Crossover triple-headers between private and public schools during the regular season? That was a regular occurrence in the pre-split years, prior to 1970, when games were big draws at Honolulu Stadium. This weekend is a blast from the past with a doubleheader on Friday, then a triple monster bonanza on Saturday, all at Aloha Stadium.
No. 7 Damien vs. No. 10 Leilehua
Today, 6 p.m.
At Leilehua
The Monarchs (5-0, 3-0 ILH D-I) make the journey to Hugh Yoshida Stadium with their best record out of the starting gate since 2015. That squad beat Aiea, Kauai, Hawaii Prep, St. Francis and Pac-Five before losing a game. This year’s team has already toppled two ranked programs, Lahainaluna and Waipahu.
Damien has piled up at least 30 points in every game, including a combined 97 in the last two wins over St. Thomas More (Canada) and Castle. Senior QB Jake Holtz provides chunk yardage capability without high risk. Holtz has 1,352 total yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns with just two interceptions.
Kyle Kinney’s pick-6 was a highlight in the win over Castle, but Coach Eddie Klaneski expressed concern about penalties and missed tackles.
Leilehua (4-1, 3-1 OIA D-I) bounced back from its first loss of the season with a victory over Aiea. Kekoa Turnagan passed for three TDs and ran for another. Sparked by running backs Damarion Smith and James Vereen, the ground attack churned out 232 yards, allowing the Mule defense to get plenty of rest. Aiea managed just 33 offensive snaps.
‘Iolani vs. Waipahu
Today, 7:30 p.m.
At Aloha Stadium
Raiders-Marauders has become a bit of a rivalry in recent seasons. Last year, ‘Iolani won 55-14, but lost to Waipahu in the Division I state tourney 20-19. In 2012, Waipahu won a barn burner 35-34.
Though games against ILH opponents don’t count in the OIA standings, Waipahu opted to rest record-setting RB Alfred Failauga (knee) last week against Radford.
“He’ll be good to go Friday against ‘Iolani,” coach Bryson Carvalho said.
If the Marauders (2-3, 2-1 OIA D-I) rest the senior, they’ll have him protected for the stretch run of three OIA games with a playoff berth at stake. Regular-season games count for the Raiders (4-1, 2-1 ILH D-I), who are chasing Damien for the lone ILH D-I state berth. WR Carter Kamana will sit again as his injured hand heals.
Kapolei vs. No. 5 Campbell
Today, 7:30 p.m.
At Campbell
In a coaching career that spans decades, this game carries a bit more meaning for Kapolei’s Darren Hernandez. He was head coach at Campbell for six seasons, and now is in his 18th year at Kapolei. Campbell blanked Kapolei last season 28-0, ending a run of three wins by the Hurricanes.
Kapolei (3-3, 1-1 OIA Open) is coming off a road loss to Farrington, and Campbell (2-3, 1-2 OIA Open) is coming off a nonconference win over O’Connor (Ariz.). These two teams trail Mililani and Kahuku in the standings.
Campbell junior Titus Mokiao-Atimalala had a career-high five TDs against O’Connor. He caught three TD passes and returned two interceptions for scores.
No. 1 Saint Louis vs. No. 4 Kahuku
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
At Aloha Stadium
The Crusaders (4-0, 3-0 ILH Open) own a four-game win streak against the Red Raiders, including victories of 30-14 and 49-22 last year. Kahuku hasn’t beaten Saint Louis since the 2015 state final.
Saint Louis has a 30-game win streak and a No. 7 national ranking.
When Kahuku won in ’15, there was a heavy reliance on a smashmouth ground-and-pound attack. Big Red went back to that blueprint in a 35-7 win over Campbell two weeks ago, and overwhelmed Timpview (Utah) on the road last week.
Saint Louis’ defense has been proven against pass-first offenses. If Kahuku (4-1, 2-1 OIA Open) lines up in the power-I, it might be the biggest test of the year for the Crusaders’ front seven in the post-Faatui Tuitele/Gino Quinones era.
No. 2 Mililani vs. No. 9 Kamehameha
Saturday, 4:45 p.m.
At Aloha Stadium
The Warriors (1-3, 0-3 ILH Open) lost to nationally ranked Saint Louis 42-7 last week, widening the gap between themselves and the ILH’s top two teams.
The Trojans (5-0, 4-0 OIA Open) have played like a team on a mission despite the graduation of All-State offensive player of the year Dillon Gabriel, now starting at UCF, and the absence of RB Malosi Sam. Brendyn Agbayani has developed a connection with WR Kanoa Gibson (32 receptions, 489 yards, seven TDs), and Jasiah Alcover has emerged as a consistent producer at RB.
No. 3 Punahou vs. Waianae
Saturday, 2 p.m.
At Aloha Stadium
The gauntlet doesn’t end for the Seariders, who are coming off a 50-6 home loss to Mililani. When Punahou skunked Waianae 52-0 last year, Alaka‘i Gilman returned a fumble and an interception for touchdowns to break the game open.
The Seariders (1-3, 0-3 OIA Open) have struggled to score against elite defenses (Kahuku, Mililani) and Punahou might be the toughest unit so far. The Buffanblu (5-0, 3-0 ILH Open) have not surrendered a touchdown in four of their five games. Punahou has won the last three matchups with Waianae, which last defeated the Buffanblu in 1995.
