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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, September 7, 2007

Leilehua vs. Mililani among early showdowns

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Three early O'ahu Interscholastic Association showdowns, one each in the Eastern and Western Divisions and the other in the White Conference, highlight this weekend's football action.

Tonight, Central O'ahu rivals Mililani and Leilehua face off at Mililani's John Kauinana Stadium, while resurgent Roosevelt travels to defending White champion Waipahu at Masa Yonamine Stadium. Kickoff for both games is set for about 7:30.

The Leilehua-Mililani game will be televised live statewide on OC-16.

Tomorrow, defending state champion Kahuku will host unbeaten Kalaheo at about 6:30.

Here is a closer look at each game:

LEILEHUA AT MILILANI

Records: Leilehua is 2-1 overall, 1-0 in the OIA West; Mililani is 2-1, 0-1

Last week: Leilehua lost to Punahou, 28-19; Mililani defeated Pac-Five, 25-12

Notable: Leilehua led Punahou 13-7 at halftime but slowed down on offense in the second half, being shut out until about 2 minutes remaining. Mules coach Nolan Tokuda said he rotated players in the second half, hoping to preserve depth for the regular season slate. Receiver Edieson Dumlao caught three touchdown passes. ... Mililani scored two defensive touchdowns last week, on Tonka Marsom's 69-yard interception return and Sterling Cossey's 88-yard return of a recovered fumble. ... Trojans sophomore Taz Stevenson caught three passes for 115 yards, including touchdowns of 45 and 69 yards.

ROOSEVELT AT WAIPAHU

Records: Roosevelt is 2-0 overall and 0-0 in the OIA White; Waipahu is 1-1 overall, 1-0 in the White

Last week: Roosevelt defeated Waialua, 43-7; Waipahu lost to Westlake (Westlake Village, Calif.), 21-0

Notable: Roosevelt, off to its best start since 1995, fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter against Waialua but then exploded for 29 points in the second quarter. Ranson Tuitama rushed for 101 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries. ... Waipahu rushed for 209 yards, including 100 on 15 carries by Troy Matautia, but the Marauders also allowed Westlake to rush for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Waipahu was out-gained through the air, 160 yards to 25.

KALAHEO AT KAHUKU

Records: Kalaheo is 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the OIA East; Kahuku is 0-2 overall and 0-0 in the OIA East

Last week: Kalaheo defeated Moanalua, 28-14; Kahuku lost to Bingham (South Jordan, Utah), 27-0

Notable: Kalaheo is off to its best start since 1984, when it opened the season with victories over Punahou, Maui and Waialua. The Mustangs have not had a winning season since 2001. ... Kahuku has scored only 6 points in its two games and has been shut out in its last six quarters. The Red Raiders substituted freely in both games. ... Kalaheo quarterback Cody vonAppen, running a veer option attack, was held to 29 yards rushing on 17 carries against Moanalua but ran for two touchdowns and completed nine passes for 191 yards. Receiver Bruce Andrews made four catches for 110 yards. ... Kalaheo's last victory over Kahuku was in 1981, an 11-7 win at Aloha Stadium. The Mustangs' last victory at Kahuku came the year before, 20-0. The Red Raiders have won 12 of the past 13 meetings, with a 17-17 tie in 1983.

EXTRA POINTS

The dates for the Division I and Division II football state tournaments have been set.

The tournament will start with first-round games Nov. 16, followed by semifinals Nov. 24 and the championships Nov. 30 at Aloha Stadium.

First-round and DII semifinal sites will be determined later, after the regular season.

Read Wes Nakama's blog on prep sports at http://blogs.honoluluadvertiser.com

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.