Ilaio Sio expects the Aiea coaches to drive the team through some tough workouts next week.

The Na Alii senior wouldn’t have it any other way.

"Practice is going to be hard, the tempo. I’m just glad we get another chance so we can start anew," Sio said after Na Alii secured a berth in the OIA Red playoffs with a 12-0 win over Campbell last night.

"I’d rather be there practicing instead of doing anything out there," he added, gesturing beyond the gates surrounding Aiea’s football field.

Both Aiea and Campbell entered last night’s OIA Red West finale needing a win to assure themselves a chance to extend the season.

Aiea’s victory left both teams at 2-4 in conference play with Na Alii claiming the head-to-head tiebreaker and the fifth and final berth in the playoffs.

"We haven’t played a game this season with everybody healthy," Aiea coach Wendell Say said. "I told the kids we have to get into the playoffs so we can get all the starters together.

"We’ve been playing tough football but not closing the door. … I told the kids we have to finish the job. And our kids came through. This is our second season now."

Sio was among the leaders of a defensive effort that powered Na Alii into the playoffs with four takeaways, while holding Campbell to 76 total yards.

"Our defense has been playing excellent," Say said. "They’ve been the consistent point this year."

Both defenses controlled a scoreless first half as Aiea managed just four punts and a missed field goal. Campbell posted two first downs on its opening drive but didn’t have another until late in the third quarter.

Aiea’s Douglas Tautua and Davyne Bantolina came up with interceptions in the second quarter, and a fumble recovery by Luke Amato in the third quarter set up the game’s first score.

After Aiea took over at the Campbell 41, Na Alii quarterback Freddy Taliulu hit Matt Faalele for a 21-yard completion on third down. Taliulu then found Anae Vaa cutting across the middle for a 24-yard touchdown.

Campbell threatened to tie the game on the ensuing drive when Nilo Agbayani-Omalza connected with Christian Abcede-Abregano on a 39-yard completion down the right side.

The Sabers later converted on fourth and 7 to move to the Aiea 11. But Na Alii held and regained possession when Sio sacked Agbayani-Omalza on fourth down.

Taliulu then drove Na Alii 78 yards in 11 plays, and Cheston Ioapo scored on a 1-yard plunge with 8:40 left. Bantolina’s second interception of the night, this one at the Na Alii 2, sealed the win for Aiea and effectively ended Campbell’s season.

"My heart goes out to our seniors," Campbell coach Amosa Amosa said. "We had our chances, but you have to make it count. Our defense gave us some opportunities, but we couldn’t take advantage.

"I know my kids fought their butts off tonight and played hard, and for that I’m appreciative. Hopefully we can look at the positives we had this year and build from there."