Posted on: Friday, September 19, 2003
Rivals Castle, Kailua in rematch
By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer
Tonight's O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference-East football showdown at Aloha Stadium between Castle and Kailua is not so much a David vs. Goliath matchup as it is, say, Roy Jones Jr. vs. Lennox Lewis.
Yes, Castle (3-1, 2-1 OIA) is at a huge size disadvantage against the powerful Surfriders (3-0, 2-0), but the Knights pose just as much a threat with their blinding speed.
But either way, the game — a rematch of last year's league playoff final — promises to be just as heated as any between the two Windward O'ahu rivals in recent years.
Castle coach Nelson Maeda said, "We have two seasons: the game against Kailua, and the rest of our schedule."
In the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, early favorite Kamehameha (3-0, 1-0 ILH) faces Punahou (2-1, 0-0) in a Division I game tomorrow.
CASTLE vs. KAILUA
NOTES: The Knights won last year's OIA championship largely because of overall team speed, and they appear not to have lost a step. Senior slotbacks Ikaika Ho and Jarred Suzui can turn short swing or screen passes into long touchdowns, and linebacker Blaze Soares covers ground and hits like former University of Hawai'i standout Pisa Tinoisamoa. To further disrupt opponents, like last year, Castle can use two capable quarterbacks — Louis Mansanas Jr. or Bryce Kalauoka'aea, and has a premier kicker in Ethan Gonzalves. Kailua, meanwhile, has bulldozed its way to victories over Punahou (22-7), Campbell (47-8) and Kaimuki (61-6) behind its massive offensive line and the running of Kekoa Sua. The Surfriders rotate eight linemen: Ko'o Kamalamalama, Ryan Rodrigues, Mike Keohohina, Jaymes Asosaoletoetu, Kainoa LaCount, Kea Crowell, JD Puli and George Salakielu. Their average height and weight is 6 feet 2&Mac253;, 284 pounds. They have paved the way for Sua, who has rushed for 709 yards and 13 touchdowns in three games, averaging an astounding 14.8 yards per carry. Defensively, Kailua has two outstanding defensive backs, Derek Mailau and Michael Kealoha, to contend with Ho and Suzui.
KAMEHAMEHA vs. PUNAHOU
NOTES: Kamehameha is coming off a physical and emotional struggle against Saint Louis, a game in which the Warriors rallied from a 13-0 deficit. Kamehameha also had to overcome penalties, receiving 11 flags for 90 yards. Running back Sy Cullen had to work hard for his 69 yards on 24 carries, and quarterback Pono Kam completed 13 passes, but only one for more than 19 yards. Defensively, Kamehameha was outstanding, allowing only 43 second-half yards and not letting the Crusaders past the Warriors' 33-yard line after halftime. Punahou also had a comeback victory , overcoming a 19-6 deficit by scoring 21 straight points in the second and third quarters against Iolani. Quarterback John Morris passed for 194 yards and three touchdowns, but two top skill players, Micah Strickland and Cameron Grace, did not play.
Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456
