Battle of the Bulldogs

While the giants of private-school football — No. 1 Saint Louis and No. 2 Punahou — take to the field in an early season matchup tonight, Kaimuki and Waialua will clash in a titanic battle of their own.

The two small schools are in contention for Division-II playoff berths in the OIA. At 3-2 in league play, once downtrodden Kaimuki could reach the postseason for the first time in three years. In their way? Three more opponents, including Waialua tonight. Kickoff at Kaiser Stadium is set for 6 p.m.

"It’s Bulldogs against Bulldogs," first-year Kaimuki coach David Tautofi said. "If we win, I’m pretty positive we can clinch the third spot."

The top four teams in OIA D-II qualify for the playoffs.

A 33-19 win over perennial D-II force Pearl City two weeks ago was an enormous boost for the Bulldogs.

"That’s what gave us confidence," said quarterback Keanu Pratt, who passed for three touchdowns. "We’re still making mistakes and we still need to get better, but that win gave us confidence."

Kaimuki’s turnaround since hitting an early season "rock bottom," Tautofi said — losses to Nanakuli and Radford by a combined score of 89-6 early in league play — was accented by a 30-20 win over Kalani last week. Including a forfeit victory over Anuenue, the Bulldogs have gone from noncontenders to a postseason possibility.

Running back Billy Masima (315 yards, two TDs) and a unified offensive line led by seniors John-Wendell Nisa (6-foot-3, 272 pounds) and Tyler Pologa (6-2, 270) are key reasons. Until the Pearl City game, Masima (6-2, 215, Jr.) was a defensive end with limited ball-carrying experience.

"Our offensive coordinator asked me for suggestions and I said Billy. I heard he played a little running back last year," said Pratt, who transferred from McKinley in the offseason.

With Pratt settling in (six TD passes, three INTs), and mainstays like RB Ivan Malo, and wide receivers Andrew Neves (three TD receptions) and Torey Faimealelei in the mix, the town-side Bulldogs could surprise the country Bulldogs.

Waialua is also 3-2 in league play (4-2 overall); both teams trail Radford (5-0) and Nanakuli (5-0) in the standings.

Despite a plunge in recent years, Kaimuki has known significant success in D-II. Clint Onigama, and Daniel Mafua before him, guided the ‘Dogs deep into the playoffs, but dwindling enrollment and the departure of several players via transfer eroded the program’s numbers — and girth.

Tautofi’s arrival sparked a landing of four players from Kaiser, all of whom live in the Kaimuki district, Tautofi said. The Bulldogs struggled early, and though he says there are plenty of wrinkles to iron out, the victories have validated what he and his staff have preached.

"The kids are buying in," said Tautofi, 34, who teaches science and special education at Kaimuki. "Every week since preseason has been a test since losing on Kauai (against Waimea) to now. We’ve gone from half the team being ineligible to all 41 kids passing grade check for the last five weeks. We’re still trying to get things together, but they show signs of greatness."

TODAY’S GAMES

No. 1 Saint Louis (4-0, 2-0 ILH D-I) vs. No. 2 Punahou (5-0, 2-0), Aloha Stadium — The mightiest clash of the weekend will result in one of these goliaths having sole possession of first place early in the ILH D-I season. There will be playoffs, of course, which makes this matchup more about momentum and positioning for seeding than any elimination scenario.

Saint Louis QB Tua Tagovailoa is expected to play. He tweaked a knee two weeks ago against Kamehameha and sat out last week when the Crusaders got past ‘Iolani 28-17. RB Jahred Silofau (ankle) missed last week’s game. Backup RB Jimmy Gonsalves and QB Chevan Cordeiro filled in and had career games.

Punahou is coming off a 28-17 win over a physical Kamehameha squad. Wayne Taulapapa (558 rushing yards, eight TDs) committed to BYU earlier in the week. QB Ephraim Tuliloa is questionable (shoulder), but backup Nick Kapule (50-for-82, 853 yards, nine TDs, one INT) has been more than capable.

No. 4 Kahuku (6-0, 5-0 OIA Red) at Waipahu (1-5, 1-5) — The Red Raiders are daring all comers to stop their smashmouth offense. Kesi Ah-Hoy threw the ball a whopping four times in last week’s 41-6 win at Leilehua. Coach Vavae Tata’s squad ran the ball 51 times. The old-school approach is not going to change, and RB Sefa Ameperosa (71 attempts, 559 yards, six TDs) could end up leading the state in carries.

‘Iolani (2-3, 0-2 ILH D-I) at No. 5 Kamehameha (3-2, 0-2) — The Raiders have a recent history of playing well at Kunuiakea Stadium. They made Saint Louis earn a tough win last week, and for a second weekend in a row, ‘Iolani will face a team that won’t have its starting QB. Thing is, Fatu Sua-Godinet is no typical backup. The Warriors moved the ball between the 20s last week in a 28-17 loss to Punahou, but miscues derailed key drives.

No. 6 Farrington (5-1, 4-1 OIA Blue) at No. 10 Kapolei (3-3, 2-3) — The non-traditional, non-geographical structure of the OIA D-I divisions in the past two seasons has generated mixed reactions, but a pairing like this can’t help but be intriguing. Kapolei’s hard-hitting linebackers will be tested by Farrington’s bomboocha Bamboolas up front. Challen Faamatau is far from being the lone weapon, but he is a versatile playmaker, no question.

The senior is second in the OIA in rushing attempts (106) and first in rushing yardage (793), plus seven rushing TDs. He is also among the league leaders in receiving (22 catches, 444 yards, seven TDs).

The Hurricanes, with freshman Taulia Tagovailoa (13 TDs, six INT) at QB, have three pass catchers with at least 400 receiving yards apiece: Ty-Noah Williams (27 receptions, 501 yards, four TDs), L.J. Esperas (29, 415) and Jaymin Sarono (36, 403, four).

Kaiser (3-3, 3-2 OIA Red) at No. 7 Waianae (5-1, 5-0) — First-year head coach Walter Young has kept Waianae’s offense fresh with different looks, but the bread and butter remains a bone-crunching ground attack. The Searider defense will face the state’s top offensive lineman in Michael Eletise (Arizona commit) and one of the top RBs in Jensen McDaniel.

The senior leads the OIA in rushing attempts (115), is second in rushing yardage (784) and he has scored nine TDs. QB/CB/KR Nic Tom has passed for 559 yards and six TDs (with just three picks) and rushed 77 times for 446 yards and six more TDs.

Pac-Five (3-0, 1-0 ILH D-II) vs. Damien (4-0, 1-0), Aloha Stadium — The top two contenders in ILH D-II finally meet. Though Damien is acknowledged by a whole lot of ILH coaches and observers as the favorite in the league’s D-II, Pac-Five QB Kainoa Ferreira is still a dangerous man. The Monarchs have the ground game to control the clock with QB Marcus Faufata-Pedrina (327 yards, 5 yards per carry), RB Kepono Kawaakoa (9.8 YPC) and Justice White (3.6 YPC).

Nanakuli (5-1, 5-0 OIA D-II) at Pearl City (2-3, 2-3) — The Golden Hawks are unbeaten in OIA D-II with a balanced offense. QB Nainoa Banks (1,101 passing yards, 10 TD passes) and RB Sunshine Anuenue (447 rushing yards, three TDs) have carried the torch. Any overlooking of the Chargers could spoil their night. Annual title contender Pearl City is fighting for a playoff berth.

Lahainaluna (2-4, 1-3 MIL) at Kamehameha-Maui (2-3, 2-2) — The Lunas’ four-game losing streak came to an end with a 37-7 win over King Kekaulike last week. Since beating Lahainaluna (11-7) and King Kekaulike a month ago, the Warriors fell against Baldwin and Maui.

Hilo (3-3, 3-1 BIIF) vs. Waiakea (1-6, 1-3), Wong Stadium — Wipeout wins over D-II KS-Hawaii and Honokaa have given the league’s defending D-I champs momentum. The Warriors notched their first win of the season last week over Hawaii Prep (28-24).

Konawaena (6-0, 4-0 BIIF) at Kamehameha-Hawaii (5-2, 2-2) — Last week’s 39-9 win over rival Kealakehe is the first of three road games in a row for the Wildcats. With sophomore Austin Ewing at QB, the Wildcats are not only the top D-II team in the league, but the lone unbeaten team in a format that has D-I and D-II teams playing a combined schedule (until the postseason). The two teams that have already beaten KS-Hawaii are Kealakehe and Hilo. Konawaena beat Hilo 34-27 recently.

SATURDAY’S GAMES

No. 3 Mililani (5-1, 5-0 OIA Blue) at No. 8 Kailua (6-1, 5-1) — A loss to Farrington two weeks ago did nothing to derail the Surfriders, who rebounded with a 37-23 win over dangerous Moanalua. Second-year head coach Hau’oli Wong has the recipe to compete with the defending state champs: a stellar offensive line, commitment to running the ball, a mobile, accurate QB (Noah Auld) and a physical defensive unit.

If that sounds like half of the OIA’s D-I programs, that’s probably because it is. No OIA team has beaten the juggernaut Trojans since 2012. Oregon commit Vavae Malepeai (84 carries, 624 yards, 14 TDs) broke Joe Igber’s career rushing TD total last week. Malepeai has 57 career rushing TDs.

QB McKenzie Milton (1,971 passing yards, 26 TD passes, three INTs, 314 rushing yards, two rushing TDs) is closing in on some amazing career numbers. WR Kalakaua Timoteo already has 712 receiving yards and 13 TDs on just 31 receptions.

Campbell (1-5, 1-4 OIA Blue) at Moanalua (2-4, 1-4) — With two divisional games left, the quest for a playoff berth heats up at Moanalua. The Sabers ended a losing skid with a crucial 46-30 win over Aiea last week. Both teams have wins over Aiea, which means the winner of this matchup clinches one of the division’s six berths.

Kalaheo (2-4, 2-3 OIA D-II) vs. Radford (6-0, 5-0), Aiea High School field — Coach Fred Salanoa’s Rams play stingy defense and practically turnover-free offense, a winning combination. Ace Faumui (497 rushing yards, 10 TDs) and Kodi Ongory-Mathias (376 rushing yards, three TDs) are carrying the load. Though the Rams traditionally have been balanced offensively, their success on the ground has made the passing game relatively dormant. D-I college prospect Thomas Reid has just eight receptions, but for 204 yards with four TDs.

Waimea (3-2, 1-1 KIF) vs. Kauai (0-5, 0-3), Vidinha Stadium — The Menehune can’t afford another loss, not with No. 9-ranked Kapaa dominating the league so far. Waimea won the first matchup with Kauai 17-0 three weeks ago.

Honokaa (2-4, 2-2 BIIF) at Hawaii Prep (1-4, 1-3) — The Dragons were extinguished by a rejuvenated Hilo squad last week and will close out the regular season with three D-II opponents starting with HPA. Two of those foes (KS-Hawaii, Konawaena) are among the top three in the league regardless of classification.

OIA RED STANDINGS AND STATISTICS

OIA BLUE STANDINGS AND STATISTICS

OIA DIVISION II STANDINGS AND STATISTICS

ILH DIVISION I STANDINGS AND STATISTICS

ILH DIVISION II STANDINGS AND STATISTICS