Nothing like venturing into the great unknown.

That's how it will be for Kapolei when it hosts Damien Friday to help kick off the high school football season. Game time is 7 p.m.

The game will mark the debut of Damien head coach Brian Derby, a former Hawai'i Rainbow (1982 to 1985) known recently for his popular offensive linemen camps. Although Derby has been an assistant at the high school and college (in Japan) levels, this is his first stint as head coach, thus no track record of tendencies.

"It's like walking in the dark for us," Kapolei head coach Darren Hernandez said. "He's never been a head coach in Hawai'i, so there's nothing to go on. We have to prepare for anything and hopefully we can adapt."

One thing is certain: The Monarchs will try to be more balanced on offense. Last season, Damien ran the ball 429 times and passed it 200.

"If they drop eight (defenders), we're going to run. If they put seven in the box, we'll throw," Derby said. "It's more balanced. It's whatever (the defense) gives us."

And the Monarchs still have one of the better running backs in the state in Kama Bailey, who rushed for 1,570 yards and was an Advertiser All-State second-team selection.

After sharing time as a sophomore at quarterback, James Skizewski has been tabbed the starter.

"He's got a cannon," Derby said. "It's just a matter of looking at the right plays, throwing the right time and taking advantage of what they give us."

Derby said his team is young; there are 20 sophomores on the 70-player roster.

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes will be experienced, especially in skill positions with the return of quarterback Mason Koa. Koa passed for 1,254 yards and nine touchdowns and rushed for 834 yards and seven TDs last season. He also punts, making him a threat on fourth down.

The receiving corps is improved with addition of Chase Alcott, a transfer from Saint Louis. Also back is fullback/linebacker Cyril Ontai and slotback/defensive back Keli'i Aki.

Hernandez said there are seven returning starters on defense that has been bolstered by another transfer in linebacker Tim Brown (6 feet 1, 215 pounds), who could've started on most teams last year, except that he played for Wai'anae, which had three good ones in front of him, including Defensive Player of the Year George Kauwalu.

The game of the week is a rematch of last year's Division I state championship between Kahuku and Saint Louis. That is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Aloha Stadium.

KAUINANA HONORED

Mililani High will officially rename its football stadium John Kauinana Stadium in a ceremony Friday.

Kauinana was the school's first athletic director when the school opened in 1974 until his retirement in 2001. He also coached varsity football from 1975 to 1985.

The ceremony will be held between the JV and varsity games against Castle. The JV game starts at 5 p.m.

Mililani athletic director Glenn Nitta said a blessing will be part of the ceremony. The "John Kauinana Stadium" sign will be placed above the scoreboard, Nitta said.

SMOKED OUT

Wai'anae High, which sent its students home early yesterday because of smoke from a brush fire on the North Shore, missed football practice.

"Any time you miss practice, it kind of messes things up," Seariders coach Dan Matsumoto said. "Hopefully, we can do something (today)."

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.