Unknown Lunas motivate Kahuku
By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer
For the top-ranked Kahuku Red Raiders, what they didn't know hasn't hurt them.
Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser
In its last two Chevron State Football Tournaments, Kahuku always opened against a Neighbor Island champion. Busy with their own agenda on O'ahu, the coaches never had a chance to scout their opponents.
Kahuku quarterback Inoke Funaki, who has thrown 20 touchdown passes and only four interceptions this season, is also a threat to run.
Still, the Red Raiders rolled over 1999 Big Island champion Konawaena, 47-14, and then blitzed 2000 Kaua'i Interscholastic Federation champion Waimea, 47-17.
So if history repeats itself, Maui Interscholastic League champion Lahainaluna is staring at trouble. The ninth-ranked Lunas (8-2) open quarterfinal action against the defending state champion Red Raiders (11-0) at 5 p.m. tomorrow at Aloha Stadium.
Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai pleads ignorance when it comes to what the Lunas might do. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing when it comes to motivating his players.
"I like this kind of game," Livai said. "The less the kids know about the opponent, the more we can make up stories, tell them they're (the Lunas) good, they got great players, they do this, they do that. That kind of hypes the kids to play."
He used the O'ahu Interscholastic Association season as an example. He said because of publicity through newspapers and TV about Red opponents, such as Castle and Kailua, his players were aware of what to expect. But they knew little of White champion 'Aiea, which they routed, 48-0, in Friday's OIA co-championship.
"Our kids couldn't wait for that game," he said. "And it showed by the way they responded."
Except for 1999 state champion St. Louis, just about every other team in the state is in trouble against Kahuku. The odds are just stacked against the Lunas.
They're undermanned compared to the Red Raiders. Lahainaluna lists 37 on its roster; Kahuku has 94, Livai said.
This is Lahainaluna's tournament debut; Kahuku has been in the previous two tournaments.
And for most of the Lunas, it's their first time playing in Aloha Stadium, home of the University of Hawai'i and the Pro Bowl.
"A lot of our kids have never played at Aloha Stadium," Lunas coach Robert Watson said. "I expect some 'oohs' and 'ahhs' when they first get there, so it's something we gotta deal with."
Lahainaluna vs. Kahuku
• When: 5 p.m. tomorrow
• Where: Aloha Stadium
• Records: Lahainaluna is 8-2 overall, MIL champion; Kahuku is 11-0, OIA co-champion, but No. 1 seed.
• Advertiser ranking: Kahuku is No. 1, Lahainaluna is No. 9.
• Last week: Lahainaluna defeated Baldwin, 26-14, for MIL title; Kahuku defeated 'Aiea, 48-0, for OIA co-championship.
• Series record: It is believed to be their first meeting.
• Key factors: The Lunas run the option out of the spread behind quarterback Kainoa Casco (5-8, 160) and therein lies one of the concerns. He also plays strong safety, one of seven Lunas to play both ways ... Although the Lunas primarily run — they have four rushers with more than 200 yards rushing apiece — Casco can throw well. He was second in the MIL is passing with 877 yards and led the league with 11 touchdown passes. Slotbacks Ikaika Neizman (5-8, 150) and Abner Nakihei (5-10, 160) are the team's best receivers. Nakihei also leads the team in rushing (512 yards, seven TDs). The two are defensive backs on defense ... Kahuku's 4-3 defense has been downright stingy against the run, allowing 78.8 yards per game during the regular season. The Red Raiders will rush straight on or stunt. Heavily recruited end Jonathan Mapu (6-3, 250) is quick, as are the linebackers, Ola Kubota (5-8, 200), Joshua Hodge (5-10, 198) and Sione Olevao (5-11, 195). Also good run-stoppers are safeties Viliami Nauahi (6-2, 195) and Sola Soliai (6-0, 180) ... The Lunas use a 4-3 defense with linebackers Lono Kaina (5-7, 185) and Maliu Tauheluhelu (6-0, 220); the two also double as offensive linemen. They can't afford to be winded against Kahuku's offensive line of center Jeremy Perry (6-2, 300), guards Joseph Napeahi (6-2, 315) and Suliasi Lautaha (6-0, 290) and tackles Semisi Kauvaka (6-3, 320) and Kalavi Blanchard (6-4, 290). The Red Raiders run out of various formations, but mainly from the single tailback-double slot. They will exploit their might when they come out in their double tight end formation, which includes Mapu as one of the tight ends. But their offensive weapons are well-known. All-state quarterback Inoke Funaki (6-0, 180) is averaging 11.5 yards per attempt, with 20 TD passes to just four interceptions. Tailback Mulivai Pula (5-11, 215) is probably the fastest football player on O'ahu, but receiver Ferron Fonoimoana (5-8, 165) might be the most versatile. He can run, punt, receive kicks and pass (he is a back-up QB).
