Castle gets down to business as it prepares to visit Waimea

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

The island of Kaua'i offers tourists a wide array of spectacular vistas and attractions, such as Kalalau Lookout, Barking Sands Beach and Fern Grotto.

Castle will need a strong game from talented quarterback Joel Botelho, who has been in a slump of late. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

"We told our players that this is strictly business," Knights coach Nelson Maeda said. "It is not a pleasure trip, or a reward for a good season like a bowl game. We have to keep our goals and objectives in mind at all times."

Those goals include a return to Aloha Stadium for next week's semifinals. Castle (8-3) made its first state tournament appearance last year, only to be promptly blown out by St. Louis, 48-0, in the first round.

Maeda said the Knights will be better prepared this time.

"We had a young team last year, and I don't think we were mature enough to handle some situations," he said. "The media attention, playing St. Louis — I think we let some things distract us. This is a great opportunity for Castle, but it's also a huge challenge. We're expecting a tough, tough game."

The Knights had a tough game last week, losing to arch rival Kailua, 13-7, in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association co-championship finals. Castle managed just 165 yards of offense, but still had a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter on an 81-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Elde Agcaoili.

However, the touchdown was called back by an unnecessary roughness penalty, and the Knights failed to score on that possession and two successive ones.

"It was a heated game, and to lose the way we did was a huge disappointment," Maeda said. "But we're looking at this as a brand new start, a chance to make a clean break."

Maeda said he's confident his team can leave the past behind and bounce back.

"Our guys are small in size, but big in heart," Maeda said. "They really bonded together this year and surpassed all expectations. They have no fear."

CASTLE vs. WAIMEA

• When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.

• Where: Vidinha Stadium, Lihu'e, Kaua'i

• Records: Castle 8-3, Waimea 7-1

• Seeds: Castle OIA No. 3; Waimea is Kaua'i Interscholastic League champion

• Last week: Castle lost to Kailua, 13-7; Waimea beat Kapa'a, 41-0

• Series record: First meeting

• Key factors: If Castle is to succeed, it likely will need a better performance from quarterback Joel Botelho. After passing for 1,743 yards and throwing only two interceptions during the regular season, Botelho has struggled a bit in the playoffs. In two postseason games, he completed 31 of 69 passes (45 percent) and threw six interceptions. Against Kailua, Botelho was 13-of-35 for 125 yards, with three interceptions. One pick was returned for a touchdown. The Knights' offense, which averaged 28 points per game in the regular season, has scored 21 in the past two weeks. Castle coach Nelson Maeda acknowledged that watching Botelho misfire had an adverse effect on his teammates. "As he goes, so goes our offense," Maeda said. "But I think he'll be fine. He just needs to get back into his rhythm." Waimea coach Jon Kobayashi expects as much. "Botelho did a great job for them all season," Kobayashi said. "With his running ability (626 yards, 7 TDs), he's a great weapon." ... The good news for the Knights is that their defense, which was porous at times in the regular season, appears to be peaking. Castle allowed 140 points in the first four regular season games, but 44 in the last four. In two postseason games, the Knights have surrendered 26 points. Castle's defense was particularly impressive against Kailua's vaunted rushing attack, holding the Surfriders to 187 yards on the ground. That's impressive, especially when considering the Knights' defensive front was giving away 50-60 pounds per man. Ikaika Ho, known more for his skills at receiver, played an outstanding game on defense. He broke up two potential touchdown passes and was in on several tackles in run support. ... Kobayashi, who has coached the Menehune to nine straight KIF titles, says this year's edition is "just as good or better than" his other eight championship teams. "They have a lot of fight in them," Kobayashi said. ... Waimea has three productive running backs in Chesley Barba, Rayson Cacal and Jordan Dizon, but Kobayashi said "the heart and soul of our offense is the line." On defense, the Menehune allowed 14 points in six league games. "No one really stands out as a defensive star," Kobayashi said. "It's been a team effort." ... Waimea came to O'ahu for last year's tournament and had the misfortune of playing Kahuku in the first round. The Menehune lost, 43-17. Kobayashi said he's grateful to be playing on the Garden Island again, but says the challenge is still a big one. "Size-wise, I think we match up better with Castle, but any time you play an O'ahu team, it's a little better caliber than we're used to," he said. "That's not taking anything away from our teams on Kaua'i, but Castle plays in a really tough league. We have to prepare better than we ever did."