run-first football. McKinley will be more familiar — a run-and-shoot/flex option offense with big-play potential.
14. Pac-Five (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Radford 21-12
This week: at Moanalua, Saturday
Every year, the Wolf Pack holds its own against OIA teams, then faces a mountain in the ILH. So far, so good.
15. Kealakehe (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Scotts Valley (Calif.) 23-21
This week: bye
Good news: Waveriders won their opener under a new coach. Bad news: Offense scored only one touchdown.
16. Kauai (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Keaau 35-6
This week: at Hilo, Friday
Keaau is D-I in name, but hasn't been a strong program since the school opened nearly 10 years ago. Hilo will provide much better competition for the Red Raiders. Classic matchup of opposites. Kauai's run-and-shoot versus Hilo's rugged defense. Hilo veteran Albert Kawalu against first-year Kauai coach Derek Borrero.
17. Kamehameha-Hawaii (0-0-0)
Last week: did not play
This week: vs. Baldwin, Friday
This team is 17th when Kolten Wong is on the field. He's been busy with baseball, you may have heard.
18. Kailua (0-1-0)
Last week: lost to Leilehua 6-3
This week: vs. Saint Louis, Friday
A lot of raised expectations on the Windward side for the Surfriders and gentleman coach Gary Rosolowich.
19. Damien (0-1-0)
Last week: lost at Kapolei 14-0
This week: vs. Farrington, Kunuiakea Stadium, Saturday
Monarchs want to make a statement against neighborhood rival Farrington.
20. Kalaheo (1-0-0)
Last week: won at Nanakuli 44-0
This week: at Iolani, Saturday
Biggest game for Kalaheo in recent memory is a few days away. Senior quarterback Cody vonAppen is a key, steadying factor for Coach Mellor's squad.
1. Saint Louis (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Kahuku 21-6
This week: at Kailua
Crusaders have some work to do, but what they've already done supercedes all opposition. They had the physical power to contain Kahuku's lethal ground attack. They were superior on special teams, which is never surprising. The offense will come around, and when it does, Saint Louis will be explosive. Mamiya's return is the biggest plus of all, and when he regains his accuracy, this group of receivers will show how good it can be.
2. Punahou (1-0-0)
Last week: def. McKinley 56-18
This week: bye
Buffanblu have a lot of strengths at the skill positions and an experienced defensive unit. Sloppy tackling, however, will be a focal point after the unit gave up two long touchdown passes to McKinley.
3. Kahuku (0-1-0)
Last week: lost to Saint Louis 21-6
This week: bye
Red Raiders have great potential, but as Reggie Torres says, they need time. Jray Galeai is getting more comfortable with the offense. Strong arm, great wheels, only a junior. Kahuku defense stood strong despite poor field position for much of the second half against Saint Louis.
4. Baldwin (0-0-0)
Last week: did not play
This week: at Kamehameha-Hawaii, Friday
Bears slide one spot in my ballot only because Punahou executed so well on Saturday against McKinley. Perhaps the most explosive passing attack in the state. The O-line is relatively young and will be tested this weekend.
5. Mililani (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Castle 43-6
This week: bye
Trojans are always tough at home and proved it with a rout of Castle. The Darnell Arceneaux era is off to a bullish start.
6. Waianae (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Farrington 21-7
This week: bye
I can hardly wait for the Mililani-Waianae showdown.
7. Kamehameha (0-0-0)
Last week: did not play
This week: at Castle
Almost unfair to gauge a team that hasn't played yet. If the Warriors win, but don't blow out Castle — a proud program that returns home this week — voters will give Mililani more votes. That's not fair since emotion is a huge part of prep football. Castle will likely respond well to last weekend's loss at Mililani, and it usually plays well at home. Castle led Saint Louis before losing last season 17-13.
8. Aiea (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Kaimuki 21-7
This week: bye
Na Alii beat a solid Kaimuki squad, and yet Iolani zoomed into the Star-Bulletin Top 10 and landed above Aiea. Never underestimate the power of a good returning quarterback (Keenan Naeole).
9. Iolani (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Kaiser 44-0
This week: vs. Kalaheo, Saturday
Raiders rolled big over alumni and Kaiser coach Pat Samsonas at the Father Bray Classic. Big test for the ILH's defending D-II champion this weekend. Kalaheo is coming off a 43-0 win at Nanakuli. Afternoon football at Iolani hasn't been kind to OIA teams recently, though.
10. Lahainaluna (0-0-0)
Last week: did not play
This week: vs. Waiakea, Saturday
Often underrated, the Lunas are West Maui's favorite sons this time of year. Physical, disciplined and tricky with that Wing T offense.
More?
11. Leilehua (0-0-0)
Last week: won at Kailua 6-3
This week: bye
The Mules' offensive success in recent years may not prepare fans for baseball scores, but this is going to be more of the norm. Leilehua has led the OIA Red West in total defense the past two seasons and the trend continues. Can't fight the trend.
12. Farrington (0-1-0)
Last week: lost at Waianae 21-7
This week: vs. Damien, Kunuiakea Stadium, Saturday
Very little time for the Governors to rest after a loss on the road at Waianae. These are excellent testing grounds for a team that has potential. Damien will be just as ornery after a road loss to Kapolei.
13. Kapolei (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Damien 14-0
This week: vs. McKinley, Roosevelt Stadium, Saturday
Hurricanes are on a mission. So much talent has departed in recent years, but they keep reloading. Damien provided basic run-first football. McKinley will be more familiar — a run-and-shoot/flex option offense with big-play potential.
14. Pac-Five (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Radford 21-12
This week: at Moanalua, Saturday
Every year, the Wolf Pack holds its own against OIA teams, then faces a mountain in the ILH. So far, so good.
15. Kealakehe (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Scotts Valley (Calif.) 23-21
This week: bye
Good news: Waveriders won their opener under a new coach. Bad news: Offense scored only one touchdown.
16. Kauai (1-0-0)
Last week: def. Keaau 35-6
This week: at Hilo, Friday
Keaau is D-I in name, but hasn't been a strong program since the school opened nearly 10 years ago. Hilo will provide much better competition for the Red Raiders. Classic matchup of opposites. Kauai's run-and-shoot versus Hilo's rugged defense. Hilo veteran Albert Kawalu against first-year Kauai coach Derek Borrero.
17. Kamehameha-Hawaii (0-0-0)
Last week: did not play
This week: vs. Baldwin, Friday
This team is 17th when Kolten Wong is on the field. He's been busy with baseball, you may have heard.
18. Kailua (0-1-0)
Last week: lost to Leilehua 6-3
This week: vs. Saint Louis, Friday
A lot of raised expectations on the Windward side for the Surfriders and gentleman coach Gary Rosolowich.
19. Damien (0-1-0)
Last week: lost at Kapolei 14-0
This week: vs. Farrington, Kunuiakea Stadium, Saturday
Monarchs want to make a statement against neighborhood rival Farrington.
20. Kalaheo (1-0-0)
Last week: won at Nanakuli 44-0
This week: at Iolani, Saturday
Biggest game for Kalaheo in recent memory is a few days away. Senior quarterback Cody vonAppen is a key, steadying factor for Coach Mellor's squad.
How deep is deep? OIA Red West ringing bells
That's right, the OIA Red West is the deepest division in the state.
Poll: Which OIA Red West team will be next to join Star-Bulletin Top 10?
There's no question that the Mililani Trojans have enough depth and talent to move up the ladder real soon.
Mililani at No. 7 is a bit of a question mark. If they were to play Kahuku this weekend, what would happen? To me, it would be an even battle because Mililani's offense is playing with cohesion — no surprise since new head coach Darnell Arceneaux was the OC last year. Talk about a perfectionist, that's what he is.
The OIA Red West is a toss up, from top to bottom. Four of the seven West squads are in the Top 10, and I've written that we could see as many as five in the poll this season. That makes the West as strong as any division or league in the state this season. That's to be expected since population growth in Central and West Oahu have grown substantially over the past two decades.
Now, though, there are quality feeder programs and depth in coaching to match the numbers.
For argument's sake, though, the ILH can't be neglected. Pac-Five, one of the ILH's Division II teams, beat OIA Red West Radford 21-12 over the weekend. Kapolei, meanwhile, blanked Damien 14-0.
Are Pac-Five, Iolani and Damien as good as Radford, Campbell and Kapolei? Tough call.
Poll: Which OIA Red West team will be next to join Star-Bulletin Top 10?
There's no question that the Mililani Trojans have enough depth and talent to move up the ladder real soon.
Mililani at No. 7 is a bit of a question mark. If they were to play Kahuku this weekend, what would happen? To me, it would be an even battle because Mililani's offense is playing with cohesion — no surprise since new head coach Darnell Arceneaux was the OC last year. Talk about a perfectionist, that's what he is.
The OIA Red West is a toss up, from top to bottom. Four of the seven West squads are in the Top 10, and I've written that we could see as many as five in the poll this season. That makes the West as strong as any division or league in the state this season. That's to be expected since population growth in Central and West Oahu have grown substantially over the past two decades.
Now, though, there are quality feeder programs and depth in coaching to match the numbers.
For argument's sake, though, the ILH can't be neglected. Pac-Five, one of the ILH's Division II teams, beat OIA Red West Radford 21-12 over the weekend. Kapolei, meanwhile, blanked Damien 14-0.
Are Pac-Five, Iolani and Damien as good as Radford, Campbell and Kapolei? Tough call.
Saints march to No. 1
No surprise here.
Star-Bulletin: Top 10 poll
If you were at Aloha Stadium on Friday night (or read my story in the Star-Bulletin), you know that the Saint Louis-Kahuku game was a close one until the final quarter. Saint Louis, a bit rusty on offense, was up to the task on defense. The Crusaders limited Kahuku to 120 rushing yards en route to a 21-6 win.
Kahuku will work on its mistakes for the next 10 days before flying out to Utah to play Bingham. Saint Louis is back on the gridiron this weekend at Kailua. Get there early. Parking can and will fill up easily and quickly, leaving latecomers with street parking. If you don't mind the walk, you'll be fine.
Not surprsingly, Saint Louis ascended to the No. 1 ranking in the Star-Bulletin Football Top 10. While Kahuku received some votes as low as No. 5, the Red Raiders tallied enough support to fall only one spot to No. 2.
Kamehameha will finally make its debut under new coach David Stant this weekend. The Warriors go to Castle, a team that is smarting after a one-sided loss at Mililani. It's early and there are a ton of questions about teams up and down the Top 10, but for now, Saint Louis is a clearly, unanimously, the best in the state.
Star-Bulletin: Top 10 poll
If you were at Aloha Stadium on Friday night (or read my story in the Star-Bulletin), you know that the Saint Louis-Kahuku game was a close one until the final quarter. Saint Louis, a bit rusty on offense, was up to the task on defense. The Crusaders limited Kahuku to 120 rushing yards en route to a 21-6 win.
Kahuku will work on its mistakes for the next 10 days before flying out to Utah to play Bingham. Saint Louis is back on the gridiron this weekend at Kailua. Get there early. Parking can and will fill up easily and quickly, leaving latecomers with street parking. If you don't mind the walk, you'll be fine.
Not surprsingly, Saint Louis ascended to the No. 1 ranking in the Star-Bulletin Football Top 10. While Kahuku received some votes as low as No. 5, the Red Raiders tallied enough support to fall only one spot to No. 2.
Kamehameha will finally make its debut under new coach David Stant this weekend. The Warriors go to Castle, a team that is smarting after a one-sided loss at Mililani. It's early and there are a ton of questions about teams up and down the Top 10, but for now, Saint Louis is a clearly, unanimously, the best in the state.
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