Pac-Five passing duo has been dynamic, but Saint Louis has history

JAMM AQUINO / AUG. 29
Pac-Five quarterback Kainoa?Ferreira has thrown for 10 touchdown passes in his first two games.

There may be no better quarterback-wide receiver duo in all of Division II.

First-year starter Kainoa Ferreira has been clutch for the Pac-Five Wolfpack (2-0, 1-0 ILH) in wins over King Kekaulike and St. Francis.

His fourth-quarter touchdown pass led the ‘Pack to a comeback win over the Saints last Friday and he now has 10 TD tosses.

His favorite target is Tsubasa Brennan, a sure-handed 6-1 wide receiver who had 11 grabs for 144 yards and two touchdowns against St. Francis.

But it’s Sean Kinel who has benefited from any extra attention heaped on Brennan. Kinel had two touchdown hauls against St. Francis, both in the second half.

Saint Louis (0-3, 0-2 ILH) has been through the gauntlet, facing defending CIF and national champion St. John Bosco, No. 2 Mililani and No. 1 Punahou.

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Last weekend’s 55-7 drubbing at the hands of defending state champ Punahou was their most lopsided margin of defeat in league play in more than three decades.

And yet, there’s hope. Last year’s team fell in the league opener, then beat Pac-Five to ignite a three-game win streak. Sophomore Tua Tagovailoa was bottled up by Punahou, but had been a slippery target on the run against Mililani and St. John Bosco.

Allan Cui is among the state’s top pass catchers (17 receptions, 171 yards, two TDs). Raymond Caayon and Jonathon Manalo have been capable ballcarriers, and if the Crusaders can finish in the red zone — fumbles, missed assignments up front and penalties have been crucial — they can gain some momentum.

First, they’ll have to turn things around defensively. Between McKenzie Milton (Mililani), Josh Rosen (St. John Bosco) and Ephraim Tuliloa (Punahou), the defense has permitted 1,058 yards on 59-for-94 accuracy, and 11 touchdown passes without a pick. That’s 11.3 yards per attempt, almost 353 yards per game and QB rating of 195.93.

SAINT LOUIS VS. PAC-FIVE
8:15 P.M. FRIDAY @ ALOHA STADIUM

History is on Saint Louis’ side. The most recent of Pac-Five’s prolific gunslingers was P.J. Minaya. In his two starts, he threw for 196 yards in a 62-24 loss (2009) and 89 yards in a 52-7 defeat (’08). Bryson Beirne threw for 225 yards in a ’06 loss.

In ’98, Paulo Futi passed for 323 yards, but the ‘Pack lost 68-14. Neil Rose, who later played at Harvard, threw for 242 yards in a 64-6 loss (’97).

Tyler Forsythe passed for 286 yards in a 34-22 loss during the ’93 season. Kimo Padello had 261 yards in a 16-9 loss in ’87. David Searle threw for 238 yards in a 17-6 loss in ’86. That was the first in a streak of 44 losses to Saint Louis.

The last time the Wolfpack beat the Crusaders was in ’85 with Garrett Gabriel at quarterback. He threw for 221 yards in a 21-6 win on Oct. 4, 1985, and then passed for 179 yards in a 21-0 win on Nov. 8. Both times, his main target was George Smith, and the ‘Pack went on to win the ILH and the Prep Bowl (over Waianae).

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.