D-II: Kapaa vs. Radford • Friday, 4:30 • Aloha Stadium
Sometimes, perfection ain’t pretty.
A formidable Radford defense was tested to the very end by Konawaena last week, and the Rams learned that their offense and special teams are up to the task against any foe.
It makes for a very focused practice on all fronts as the Division II state championship game approaches for the unbeaten Rams (12-0), who will take on top-seeded Kapaa in Friday afternoon’s final at the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Football State Championships at Aloha Stadium. Like Radford, the top-seeded Warriors have enjoyed a perfect season (9-0). Like Radford, coach Phillip Rapozo’s team likes to spread the field with their four-wide formation only to gash and bash defenses behind a powerful offensive line.
“They remind me of Kaiser,” Radford middle linebacker Jordan Walker said. “Kaiser from three years ago.”
Radford coach Fred Salanoa has the Rams precisely where he wants. It’s a vibe of intensity with poise. Fire and ice.
“It will probably come down to the wire, I think. They’re a good team, 9-0 for a reason, the No. 1 seed for a reason, in the championship game for a reason,” Salanoa said. “They haven’t given up an offensive touchdown all season. We’ve got to find a way to get into the end zone. If we make sure we execute and minimize our mistakes, we’ll be all right.”
The small enrollment at Radford is a blessing in disguise. Everyone knows everyone. Teachers and administrators know every player. Their support — and constructive words — are taken well by the football team. Senior defensive end Dillon Sunday says the Rams take it all in stride.
“You walk down the hallways, teachers say, ‘Good job last week,’ or sometimes they give us criticism. Sometimes they’ll tell us, ‘Close game, but good job,’ ” Sunday said.
He couldn’t help but laugh at the devotion and scrutiny.
“We’re just getting ready for the game,” Sunday said, not mindful about Kapaa’s higher seeding until asked.
“At the end of the day, we are where we are, and we just have to play the game,” he said.
Walker, considered a Pac-12 Conference prospect by Salanoa, is one of the glue guys who keeps the team’s mentality balanced.
“It makes me feel great, just being able to be on the defense, not just about me, but the whole defense playing as one,” the 6-foot-1, 220-pound playmaker said. “That’s the thing about defense. We’re great people on campus and in the community, but once we step on the field, we’re a whole different person, a whole different creature, a whole different unit. We do what we have to do to succeed and win.”
It’s a unit that hasn’t gotten the individual fanfare that the offense — and its juggernaut scoring prowess — has generated. Walker sees a lot of underrated talent on that side of the ball.
“Dillon, (linebacker David) Faletoi (6-1, 245), our DBs like Jonah (Soakai), (Sipa) Leafa (6-1, 180), (Brandon) Brady. The whole defense in general,” he said.
Walker was a freshman when Radford fielded one of the top defensive units in D-II.
“I remember playing with those boys. They were great defensive players. They had great speed,” Walker recalled. “It comes down to being ready mentally. Two years ago, we were physically ready. This year, our unit is closer and playing as one, being able to communicate on the field.”
