ILH football live on pay-per-view TV

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

For the first time in at least 35 years, fans will be able to watch Interscholastic League of Ho-nolulu football on live TV.

Botelho

Viewers can go to channel 161 for instructions on how to order.

The first game pits Damien (2-1 overall) against Iolani (3-0) at 4:30 p.m., followed by Kamehameha (2-0-1) vs. Punahou (2-1) at about 7:30.

ILH executive director Don "Spud" Botelho said the league used to televise one game per week back in the 1960s, when the ILH had 10 teams including five Ho-nolulu public schools. But the telecasts ended when the five public schools (Farrington, Kaimuki, Kalani, McKinley and Roosevelt) broke away and joined the O'ahu Interscholastic Association.

"Since then, as far as live, free TV, (the ILH) would not hear of it," Botelho said. "Some schools felt it would overemphasize the sport of football, and others thought it would be financially unsound because it would hurt our gate. We depend on football for a lot of our revenue."

Last year, however, a pay-per-view proposal was presented to the ILH. Details could not be worked out in time for last season, but the league's principals agreed to a one-year trial this year.

"They said, 'Let's try it for one year, and then we'll evaluate it afterward,'" Botelho said.

According to Botelho, the ILH will receive $5 for every pay-per-view order, plus 10 percent of all advertising revenue.

He said other ILH sports, like volleyball and basketball also may be televised on a delayed basis. Oceanic has televised live OIA football since 1989.

Here is a closer look at tomorrow's games, in addition to tonight's OIA White Conference matchup between Campbell and Radford, set for a 7:30 kickoff:

Damien vs. Iolani

Advertiser Top 10 ranking: Iolani No. 6; Damien unranked

Last week: Damien defeated Roosevelt, 12-0; Iolani had a bye

Notable: Damien's starting quarter-back, Zach Shimizu, broke his collarbone against Castle three weeks ago and is expected to be out another three-to-five weeks. Sophomore George Martin has taken over the reins. ... Iolani senior Kai Iwasaki does not start, but coach Wendell Look called him "our most valuable player." Iwasaki is a backup quarterback, running back and slotback and also plays on special teams. "He's the most important guy we have because he does so many things for us," Look said.

KAMEHAMEHA vs. PUNAHOU

Advertiser Top 10 ranking: Kamehameha No. 3; Punahou No. 5

Last week: Both teams had byes

Notable: Kamehameha coach Kanani Souza said his team has been hit by a rash of injuries during nonleague action. The Warriors' roster has 107 players, but Souza said they lack quality depth. "In some cases, the dropoff from No. 1 to No. 2 is huge," Souza said. ... Punahou sophomore Brett Kan has won the starting job after a close competition. One of his top receivers is classmate Jeremiah Ostrowski, who was named to The Advertiser's All-State basketball first team as a freshman.

Campbell at Radford

Records: Campbell 3-1 overall, 3-0 OIA White; Radford 2-2, 2-1

Last week: Campbell defeated Waialua, 49-3; Radford defeated Kaiser, 23-21

Notable: Radford has forfeited its 27-7 victory over Moanalua on Aug. 27 due to the use of an ineligible player. ... Radford's Trevor Maldon returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown last week. ... Campbell quarterback Shaye Asoau kicked five extra points and passed for a two-point conversion last week.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456.