Prepworld: Barber’s next test

This Barber doesn’t need a haircut.

As Stephen Barber’s bronze mane of flowing locks grows longer, the Punahou Buffanblu (4-0, 1-0 ILH D-I) continue to confound defensive gurus and arm-tackling foes alike.

That’s something the top-ranked Saint Louis Crusaders (3-0, 1-0 ILH) are hoping to overcome. When the two programs clash on Saturday night at Aloha Stadium, first place in the ILH football standings is at stake. Along with that, the inside track to a spot in the league’s championship finals. For the Saint Louis defense, it begins with the power of a stampeding 6-foot-3, 220-pound playmaker.

“It starts with the quarterback,” Saint Louis coach Cal Lee said. “We don’t have to tell you how gifted a runner he is, and he can throw the ball, as well. He can throw it deep. It’s a concern.”

Last year, Punahou racked up major production against Saint Louis before the diminishing returns. The Buffanblu lost the first meeting 64-44, won the second 33-20 and lost 28-14 in the ILH D-I championship. That was with Barber mostly on the sideline as a backup QB.

The Buffanblu went to California two weeks ago, beating a Junipero Serra team that could not stop Barber and his offensive cohorts. Barber, who helped seal a 56-42 win with a 99-yard TD run, is fulfilling his potential as a senior. A scholarship offer from Hawaii came before his junior season, which he spent mostly as a backup to Nick Kapule. As a senior, he has become virtually unstoppable. In four games, he has passed for 836 yards and seven TDs, and he has rushed for 370 yards and three TDs.

OTHER FRIDAY GAMES

No. 3 Mililani (5-0, 4-0 OIA) at Kapolei (3-3, 2-3), 7:30 p.m.

The Trojans have been virtually unstoppable offensively, but the Hurricanes have one of the most talented defensive units in the league. Kapolei’s 33-0 win at Kailua last week may be a turning point, particularly for an offense that had averaged 14 points per game, not including a forfeit loss to Castle in week 3.

In league play, Mililani QB Dillon Gabriel has completed more than 65 percent of his pass attempts for 907 yards, eight TDs and just two picks. He found Ryan Chang open for three TDs in a 42-6 win at Farrington last week, but is just as willing to hand the ball off to Kilifi Malepeai (6.3 yards per carry, six TDs).

No. 6 Hilo (4-0, 3-0 BIIF) at Konawaena (3-2, 3-0)

Despite a key loss to injury on defense during preseason, the BIIF slate has been kind to the defending champion Wildcats. Konawaena has rolled its foes by a combined score of 136-23.

Solving the Hilo ground attack has been a problem for opponents. RB Kahale Huddleston and his trapping, pulling blockers have rattled defenses. The senior has 547 rushing yards and 12 TDs on just 41 carries. He has also scored two TDs on receptions and four more on kickoff returns.

No. 9 Lahainaluna (4-1, 3-0 MIL) at Kamehameha-Maui (3-2, 2-1)

The Lunas got an extra week to rest and prepare. Two weeks ago, the Lunas edged Baldwin 28-20; the Bears then routed KS-Maui 46-14 last week.

This home game at the Warriors’ Upcountry campus might be their best opportunity to end a losing streak against the Lunas. In 26 games against Lahainaluna, the Warriors have won once — in ’15. That win came on the Lunas’ field against a young roster. Since the advent of D-II at the state-tourney level, Lahainaluna has been the greatest hurdle for the Warriors.

No. 10 Campbell (4-2, 4-1 OIA D-I) at Radford (1-4, 1-3), 7:30 p.m.

The Sabers have churned out four wins in their last five games, losing only to Waianae. RB Jacob Covington has embraced a bigger role, while QB Krenston Kaipo has improved his field vision and distribution. Pokii Adkins-Kupukaa remains the premier sophomore pass catcher in the league (30 receptions, 602 yards, six TDs).

The Rams are chasing a playoff spot and in need of at least one more win to have a moderate chance. Their remaining schedule: at Kahuku, at Moanalua.

Damien (4-1, 2-0 ILH D-II) vs. St. Francis (4-1, 2-0), Skippa Diaz Stadium, 6 p.m.

First place in ILH D-II is on the line here. Just about every offense has been stifled by the Monarchs’ defense. Castle and Kealakehe scored seven points apiece. Villa Park (Calif.) mustered 14. ‘Iolani had a season-low 21. Pac-Five scored 18. Damien’s ball-control offense has been efficient with senior Marcus Faufata-Pedrina at the wheel: 1,090 yards and 13 TDs from scrimmage with just three picks in five games. Keoua Kauhi (464 yards) and Logan Lauti (105 yards, two TDs) stabilize an offense that has run the ball 62 percent of the time.

St. Francis running back Jonan Aina-Chaves broke his single-game school record with 215 yards last week against ‘Iolani. Bubba Akana has been on point (72 percent, six TDs, one pick), spearheading the best passing attack in the program’s young history.

Nanakuli (1-4, 1-3 OIA D-I) at Leilehua (3-2, 2-2), 7:30 p.m.

The Golden Hawks picked up some offensive momentum with a 35-point night against Castle two weeks ago. A playoff berth is in the picture, though the schedule is far from accommodating with Mililani and Kapolei around the corner.

The Mules have three home games to close out the regular-season slate. One more win would likely seal a playoff berth; two more victories might clinch a home-field edge in the first round of playoffs.

Kailua (3-2, 2-2 OIA D-I) at Castle (3-3, 3-2), 7:30 p.m.

Two weeks ago, at 2-0 in league play, stellar offensive lineman Sione Veikoso said the upcoming stretch of games would be a test. The Surfriders then lost to Farrington and Kapolei, and now they’re in a battle to reach the playoffs.

The Knights have been boom-or-bust offensively, but their spread attack gives them a chance against a bigger, physical Kailua defense. Castle won last year’s matchup 24-21.

Moanalua (0-5, 0-4 OIA D-I) at Aiea (2-3, 2-3), 7:30 p.m.

The schedule has been thoroughly brutal for Na Menehune, who have faced a Top 10 team in all five contests. Despite the lack of success, a playoff berth is still in reach. Their remaining schedule: at Kaiser, vs. Radford.

Na Alii are nearly two weeks removed from a 51-7 loss to defending OIA champion Kahuku. Last week’s forfeit win over Kaiser means they can practically seal a playoff berth with a win against Moanalua.

McKinley (0-5, 0-4 OIA D-II) at Waialua (0-5, 0-4)

The Tigers journey to the North Shore to face another relatively young team. Though their records are identical, it is McKinley that has shown more punch offensively. The common opponent of each team is Kalani. McKinley scored 24 points in defeat; Waialua was shut out.

The Bulldogs won last year’s matchup 33-8.

Honokaa (2-2, 1-2 BIIF) at Keaau (0-3, 0-3), 7 p.m.

The Dragons are wearing jerseys emblazoned with “Pride” rather than the standard school name/nickname, which drew questions. The league gave its permission, though, and now Honokaa faces D-I Keaau.

The Cougars, a program that once contended for the BIIF title, have fallen on tough times, scoring 12 points in three games. Meanwhile, neighboring Pahoa has resurrected its program and is currently 3-1 in eight-man football.

SATURDAY GAMES

‘Iolani (1-3, 0-2 ILH D-II) vs. Pac-Five (1-3, 0-2), Aloha Stadium, 3 p.m.

The Raiders’ normally balanced attack has dipped toward the air, partly due to deficits and game script. Tai-John Mizutani has fared well, completing more than 63 percent of his passes for 1,252 yards and 11 TDs with six picks. Sustaining drives, however, still comes down to the ground game and the Raiders RBs are averaging 3.3 yards per carry.

Defensively, two opponents have rushed for school-record totals. Pac-Five’s offense has been mostly effective through the air, but with A.J. Ulufale likely to shift from receiver to QB — Tyler Fukuroda will miss this game due to a concussion — that gives the Wolfpack another dimension.

Pearl City (4-1, 4-0 OIA D-II) vs. Kaimuki (4-1, 4-0), Skippa Diaz Stadium, 6:30 p.m.

In terms of football chess matches, this is one of the most intriguing this weekend. The Bulldogs can move the ball quickly with RB Ieke Seei-Cleveland and the shrewd maneuverings of QB Jordan Solomon, but the agility and strength of a defensive front seven led by Zion Tupuola-Fetui may be the toughest in OIA D-II.

The Chargers have shut out their last three foes. The only OIA team to score on Pearl City was Kalani, which lost 22-16. Kalani also outscored Kaimuki 41-34 in Week 3.

Waipahu (4-0, 3-0 OIA D-II) vs. Kalani (3-2, 2-2), Kaiser Stadium, 6:30 p.m.

The Marauders are off to their best start in league play since ’11, when they won their first five games in D-II action. Braden Amorozo and his receiving corps have been efficient. Three Marauders have at least 11 receptions, and the senior QB has thrown for 844 yards and 10 TDs with just two picks in 94 attempts.

That has taken some of the pressure off Alfred Failauga, who had a spectacular freshman season in ’16. He has carried the ball just 12.7 times per game, and a forfeit win in Week 2 (Kalaheo) has lightened the load even more. In three games, Failauga has 341 rushing yards and five TDs.

The Falcons have won three games in a row, including a 19-9 win at Mt. Tahoma (Wash.) last week. QB Seth Tina-Soberano is especially effective in scramble situations, rewarding receivers who follow his lead. Four Falcons have hauled in at least 15 passes each. Tina-Soberano has amassed 1,576 yards and 18 TDs from scrimmage, and has just two picks in 128 pass attempts.

Waimea (1-2, 0-2 KIF) vs. Kauai (3-1, 2-0), Vidinha Stadium

The Menehune could really throw the KIF standings into a loop by knocking off the Red Raiders. Kauai toppled three-time defending champ Kapaa 27-17 last week.

Kauai won its first matchup with Waimea 34-20 on Aug. 25. The Red Raiders edged KS-Hawaii 10-7 and lost on the road to St. Francis 42-0 in non-league play. Waimea won at home against Pac-Five 49-21 in nonconference.

Kamehameha-Hawaii (5-1, 3-0 BIIF) at Waiakea (1-5, 0-3), 2 p.m.

Many public high school athletic programs still rue the day Kamehameha opened its Big Island campus in Keaau. One of them might be Waiakea, a program that once won three BIIF football titles in a row during the 1990s.

Since KS-Hawaii opened its varsity program in ’04, it has been the private-school Warriors who have ruled the field in this series. KS-Hawaii has won eight in a row, last losing to Waiakea in 2009. For the series, KS-Hawaii has won 11 of 12 meetings.

Hawaii Prep (2-2, 1-2 BIIF) at Kealakehe (1-4, 1-2), 7 p.m.

Any chatter about Ka Makani, with its tiny enrollment, moving from 11-man football to the eight-man game, might dissipate with another win over a D-I program. Two weeks ago, HPA won 14-13 at Waiakea, which has one of the larger enrollments on the Big Island. Kealakehe is another D-I program, albeit a shell of its dynastic form a decade ago. Also, HPA has been outscored in its losses by a combined score of 135-13 against Hilo and KS-Hawaii.

The Waveriders ended their losing streak with a 52-6 win at Keaau last week.

Baldwin (2-3, 2-1 MIL) vs. Maui (1-4, 1-2), War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

The Sabers ended their losing streak with a 55-0 win over King Kekaulike last week.

Baldwin’s offense has started to warm up since losses to powerhouse programs in nonconference. The Bears are averaging 41 points per game in MIL play.