McKinley has the size to challenge Kahuku

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Looking ahead to next week's huge showdown with Long Beach (Calif.) Poly should not be a problem for the Kahuku High School football team.

That's because the Red Raiders face a big challenge tonight against unbeaten McKinley. Kickoff for the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference-East game is set for about 7:30 at Aloha Stadium.

Kahuku (2-0) is still trying to find itself on offense, with nine new starters attempting to replace what could have been the school's most explosive unit ever.

"We'll have our hands full," Red Raiders coach Siuaki Livai said. "The way we've been playing, it's not smooth. Our timing is still not down, and there's still a lot of mistakes."

McKinley, 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the Red, has seven starters back in its run-and-shoot offense, including junior quarterback Abel Werner. The Tigers have looked impressive in victories over Big Island favorite Kealakehe (28-6) and defending OIA White champion 'Aiea (41-19).

Against 'Aiea, Werner completed 15 of 22 passes for 251 yards, and McKinley also racked up 185 rushing yards. But more than the stats can translate, the Tigers are clicking as a group.

"A lot of us were on the JV team that played Kahuku for the championship two years ago," Werner said. "It's like we're reunited. A lot of us are good friends and we know each other better. We hang out in school and stuff."

Unlike many teams that face the Red Raiders, McKinley also has the size to match up physically. All 12 of the offensive linemen listed on the Tigers' roster weigh at least 220 pounds, and 10 of them weigh at least 240.

McKinley coach David Tanuvasa calls the biggest of the bunch, senior left guard Taase Jennings (6-foot-3, 345 pounds), one of the best linemen in the state.

"They're huge, and they've got a lot of experience," said Livai of the Tigers' offense. "I think it'll come down to our defense against their offense. But I think our defense is ready for the test. They've carried us so far."

Kahuku has allowed only 90 rushing yards in its two games and the Red Raiders defense has come up with a staggering 15 turnovers. Kahuku directly converted four of them into touchdowns.

Werner and the Tigers, however, expect to end that trend. McKinley had a bye last weekend and has had two weeks to prepare.

"For me, I knew we'd have a strong team this year and we worked hard toward this game," Werner said. "But I wouldn't say it's like a championship game, because it's still regular season, and we try not to get caught up in the hoopla. Coach Tanuvasa does a good job, he keeps the team on task."

So does Werner, the first McKinley junior in at least 10 years to be named a co-captain.

"I told our guys that Kahuku is always going to be Kahuku, no matter how many starters they lost," Werner said. "And the (Kahuku) guys who were sitting last year, they were sitting behind All-State players, so they're hungry. I still think of them as last year's Kahuku."

Extra points: Kahuku sophomore Spencer Hafoka beat out seven other candidates for the starting quarterback job, after projected starter Tyler Oto suffered a season-ending leg injury in the summer. "For a new guy, he was still the one with the most experience," Livai said. "He was the starting quarterback on our JV team last year, and they won the OIA." ... McKinley defensive lineman Randy Faletoi (6-3, 290) has been a starter since his freshman season.