No. 1 Saint Louis vs. No. 7 Kamehameha
Today, 6 p.m.
At Aloha Stadium
This league battle carries more weight as the Crusaders (3-0, 2-0 ILH Open) attempt to create more separation from their two ILH Open foes. The top two teams in the ILH will play off for a state berth. The third-place ILH team will not qualify.
Saint Louis is on a roll with a 29-game win streak dating back to Oct. 7, 2016. Since defeating Bishop Gorman (Nev.) last week, they have moved up in national polls. The MaxPreps Xcellent 25 has the Crusaders at No. 8 and the USA Today Super 25 boosted them to No. 9.
Kamehameha last beat Saint Louis in 2013, and since has lost 10 games in a row to the Crusaders. The closest games during this span were in ’15 (31-27) and ’14 (46-38).
Depth has been a common theme for Saint Louis. QB Jayden de Laura’s dual-threat talent has been on display with 837 yards and eight touchdowns by air, and 98 yards and two TDs on the ground.
Kainalu Tumpap (16 carries, 103 yards, three TDs) and Kaohu Kamakawiwo‘ole (15, 78, one) have shared most of the work load at RB. Koali Nishigaya was busy last week with 10 receptions for 103 yards and a TD against Bishop Gorman. He leads the team with 23 catches for 260 yards and three TDs. The other starting slotback, Isaac Silva (14, 171), has also emerged while defenses focus on elite wideouts Roman Wilson (seven, 165, one) and Matt Sykes (nine, 157, three).
Kamehameha (1-2, 0-2) is well rested since beating Fagaitua (American Samoa) 29-8 two weeks ago. Defense has kept the Warriors competitive (12 points allowed per game), and fleet-footed RB Kawika Clemente has stepped up (257 yards, two TDs, 5.5 yards per attempt).
No. 8 Damien vs. Castle
Today, 6 p.m.
At Castle
The Monarchs (4-0, 2-0 ILH D-I) are on a tear with outputs of 38, 34, 30 and 56 points. They are willing to put the ball in the hands of senior quarterback Jake Holtz, who has breakaway ability when he scrambles from the pocket. The 6-foot-4 Holtz has passed for 866 yards and 11 TDs with just two interceptions, and has also rushed for 193 yards and three TDs. RB Amo Sulu leads the team in rushing (308 yards, six TDs) but also has 11 receptions (204 yards, three TDs).
Jarvis Natividad (11 catches, 320 yards, three TDs) and Makanalea Meyer (16, 201, two) have flourished.
This game does not count in the OIA standings for Castle (1-2, 1-1 OIA D-I). The Knights had a bye last week and have scored points, averaging 26 per game. QB Kila Kaio has 467 yards passing and five TDs with three interceptions.
The Knights have been efficient with their passing game, averaging 8.1 yards per attempt. On the ground, they average 1.7 yards per rush.
Jonah Figueroa (12 receptions, 193 yards, two TDs) and Kala Matthews (14, 183, three) lead a talented receiving corps.
Farrington vs. Kapolei
Today, 7:30 p.m.
At Kapolei
The Hurricanes (3-2, 1-0 OIA Open) are riding with Noa Bailey and his speedy receivers. Bailey has passed for 1,040 yards and 10 TDs. His primary target has been De’Zhaun Stribling (36 receptions, 463 yards, five TDs). Bula White (16, 278, three) and Dycen Coyaso (10, 158) are also crucial pieces of the puzzle for the ’Canes, who run the ball just enough to keep defenses honest.
RB Jayven Reyes is explosive between the tackles (261 rushing yards, two TDs).
The Governors (0-4, 0-2 OIA Open) have scored six points so far against a lethal schedule. All four of their foes are Top 10 teams, including three in the top five. QB Darius Chaffin’s top targets are Kainoa Mane (13 receptions, 194 yards) and Christian Havea (13, 158). Playmaker Raymond Millare has been corralled by defenses so far. He is averaging 6.5 touches per game after averaging 9.7 last season.
No. 2 Mililani vs. Waianae
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
At Waianae
In all the seasons with Rod York leading Mililani (4-0, 3-0 OIA Open), this may be one of his more flexible in terms of personnel. Linebackers have doubled at running back before, but already he has given carries to Kamalu DeBlake (five, 16 yards), Bam Amina (four, 11) and even Wynden Ho‘ohuli. With Malosi Sam out of the lineup last week, the Trojans turned to Jasiah Alcover (101 yards, two TDs) for a big contribution in a 34-22 win over Nevada’s No. 2 team, Liberty.
Kainoa Gibson confirmed his status as an elite receiver, with eight catches for 138 yards and two TDs in the victory.
First-year Waianae coach Mike Fanoga and the Seariders (1-2, 0-2 OIA Open) have spent the past two weeks grinding since a 32-0 loss at Kahuku. Elusive Sheldon McLeod has been an intriguing work in progress. He has completed 61 percent of his passes and averages a whopping 8 yards per attempt. He also has six picks in three games.
Kolu Quisquirin-Sabagala is a bright spot in the backfield (303 rushing yards, two TDs). The receiving corps has shown good potential with speedsters Saege Ayala (nine catches, 133 yards, two TDs), Delson Cordeiro (11, 114, one), Kaai Tambaoan-Kaeo (nine, 112, one) and Nainoa Machado (six, 110).
Waianae last conquered Mililani in ’16 (38-33) in a road matchup. However, the Trojans have won the last four meetings at Raymond Torii Field. Waianae’s most recent home win over Mililani was in ’10 (48-41).
KAHUKU, MOANALUA HIT THE ROAD
No. 4 Kahuku (3-1, 2-1) is in Provo, Utah, to take on Timpview on Saturday. The Red Raiders have lost their last three games on the mainland and last won there in 2006.
Unbeaten and seventh-ranked Moanalua (3-0, 2-0) plays Sierra Vista in Las Vegas. Na Menehune are coming off a comeback win over Leilehua. This is their first off-island trip since 2015 when they met Waiakea in a preseason game. This is the first mainland trip by Moanalua’s football program since it began in 1973.
