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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, October 17, 2008

Waipahu, Kaimuki open OIA Red tourney

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Is there a Cinderella story for the four O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red teams this weekend as they play for a shot at next week's quarterfinals?

A year ago, it was Leilehua, the West's fifth seed with a modest 3-3 league record, which won its first-round game — injuring both its quarterbacks in the process — en route to the OIA Red and Division I state championships.

This time it's Kaimuki, Waipahu, Mililani and Kailua hoping for the same fate as the Mules. Their journey begins this weekend with opening-round games of the OIA Red tournament.

Meanwhile, the White goes into the final weekend of its regular season with only one playoff berth left. Moanalua (5-2) will visit 'Aiea (4-3) for the fourth playoff berth. Radford, Campbell and Kalaheo have already clinched spots; only seeding is at stake for the three.

WAIPAHU VS. KAIMUKI

WHEN: 7:30 tonight

WHERE: Kaiser stadium

TV: OC 16

WHAT: Both teams were promoted from the White with the Bulldogs winning their last meeting, 33-6, in last year's regular season.

The Marauders (5-3, 3-3) generated the most offense in the West, leading in scoring with 239 points and yards with 344.3 per game. They are the most prolific rushing team in the Red behind running back Troy Matautia's 1,127 yards and 14 TDs. Quarterback Joshua Lacar was fourth among West rushers with 409 yards and scored nine TDs.

The Bulldogs (4-4, 3-3) allowed 155 yards per game on defense, second best among East teams.

Kaimuki is a little more balanced offensively, averaging 236.8 yards per game, tops among East teams. Running backs Justin Paderes and Tevita Aholelei combined for 826 yards and seven TDs, while quarterback Nainoa Hiapo passed for 803 yards.

Waipahu's defense was in the middle of the pack, allowing 258.6 yards per game.

The loser goes home. The winner plays at Leilehua next Friday.

KAILUA VS. NO. 9 MILILANI

WHEN: 7 p.m. tomorrow

WHERE: Mililani High's John Kauinana Stadium

TV: OC 16

WHAT: Kailua (2-5, 2-4) has dominated this series, 11-3, winning three of the previous four meetings, all in postseason. The Trojans (4-4, 4-2) won their last meeting, 41-21, in the 2004 OIA Red quarterfinals.

The Surfriders are the second-hottest team in the East behind Kahuku. Kailua's two-game win streak is the second-longest in the division.

Kailua is one of those teams that is obviously better than its record shows. Three of its four division losses were by a combined five points, including one-point heart-breakers to McKinley and Kaimuki.

Mililani is another team playing better of late, coming off a 20-16 upset of Wai'anae last week. The Trojans have won four of their last five.

Running back Taz Stevenson can be a game-breaker for the Trojans. He leads the team with 19 catches for 238 yards and is among five Trojans with more than 100 yards rushing.

MOANALUA VS. 'AIEA

WHEN: 5 p.m. JV, varsity to follow today

WHERE: 'Aiea stadium

WHAT: The last chance bowl.

The winner qualifies for the fourth and final berth for the OIA White playoffs.

Moanalua (6-2, 5-2) has won four in a row since a 30-21 loss to Campbell. 'Aiea (5-3, 4-3) also has won four consecutive games since an 0-3 start.

Usually a prolific passing team, Na Ali'i have struggled through the air with a pair of sophomore quarterbacks in Freddy Taliulu and Ka'au Kuia, who have combined for three TD passes.

Meanwhile, Moanalua has shown more balance and consistency on offense. Running back Tahje Canyon leads with 540 yards and seven TDs rushing and leads the team with 25 receptions for 248 yards and three more TDs.

NO. 6 'IOLANI VS. NO. 1 PUNAHOU

WHEN: 3:15 p.m. today

WHERE: Punahou's Alexander Field

WHAT: Punahou dominates the series, 62-39-4, since 1936.

The Raiders are looking to knock off the Buffanblu for the first time since 2001.

The Buffanblu (6-1, 3-1) have won three in a row since their loss to Saint Louis, while the Raiders (7-2, 5-1) are coming off a 9-0 loss to Kamehameha after a six-game win streak.

The teams are pretty balanced offensively. The Raiders have run the ball 241 times and passed it 247 times for 736 and 1,652 yards, respectively. Running back Kellen Imada leads with 679 yards and six TDs, while quarterback Jarrett Arakawa has passed for 1,274 yards and 16 TDs.

Punahou running back Dalton Hilliard shows his versatility with 265 yards rushing and seven TDs to complement his 225 yards receiving and two TDs. Receiver Robert Toma has 661 yards receiving and nine TDs. Quarterback Cayman Shutter has thrown for 694 yards and 10 TDs.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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