When No. 1 Kahuku and No. 4 Waianae play tonight at the comfy confines of Carleton Weimer Field, the early bird gets the worm.

Fans be warned. Arrive late and a spot in the bleachers may not be available as the two unbeatens joust in an early-season showdown that already has a postseason vibe. Kahuku (2-0, 2-0 OIA Blue), as expected, has been untouchable coming off a state championship campaign. Waianae (3-0, 2-0), however, has posted impressive wins near and far. The Seariders went to Kamehameha and pulled out a 26-20 win to begin preseason. Last week’s 47-31 victory over a dangerous Moanalua squad still hasn’t quieted some naysayers.

“Why would the Seariders give up so many points if their defense is all that?” they ask. Never mind that they limited one of the state’s top quarterbacks, Alakai Yuen, to barely 4 yards per attempt and came up with three picks, including one against a backup QB.

There’s no pleasing everyone, which is just fine with Waianae coach Walter Young. The Seariders embrace the concept of being underdogs and overachievers. Against Kahuku, which is transitioning from its nearly exclusive smashmouth offense of 2015 to a diversified approach, few teams can match up pound for pound.

“Defensively, it’s going to be a challenge to prepare for what they do,” Young said. “They’ve got just as much talent, their kids love the physical game. It’s what you want to see out of a high school game.”

There’s also this: No team has beaten the Red Raiders on their home field since 2007, when Kapolei eked out a playoff win. There are high school kids who might walk into Weimer Field with a sense of awe. Young respects the state champs, but he doesn’t buy into the Kahuku aura and mystique.

“They’re good at their own field, but I’m one of those coaches who wants his kids to go out there and compete the best we can. Any given day, anybody can have a big play, anybody can win,” said Young, who is in his second season as head coach. “Home-field advantage is something everybody looks forward to. They come prepared on their own turf and do well on it. We’re going to come in there. We have to work extra hard, be physical, have our game plan. May the best team win on that night.”

What Waianae’s offense offers is a bit different from what Kahuku has seen in 2016: more depth at most positions across the board. Behind a gargantuan, yet agile offensive line — 6-foot-1, 325-pound senior guard Mililani Misipati has been sensational as a pulling blocker — the Seariders have employed multiple ballcarriers out of the wing-T and four-wide offenses. Rico Rosario (297 yards, three TDs), Javen Towne (131 yards, TD), Kade Ambrocio (147 yards, three TDs) and Jorell Pontes-Borje have been durable and fresh.

Without a dominant tight end, the Seariders have been efficient through the air. Senior Jaren Ulu’s poise is a big key. Ulu has passed for 374 yards and four TDs with just two interceptions. He has a tall, skilled target in Isaiah Freeney (10 receptions, 130 yards, one TD), who is one of the best big wide receivers in the league. Rosario was a blur on a 77-yard screen pass for a touchdown last week against Moanalua.

Offensively, Kahuku freshman quarterback Sol-Jay Maiava (15-for-31, 192 passing yards, two TDs, no picks) has able pass catchers in Royce Pao (six receptions, 98 yards, two TDs), Kai‘ea Dowling (four, 54) and Elvis Vakapuna (four, 47, one TD). Defensive back/linebacker Kesi Ah-Hoy (three, 36) will probably see more action than usual on offense, the custom for Kahuku’s finest athletes in games like this.

Maiava, who has a scholarship offer from Michigan, has the blessing of a skilled, massive offensive line and steady producers in the backfield. Harmon Brown (135 yards, two TDs) and Steven Lombard (97 yards, three TDs) have toted the pigskin most for an offense that has tilted less heavily on running the ball. The ratio, however, is still more than 2-to-1, rushing to passing.

There is no statistic to measure what goes on in the trenches, the will to dominate at the point of contact, and the moment either side gives in, that’s usually when a game between behemoths will turn.

TODAY’S GAMES

No. 8 Kapolei (2-1, 1-1 OIA Red) at Castle (2-1, 1-1) — The Knights rolled to lopsided preseason wins over Division II Kalaheo and newly returned D-I member Radford, but fell to Mililani 42-0 last week. Coach Nelson Maeda’s pass-happy attack has been more prone to keep the ball on the ground this season. Quarterbacks Jaylen Uyemura-Lee and Makana Smith have combined for 60 pass attempts (356 yards, three TDs, five interceptions), while the Knights have run the ball 86 times.

The Hurricanes’ sophomore slinger, Taulia Tagovailoa, has passed for 724 yards, 10 TDs and just one pick in three games. Jaymin Sarono (28 catches, 222 yards, six TDs) leads a receiving corps that is learning the nuances of a June Jones-coached offense. Wyatt Perez (12, 21, four), Sam You (10, 107) and Isaiah Ahana (5, 103) round out the top four spots.

Campbell (1-2, 1-1 OIA Blue) at Aiea (1-1, 1-1) — Both teams are relatively young, and both aren’t quite title contenders. But the news of the HHSAA’s change in format for the state tournament ups the ante a bit. With four OIA teams now included in the Open Division of the state tourney, and another four in the D-I division, a team that develops and blossoms late in the season could enjoy a very fruitful finish.

That’s the hope for Amosa Amosa’s Sabers and Wendell Say’s Na Alii. Amosa coached under Say at Aiea for nine years, and with a youthful roster this fall, Campbell has aired the ball out with regularity. Kawika Ulufale guided the Sabers to a 28-7 win at Kaiser last week, receiving a boost from running back Darius Cambe (12 carries, 73 yards, TD).

Aiea continues to get solid contributions at QB as Zelius Maae-Liupaono and Kobe Kato battle for snaps. After opening the season with a road win against Nanakuli, Aiea lost at Kahuku 50-7 last week.

Kaiser (1-2, 0-2 OIA Blue) at Radford (0-2, 0-1) — Arnold Martinez came to Kaiser prepared for an uphill climb, and this is just the start. The Cougars start a string of three road trips while searching for some consistency on offense. The return of two-way standout Andrew Kaufusi (hamstring) helps.

The Rams are finding their way in D-I after winning the D-II state title last year. First-year head coach Lon Passos has talent at wide receiver with athletes like Cameron Copeland and Jonah Soakai, but as a team, the Rams have completed 27 percent of their pass attempts in losses to ‘Iolani and Castle.

Pearl City (2-1, 2-0 OIA D-II) vs. Kalaheo (1-2, 1-1), Alex Kane Stadium (Kailua High School) — Tristan Thulin-Marsh (11 catches, 218 yards, three TDs) has quietly emerged as a playmaker for the Mustangs. That’s good news for a team that has relied heavily on QB Mark Lerhner (394 passing yards, 125 rushing yards, six total TDs).

The Chargers have been rolling since losing at Lahainaluna three weeks ago. Kekainalu Simon (310 passing yards, five TDs) has benefited from a ground attack that has been effective. Charles Freitas (203 yards, TD) is barely averaging 3 yards per carry, but he’s getting the job done. Patrick Nunez (10 catches, 171 yards, four TDs) leads the receivers.

Kauai (0-2, 0-0 KIF) at Kapaa (2-0, 0-0) — The Red Raiders went to the Big Island last week and came back with a 14-13 loss to Kamehameha-Hawaii, a perennial BIIF D-II powerhouse. They’re relying heavily on RB Jaykob Nakaahiki-Young. The defending KIF champion Warriors have already beaten MIL D-I member Maui and MIL D-II favorite Lahainaluna. Leighton Moniz is among the top rushers in D-II.

Offensive lineman Morris Unutoa (6-5, 280) has scholarship offers from BYU, Central Florida, Colorado, Hawaii, UNLV, Oregon State, San Jose State, Utah, Vanderbilt and Washington State. Elijah Unutoa, a 6-4, 265-pound sophomore, has offers from BYU and UH.

King Kekaulike (0-1, 0-1 MIL) vs. Maui (1-2, 1-0), War Memorial Stadium — Na Alii opened league play with a 43-0 loss to Kamehameha-Maui last week. The Sabers lost to Kapaa and Damien in preseason before going to Lahainaluna and winning 14-2 last week. Maui LB Feleti Afemui (6-2, 205) has scholarship offers from Army, Hawaii, Utah, Vanderbilt and Washington State.

Waiakea (0-3, 0-0 BIIF) at Kamehameha-Hawaii (2-0, 0-0) — The Warriors of Waiakea were shut out in losses to Kamehameha-Hawaii and Waimea. Then they scored 35 in a loss to Honokaa last week to close preseason. Gehrig Octavio hurled three TD passes and rushed for 100 yards in the loss.

Honokaa (1-0, 0-0 BIIF) at Kealakehe (0-1, 0-0) — Dragons QB Ocean Guerpo passed for 179 yards and five TDs in a non-league win over Waiakea last week. The Waveriders lost to Damien 41-7 last week.

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SATURDAY’S GAMES

No. 7 Farrington (2-0, 2-0 OIA Red) at No. 6 Mililani (2-0, 2-0) — The Governors have looked like a team in midseason form. In last week’s 42-7 win over Kailua, they didn’t commit a penalty until the final minute of the first half and were solid in all three phases. Even starting RB Challen Faamatau was a force on special teams, returning the opening kickoff 61 yards.

Bishop Rapoza and Justin Uahinui have split snaps all season at QB, delivering comparable numbers through the air. Rapoza is 11-for-18 with 177 yards, three TDs and no picks. Uahinui is 9-for-17 with 175 yards, three TDs and zero interceptions. They’ve deftly handled an explosive offense, putting Faamatau (44 carries, 155 yards, three TDs) to work often. The emergence of Blessing Umaga (5-7, 227 pounds) last week as a bowling-ball bruiser on quick gives up the gut was eye-popping.

The Govs line up often in three- and four-wide sets, but haven’t grown dependent on the pass. Kingston Moses-Sanchez has a modest 11 receptions for 204 yards and three TDs, while Mosi Alaivanu-Afe, like Umaga, stepped up against Kailua. Even Faamatau, who can be a dangerous weapon as a pass catcher, has been relatively unused in the aerial game so far.

The Trojans have outscored two opponents 84-7 so far, racking up first downs and yardage in quick-stride fashion. Dillon Gabriel’s sophomore season has gone splendidly (24-for-32, 336 yards, five TDs, no picks) in limited playing time due to blowout scores. Coach Rod York (57-16 in six-plus seasons) continues to keep his offense balanced. Kailiohu Kia (144 yards, three TDs), Jalen Olomua (126, one) and Devin Iereko have gotten touches.

Andrew Vallasdares (six receptions, 93 yards, TD) hasn’t quite broken out yet, but his big-play potential as a pass catcher and kick returner is there. Roman Tovi is rounding back into shape after an injury, while Ryan Chang, Kainalu Wong and Dustin Gapusan have been integral parts of Gabriel’s arsenal.

La Jolla Country Day (San Diego) (0-0) at No. 9 ‘Iolani (2-0, 0-0 ILH) — The Torreys feature 6-1, 215-pound Braxton Burmeister at QB. MaxPreps tags him as a “dynamic, dual-threat quarterback who is deadly out of the pocket, but his terrific touch is just as lethal in it.” He passed for 2,771 yards, rushed for 868 yards and had 51 total TDs last year. Burmeister is an Arizona commit.

The Raiders have been sharp in two nonconference outings, defeating Radford 42-6 and Waimea 35-3. Quarterback Tai-John Mizutani (31-for-47, 481 yards, four TDs, one pick) has been on target with a consistent receiving corps led by Justin Genovia (13 catches, 242 yards, TD). K.J. Pascua has anchored the ground game (113 yards, five TDs), while Troy Hanaoka has seen considerable action (19 carries, 90 yards).

Leilehua (0-3, 0-2 OIA Red) at Nanakuli (0-2, 0-1) — The Mules keep plugging away after what may have been the toughest schedule in the state thus far: Punahou, Kahuku and Kapolei. Kaleo Aloha Piceno (18 receptions, 151 yards, TD), Charles Moku Watson (nine, 117, one), Jay Jay Antolin (11, 109, one) and Kawai Phifer (10, 71) have been busy bees on the route tree.

Roosevelt (1-2, 1-1 OIA D-II) vs. Kaimuki (1-1, 1-1), Kaiser Stadium — The Rough Riders’ promising start hit a bump in the road last week in a 27-0 loss to Pearl City. They missed QB Shastyn Kekahuna (injury).

Kaimuki has thrown the ball 85 times with first-year starter Jordan Solomon at the reins. He has 503 yards and four TDs to go with six picks. His main targets have been Daniel Nguyen (seven receptions, 152, four TDs), Andries Toussaint (nine, 133) and Saia Maiava (eight, 102).

Kalani (1-1, 1-1 OIA D-II) at Waialua (0-1, 0-1) — The Falcons came through with a clutch win over Kaimuki to build some momentum in what promises to be a tight race for a playoff berth. Seth Tina-Sobarano has completed less than half of his pass attempts, but has been effective with 441 yards (9.2 per attempt), three TDs and only one interception.

The Bulldogs have been relatively idle. Their nonconference game with Honokaa was canceled, and since losing in overtime to Kaimuki two weeks ago, it’s been all about practice and reps for veteran coach Lincoln Barit’s hardy bunch.

Barit has put his trust in Tevesi Toia, who threw for three TDs and five picks in the loss to Kaimuki.

Baldwin (0-2, 0-0 MIL) at Kamehameha-Maui (1-1, 1-0) — The Bears enter league play after nonconference losses to Kamehameha (38-14) and Edison, Calif. (56-21). QB Chayce Akaka, the MIL offensive player of the year last season, has been their dual-threat playmaker, but Kamaki Gouveia, Bishop Wickes and Samiu Oto have shared carries as Coach Pohai Lee constructs a run-heavy offensive scheme.

The Warriors bounced back from a loss to Pac-Five by blanking rival King Kekaulike. Damon Martin has been a big producer out of the backfield.

Konawaena (1-0, 0-0 BIIF) vs. Hilo (0-1, 0-0), Wong Stadium — The league’s defending D-II champion travels across the island to meet the defending D-I champs. Konawaena escaped with a 23-22 win over St. Francis last week on Oahu behind the passing of Austin Ewing (330 yards, two TDs, four picks).

This will not count in the league standings, but it will be a chance for the Vikings to right the ship after last week’s 49-7 loss to Saint Louis.

Hawaii Prep (0-1, 0-0 BIIF) at Keaau (0-0) — Ka Makani lost to St. Margaret’s (Calif.) 41-7 in their preseason opener last week. QB Kekoa Ilagan-LeBlanc passed to Noah Wise for their lone touchdown.