Punahou, Kamehameha kick off

So much has happened while the sixth-ranked Kamehameha Warriors (1-1, 0-0 ILH) and third-ranked Punahou Buffanblu (1-0, 0-0) were in idle mode, waiting for Thursday’s ILH season opener.

The hurricane of change in Hawaii high school football passed two weeks ago, but the effect may be everlasting, especially in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu.

The bottom line: all four ILH D-I squads will compete in the league playoffs for a chance to win the title, and even those who don’t take the crown may battle for state berths in Open Division or D-I. It’s good times for all, right?

First-year Warriors head coach Abu Ma‘afala won’t look that far into the crystal ball. Or maybe he does.

“I’m not a guy that’s concerned about wins and losses, per se. We just want to win the first round, so we control our destiny,” he said. “The only way we can win the first round is to play perfect football.”

Kale Ane knows exactly what Ma‘afala means.

“We all say it in different ways. Take care of the little things and everything else takes care of itself,” Ane said. “Abu and his staff will do a great job of coaching their guys.”

The onus is on defending ILH champion Saint Louis and perennial powerhouse Punahou, while Kamehameha has a first-year head coach in Ma‘afala and a new system to learn. The Warriors returned to the classroom on Aug. 10, which means they didn’t exactly have the benefit of two- and three-a-days for very long.

What the boys in blue up on Kapalama Heights did have was a break from game action. Since a stunning 26-20 nonconference loss to Waianae on Aug. 5 and a 38-14 off-island victory over Baldwin on Aug. 13, it’s been about reps and building culture.

“I’m glad it’s here. It was a long break off, but it was good for our team. We got a lot accomplished,” said Ma‘afala, who was at West Liberty University for five seasons prior to returning home.

Among the priorities on his list: mental toughness.

“That’s something that we gained. The kids finally understand what it takes to be great. It’s tough, but I think they’re starting to understand they can do it, that they want it,” Ma‘afala said.

Kamehameha has the unique, good problem of having two very capable quarterbacks in senior Thomas Yam and junior Justice Young, who have continued to progress since suffering season-ending injuries in 2015. Standout running back Jaykob Cabunag is coming along slowly after suffering a hamstring injury in the offseason. So is premier place-kicker/punter Adam Stack (hip).

“We’re being cautious. We need them for the whole stretch,” Ma‘afala said.

“It’s still a difficult task for us,” Ane said. “They’ve got so many great athletes, at least three or four (college) Division I guys, and Abu brings a lot as a (former) college coach.”

Punahou has dealt with a key injury, as well. Linebacker Seyddrick Lakalaka (foot) remains sidelined.

“It’s really difficult to replace a (college) D-I player. A lot of people have stepped in. Most players do one or two things well. Seyd does about five things well,” Ane said. “It’s his senior year and he wants to play, but it’s just a matter of not putting him in too soon.”

The Buffanblu have been nothing short of superb so far, whether in scrimmages or preseason games. The receiver corps has been stellar and disciplined, so much so that the Buffanblu are producing offensively despite the departure of key players like RB Wayne Taulapapa and QB Ephraim Tuliloa.

“Our seniors have done a really good job. Chemistry’s been great, and it’s so important at this level,” Ane said. “They’ve done a great job with responsibility and accountability.”

The pass-catching corps is deep, reliable and experienced. Ethan Takeyama has lined up as the solo receiver in trips formation and emerged as a go-to big-play contributor. But the ball goes everywhere. QBs Stephen Barber and Nick Kapule and engaged in a battle of their own for more playing time.

“Kamehameha’s depth and experience at that position is a big plus. They both can hurt you,” Ane said. “Our guys are great kids and hard workers. They both will get the chance to play. There are so many variables: the matchups you go against, the schemes you contend with, they can swing the pendulum. Their thought processes.”

Defensive lineman Miki Suguturaga anchors the defensive unit. Suguturaga received his 12th scholarship offer (Vanderbilt) recently.

“The thing you notice when you turn on the tape of Punahou is the team speed they have,” Ma‘afala said. “Great players on the edges offensively, and defensively they do a great job of putting their playmakers in position.”

He wants his Warriors to stay focused at all times, but the limelight is undeniable. And yet, if anything, there’s probably more expectation at Saint Louis and Punahou to win the ILH and qualify for the Open Division of the state tournament.

“You’ve got to ignore that. You have to put the blinders on and focus on playing together, and playing to perfection. Not focusing on the opponent as much as you focus on yourselves as a football team,” Ma‘afala said. “That’s all we can ask the kids to do. If we handle our business, it will take care of itself.”

The threat of Hurricane Lester has forced Campbell and Kahuku to move up its scheduled game from Saturday to Friday at 7:30 p.m. An OIA doubleheader on Saturday featuring Roosevelt and Waipahu and Leilehua against Farrington was moved to Monday beginning at 3:30 p.m. after two junior varsity games.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

>> No. 9 ‘Iolani (3-0, 0-0 ILH) vs. No. 2 Saint Louis (1-0, 0-0), 7:45 p.m., at Aloha Stadium — The gauntlet begins for the Raiders, who have six games in six weeks, all against the ILH elite. This is what their players wanted — coaches left the decision to them — and it’s the toughest D-I slate in the islands.

For Saint Louis, the drudgery of waiting and waiting for a game has been almost unbearable. There was a preseason game at Mililani that was canceled after one quarter due to lighting issues. There was a 49-7 win over Hilo on Aug. 20. Other than that, one of the state’s most storied programs guided by the winningest prep coach has drawn the attention — and scrutiny — that some college programs receive.

On the field, it’ll be a tough matchup for the Raiders, but Wendell Look’s team has a highly-efficient field general in Tai-John Mizutani (694 yards, six TDs, one interception) and playmakers in RB K.J. Pascua (275 yards, six TDs) and WR Justin Genovia (24 receptions, 394 yards, three TDs). Mizutani isn’t entirely reliant on them; he sprays the ball out without preference. Whether he can find his open targets against a Saint Louis defense that is so talented and deep is another question.

The Raiders got past La Jolla Country Day (Calif.) — and their standout, University of Arizona-bound QB — 27-19 last week. But this week they face, arguably, the finest QB in the country, Tua Tagovailoa.

There are new names and faces in the receiver corps, and Lee and Tagovailoa consider this year’s group to be experienced and seasoned compared to last year’s early-season development period. The waiting is finally over.

>> Campbell (2-2, 2-1 OIA Blue) at No. 1 Kahuku (3-0, 3-0), 7:30 p.m. — The Sabers have a winning record in what is possibly the toughest D-I division in the state not known as the ILH, and they’ve done with with sheer grit. QB Kawika Ulufale has thrown the ball or run with it 179 times for 645 yards, accounting for six total TDs. Tasi Faumui (204 rushing yards) and Markus Ramos (19 catches, 226 yards, two TDs) are among the many playmakers at Ulufale’s disposal.

Kahuku showed last week that defense is still the cornerstone, shutting out a potent Waianae offense in a 28-0 win. The release of offensive coordinator John Hao by head coach Vavae Tata — the two were teammates at Saint Louis — stunned the community. Whether this means Kahuku goes back to more of the ground-and-pound of the ‘15 state-championship season or a more wide-open attack for freshman QB Sol-Jay Maiava remains to be seen.

Elvis Vakapuna, a transfer from Bingham (Utah), scored two touchdowns on the ground last week. One of them was as a Wildcat QB.

>> Kaiser (2-2, 1-2 OIA Blue) at No. 5 Waianae (3-1, 2-1), 7:30 p.m. — The turnout was small, but first-year Cougars coach Arnold Martinez thrives in all underdog scenarios. The return of ironman Andrew Kaufusi is a big plus for a team with several two-way players.

The Seariders are coming off a 28-0 loss at No. 1 Kahuku. They beat Kaiser at Torii Field last season 62-27 and have won the last nine matchups. Kaiser last beat Waianae in 1979, 20-13, in the OIA title game at Aloha Stadium. Kaiser went on to win the Prep Bowl the following week.

>> Aiea (1-2, 1-2 OIA Blue) at Centennial (Gresham, Ore.) (0-0) — Na Alii have not played an out-of-state foe since 1974, when they defeated Lowell (Calif.) 7-0.

“I think that was in San Francisco,” Coach Wendell Say said of the ‘74 game. “I think they traveled with McKinley High School on the trip.”

Say was attending Linfield College at the time. One of his teammates, Chris Knudsen, went on to become a high school coach — at Centennial. This year, the Knights are ranked 18th in Oregon by MaxPreps.

“They’re a 6-A team, 7-3 last year,” Say said.

The logistics of getting 37 players, plus coaches and managers, on board a flight to Oregon took a year of planning.

“My whole summer, we did the fair, fundraisers, everything we could do for the kids,” Say said on Tuesday, one day before departure. “It feels like it went by fast. Ask me if we’d do it again, I don’t know, man. As head coach, I was at every single fundraiser, doing double shifts.”

Na Alii will visit at least seven college campuses, including the University of Oregon and Oregon State.

“Hopefully, we can see the Mariota Center,” Say said.

Former Pac-Five quarterback P.J. Minaya, now a coach at Pacific University, will be waiting for them.

“Our kids will get to visit D-III, D-II, I-AA (FCS) and Division I (FBS) schools,” Say added. “They’ll get a taste of every division.”

>> Kailua (1-1, 1-1 OIA Red) at Nanakuli (0-3, 0-2), 7:30 p.m. — The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Golden Hawks in their first season back in D-I since 2009. They were 0-6 (0-8 overall) that year.

Kailua was idle last week after falling to Farrington two weeks ago. The extra time helps; starting QB Keoni Serikawa suffered a broken collarbone against Farrington. RB Mark Lagazo moved to QB that night.

>> Moanalua (1-2, 0-2 OIA Blue) at Radford (0-3, 0-2), 7:30 p.m. — Rivalry game, yes. Na Menehune have proven they can move the ball and score points with Alaka‘i Yuen at QB. The benefit of last week’s bye has to help.

The Rams, in their first season at D-I since ‘11, have athletes across the board. They’ve struggled to complete passes — 22-for-85 as a team — but Kyle Corpuz (123 rushing yards) has been a bright spot.

>> Pearl City (3-1, 3-0 OIA D-II) at Waialua (1-1, 1-1), 7:30 p.m. — The Bulldogs bounced back from an overtime loss to Kaimuki by edging Kalani 16-14 last week. QB Tavesi Toia (353 total yards, four TDs) leads the offensive unit.

Chargers RB Charles Freitas already has 73 carries (255 yards, three TDs) and QB Kekainalu Simon has passed for seven TDs with just one pick.

Waialua won last year’s matchup 27-23 at Bino Neves Stadium, ending a seven-game losing streak to the Chargers.

>> St. Francis (1-1, 0-0 ILH D-II) vs. Damien (2-1, 0-0), 5 p.m., at Aloha Stadium — The Saints ended a four-game losing streak to the Monarchs by winning 21-6 last October at Aloha Stadium. Damien has been steady since a nonconference loss to Moanalua, routing D-I programs Maui 33-0 and Kealakehe 41-7 since.

Marcus Faufata-Pedrina has been a dual-threat wrecking crow with 574 yards and nine TDs through the air (just three picks) and 292 yards and three more scores on the ground.

St. Francis is coming off a 23-22 loss to Konawaena.

>> Lahainaluna (1-2, 0-1 MIL) at King Kekaulike (0-2, 0-2), 7 p.m. — The Lunas are in the midst of a two-game losing streak after falling to defending KIF champion Kapaa and D-I Maui. Na Alii, who won the D-II state title in 2006, have not scored in losses to Kamehameha-Maui and Maui.

>> Kapaa (3-0, 1-0 KIF) vs. Waimea (1-1, 0-0), Vidinha Stadium, 7:30 p.m. — There’s hardly anything more the Warriors could have done through their first three games, beating D-I Maui, blanking MIL D-II champ Lahainaluna and shellacking rival Kauai. RB Leighton Moniz and WR Gabe Keener have become top playmakers.

The Menehune opened the season with a wipe-out win of Waiakea, but lost at ‘Iolani 35-3 on Aug. 20. It’s been two decades since Waimea was a dynastic force in the KIF.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

>> No. 8 Kapolei (3-1, 2-1 OIA Red) at No. 4 Mililani (3-0, 3-0), 6:30 p.m. — Taulia Tagovailoa remains effective on the road. He passed for 403 yards in last week’s 40-21 win at Castle and now has 1,127 yards and 13 TDs (with two picks). No Hurricane rusher has cracked the 100-yard mark for the season, though, while Mililani already has two: Kailiohu Kila (242 yards, four TDs) and Jalen Olomua (191, one).

The battle of sophomore slingers includes Dillon Gabriel, who overcame a three-pick first half to lead the Trojans over Farrington. Two of his TDs against the Govs came on read-option keepers, but he picks his spots carefully. Gabriel has run the ball just 12 times.

>> Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas) (0-1) vs. Kaimuki (2-1), 2 p.m., at Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium — Bulldogs coach David Tautofi, who coached in Las Vegas for years, knows Faith Lutheran well. The same could be said of Kaimuki sophomore QB Jordan Solomon (609 passing yards, seven TDs), younger brother of former Bishop Gorman standout QB Anu Solomon.

The Crusaders lost to St. Pius X 42-10 last week.

>> Maui (2-2, 2-0 MIL) vs. Baldwin (1-2, 1-0), War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m. — Here Maui’s chance to get the inside track in the league’s D-I race. Coach Keith Shirota’s squad has beaten Lahainaluna on the road and King Kekaulike. Baldwin edged past Kamehameha-Maui on the road last week in its MIL opener.

>> McKinley (0-3, 0-2 OIA D-II) vs. Kalani (1-2, 1-2), 6:30 p.m., at Kaiser Stadium — Falcons QB Seth Tina-Sobarano leads OIA D-II in passing yardage (644 yards).

>> Roosevelt (1-3, 1-2 OIA D-II) vs. Waipahu (2-0, 1-0), 3:30 p.m., at Aloha Stadium — The Marauders are chasing their first 3-0 start since 2008.

>> No. 7 Farrington (2-1, 2-1 OIA Red) vs. Leilehua (1-3, 1-2), 6 p.m., at Aloha Stadium — Last week, Mililani became the first team this season to contain playmaker Challen Faamatau, but the Govs found new weapons in Mosi Alaivanu-Afe (two TD catches) and two-way performers Iosefo Ah Ching and T.J. Tautolo. The alternating-QB situation for Justin Uahinui and Bishop Rapoza became more of Rapoza’s show in the second half. They’ll need all hands on deck; WR Kingston Moses-Sanchez suffered an injury late in the game.

The Mules broke into the win column after beating Nanakuli 48-13 last week.