No letup for winless Kapolei | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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JAMM AQUINO / AUG. 23
Kapolei quarterback Alton Julius connected with receiver Ty-Noah Williams

The Kapolei Hurricanes have seen quite closely what a skilled passing attack can do.

Mililani quarterback McKenzie Milton passed for 298 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-14 win over Kapolei on Saturday. The ‘Canes dropped to 0-3 in OIA Blue play after facing No. 5 Kahuku, No. 6 Farrington and No. 2 Mililani.

Now the uphill climb to a playoff berth is at its steepest angle. Another aerial attack is due soon. Moanalua, with first-year, record-setting quarterback Kawika Keama-Jacobe and wide receiver Karson Cruz, is a hungry, underdog squad on the rise.

Kapolei will visit the aerial circus of Moanalua (1-2 OIA Blue) on Friday. Keama-Jacobe has passed for 891 yards and six touchdowns in three games, including the massive numbers against the Governors. He threw for 574 yards and three touchdowns while Cruz hauled in 10 passes for 310 yards, a school mark.

And yet, Moanalua lost to Farrington 47-27. Like Farrington, Kapolei will pound the ball between the tackles out of its I formation. The ‘Canes managed just 40 rushing yards against a stout Mililani front seven, but unless Moanalua stacks the box, they’re determined to establish the tempo and run the ball.

All the better to keep Keama-Jacobe and his fleet of jets on the sideline.

Kapolei’s defense, sparked by linebacker Ronald Matautia, came up with three turnovers against Mililani. Two were interceptions, and they came without the benefit of a consistent pass rush.

Offensively, first-year starter Alton Julius was shackled by Mililani’s defense often, but still threw for two touchdowns. Julius, like his teammates, never surrendered. His escapability was key on a late play-action rollout for a scoring pass. At 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, he projects as a skill-position player at the next level. At this level, against the smallest defensive unit Kapolei has seen so far, Julius’ running ability will be key.

Moanalua coach Jason Cauley won’t have a lot of secrets. He called the offensive plays for Kapolei in 2012 and ’13 before taking the head coaching job for Na Menehune.

FRIDAY’S GAMES

No. 1 Punahou (1-0, 1-0 ILH) vs. Damien (1-1, 0-1 ILH), at Aloha Stadium

Ephraim Tuliloa was spectacular (22-for-35, 441 yards, six TDs) in his debut as a starter last week again Saint Louis. Kanawai Noa showed why he’s the premier receiver in the state (seven catches, 242 yards, three TDs), and the ball spread around in a balanced way. Nine Buffanblu pulled in at least one reception. Wayne Taulapapa ran for 161 yards in shortened duty. He’ll face a defense that gave up 132 yards and a touchdown to ‘Iolani sophomore K.J. Pascua last week.

Damien quarterback Bransen Apao had a solid performance in a win over Kauai, but a wrist injury restricted him last week. He had five catches for 65 yards in a 37-14 loss at ‘Iolani.

Saint Francis (2-1, 0-1 ILH) at No. 3 Kamehameha (1-0, 0-0)

The Warriors returned from the continent with a superlative 25-17 win over defending CIF champion (Division I) Del Oro (Calif.). The win was costly, however, with injuries to quarterback Fatu Sua-Godinet and running back Kaulana Apelu.

Kailua (0-3, 0-3 OIA Blue) at No. 6 Campbell (2-0, 2-0)

The bye week can only help a Sabers team with a first-year starters at quarterback (Ezra Savea) and running back (Terell Johnson). Savea was impressive in his starting debut against Moanalua two weeks ago, while Johnson has emerged as a force (275 yards, three TDs, 9.5 yards per carry).

Castle (1-1, 1-1 OIA Red) at No. 7 Leilehua (3-0, 3-0)

Versatile Randy Neverson‘s breakout game last week against Waianae — a touchdown run, TD catch, TD pass and a 57-yard kick return — is another plus for the rising Mules. Kalanimoku Pauole has been the maestro of a potent offense (42.7 points per game) with 745 passing yards and 10 touchdowns. Castle won the in-game delayed battle with Waipahu, 44-9.

Waipahu (0-3, 0-3 OIA Red) at Kaiser (1-1, 1-1)

Count the Marauders as a program that has been affected by the current state of haves and have-nots in the OIA. Talented playmakers like Solomon Matautia are playing elsewhere, and the dearth of a running game is stunning for a team that used to have 100-yard-per-game rushers on a regular basis.

The Cougars had a bye last week, which gave coach Cameron Higgins more time to work with converted wide receiver Kalawai’i Judd, the transfer from Kauai. Judd has some good targets in Destin Moss and Justin Ike to complement running back Jensen McDaniel (321 rushing yards, five TDs).

McKinley (0-3, 0-3 OIA Red) at Waianae (1-2, 1-2)

The good news for the Seariders: they’re averaging more than 25 points per game. The odd news: in two losses, they limited Moanalua’s Kawika Keama-Jacobe and Leilehua’s Kalanimoku Pauole to a combined 420 yards while sacking them a total of nine times.

Kalani (2-1, 2-1 OIA D-II) at Roosevelt (0-3, 0-3)

Linebacker Ace Faumui was superb as a running back in last week’s 54-6 win over Anuenue, rushing for 108 yards and four TDs on eight carries.

Note; Anuenue forfeited Friday’s OIA Division II game against Pearl City.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

Aiea (1-1, 1-1 OIA Blue) vs. No. 5 Farrington (3-0, 3-0), at Roosevelt

Na Alii surrendered 256 rushing yards in a 52-7 loss to Kaiser last week. Now they’ll face the Governors’ mix of speed (Ranan Mamiya, Challen Faamatu) and power (Freedom Alualu, Bugsy Tui). Led by Mamiya (349 rushing yards, eight TDs) and Faamatu (211, two), the Govs are averaging 219.7 yards per game on the ground.

Nanakuli (2-0, 2-0 OIA D-II) at Waialua (1-2, 1-2)

Between quarterbacks Brandon Sevelino and Kale Kanehailua, the Golden Hawks have taken to flight. Nanakuli is averaging 275 passing yards per game with six TD strikes.

Radford (2-1, 2-1 OIA D-II) vs. Kaimuki (1-1, 1-1), at Kaiser

Even with the graduation of key offensive weapons, the Rams are off to a good start. Kaimuki is coming off a 46-13 loss at Pearl City.