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If anyone knows what it takes to beat Kahuku at Carleton E. Weimer Field, it is Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez.
A generation ago, 2007 to be exact, his Hurricanes went to the North Shore and eked out a a 14-7 playoff win at Kahuku's field. Quarterback Mason Koa orchestrated a masterful performance.
Prior to Kapolei, Hernandez was the head coach at Campbell when the Sabers shut out Kahuku at Weimer Field, 24-0, on Oct. 11, 1996.
This week, the challenge will be difficult. Kahuku is coming off a near-upset road win over the nation's top-ranked team, Mater Dei. When Hawaii's No. 3-ranked team Kapolei visits No. 2 Kahuku on Saturday in a key OIA Open Division opener, the odds will again be stacked against the visiting team. All visitors have faced the aura of the Kahuku community and its vast energy, loyalty and volume. Since the '07 loss to Kapolei, Kahuku has beaten the 'Canes 13 consecutive times.
Last year, Kahuku prevailed at Kapolei's field, 17-7.
A shutout of Kahuku by a Hawaii team on Kahuku's home field did not happen again until six weeks ago, when Saint Louis won, 20-0.
Big Red has found its footing offensively with a mix of Troy Mariteragi and Matai Fuiava at quarterback. Toa Sam churns out first downs behind an offensive line that has begun to flourish thanks in part to a radically difficult nonconference schedule.
Kahuku is 2-3 overall. Kapolei (3-1, 0-0) comes off a bye week. Two weeks ago, the Hurricanes defeated Kapaa, 35-0.
Quarterback Jacob Ballesteros has been sharp, completing 72 of 93 pass attempts for 882 yards and 10 TDs with just one interception.
Arguably the most beautiful sunset backdrop for a football game in the world awaits fans at Raymond Torii Field. There's beauty off the gridiron, organized violence on it. Kailua (2-1, 1-0 OIA) brings some of the most highly recruited offensive linemen in the state, while Waianae (5-0, 1-0 OIA) has mustered a spotless record despite an outflow of players who transferred to schools.
It doesn't change the mentality and culture under second-year Seariders head coach Vince Nihipali.
"I want our community to know that we play with a lot of heart, especially because we're an undersized team," senior linebacker Kainui Iokia (6-0, 225) said. "A lot of guys left to Kapolei, a lot of our sophomores and juniors, and some of our main linemen, too. The people that stayed here are strong-hearted about their community."
Iokia was a leader for the defensive unit last season.
"This year, I took the role more seriously," the co-captain said. "I felt like I had to step up after our seniors graduated."
Iokia and other standouts like two-way playmaker Shawdan Pacheco thrive under Nihipali and staff.
"Coach is more of a strategic guy, in the books kind of guy. Our mentality changed. Last year, we kind of doubted ourselves a lot. We didn't have a feel. Our defense got a lot better this year," Iokia said.
John Michael "JJ" Kaio moved up from the JV to start at QB for the Seariders. He has completed 82 of 133 attempts for 1,200 yards and 10 TDs with only two picks.
"I like how he reads the defense. He knows how to read the whole field. He knows since he has a small line, he gets the ball out faster." Iokia said.
The Seariders have prepared for a mammoth opponent with an unbeaten record.
"I view being unbeaten as a stepping stone. Stay humble. Don't get too high. I don't want to get too low. I want the boys to know we haven't really challenged ourselves yet until now. Our next two games are Kailua and Campbell," he said. "Kailua is a heavy run team with a lot of RPOs. Our corners and safeties have to stay disciplined."
Kailua's power and precision have only improved since a 9-7 loss to perennial Open Division title contender Mililani. It starts up front for the Surfriders and coach Joe Wong while senior quarterback Isaiah Keaunui-DeMello directs traffic.
"We have Esaiah Wong, Uluaki Tatafu, Paul Tavares, Packs Ahovelo and (Randolph) Junior Santiago," Keaunui-DeMello said.
Wong is committed to Cal. Tatafu's offers include Hawaii, San Diego State and UNLV. Ahovelo is committed to Colorado State.
Keonaona Mehio-Sesma is a key sixth man in the rotation.
The Surfriders returned from a 33-0 loss to Nevada powerhouse Liberty by routing Kaiser, 50-3, last weekend.
"It was a good bounce back from the Liberty game. We've just got to keep moving forward. We learned a lot of things in the loss," Keaunui-DeMello said.
Wong and Tatafu missed last week's win with injuries, but are expected to play this week.
"Our offense has gotten better. It's not simple anymore. We have a lot of motion, a lot of movement in," Keaunui-DeMello said. "Honestly, our defense competes with any defense in the state, even Saint Louis. There's nobody in our division that can drop 20 on our defense."
Iokia was quick to embrace the role of underdog, which may still sound odd to old-time fans who remember the dynastic years of Searider football under Larry Ginoza and Leo Taaca.
"We like being underdogs. We kind of want to get back to the Open to show we belong there. We trust in our own path and do our own thing," Keaunui-DeMello said.
Afternoon football at Eddie Hamada Field is as classic as it gets without old Honolulu Stadium around. The Monarchs (2-2) and Raiders (2-2) are the only two Division I teams in the ILH, which puts extreme weight on their two regular-season matchups. Win those two games and go to the state tournament.
'Iolani has relied on a savvy, experienced offense to compete against some of the state's top D-I title contenders. Wins over Radford (39-36) and Maui (35-0) were followed by a loss to Aiea (46-25). Then came a tough battle with OIA Open member Leilehua, a 27-14 loss.
Damien's schedule has been as tough as it gets among D-I programs. Wins over Kamehameha-Maui (33-17) and Roosevelt (26-21) preceded losses to Open Division teams Punahou (36-7) and Campbell (49-14).
The Monarch defense has been a pillar of strength. Offensively, young contributors are beginning to step up.
"I could be doing better," senior quarterback AJ Tuifua said.
The new chapter without dynamic playmaking running back Sylas Alaimalo, who graduated, has been a work in progress.
At 6 feet at 247 pounds, Tuifuacan be a wrecking ball. It won't be so easy, of course, against a well-coached, if young, 'Iolani defense.
"Their team last year to this year, their offense is the same, but their defense is a little bit iffy. It's the same thing with us. Our defense is mostly the same. Our offense has a lot of young players," he said.
Defensively, Damien's core includes senior linemen Tyven Self-Gomes-Kelakai and Shason Tomisa, junior linebacker Jay-Sean Aquino and junior defensive back Uriah Maiava.
Tuifua sees a 3-3 defense on the tape of 'Iolani, but it's possible veteran defensive coordinator Delbert Tengan is saving a unique hybrid package just for the big game.
At 'Iolani, the timing could not have been worse. The loss of senior quarterback CJ Villanueva to a collarbone injury suffered against Leilehua leaves a big question mark. The Raiders remain stoic and confident, giving their support to sophomore Adrian Perkins.
Senior left guard Brady Minami confirmed that it is a pivotal time, a transition that has the Raiders digging deep.
"CJ's injury, it was unfortunate, especially for us as offensive linemen. I began to understand we need team chemistry the most. CJ does a hell of a job leading and he has to pass the torch on to the other guys. Talking to Adrian about stepping up and rising up to the challenge," Minami said.
As 'Iolani evolves and develops, the Raiders have relied on patience.
"We wholeheartedly trust the defense," Minami added. "We know they're going to get the job done. We have trust in each other. We know we can lean on each other. That's one of the most powerful things."
Damien and 'Iolani have turned into a unique battle over the years.
"This rivalry, going into the season all I can think about is playing Damien," Minami said. "The past few years I feel like we let Damien push us around. We want to show that we are truly D-I."
Villanueva hopes to return in roughly five weeks when the collarbone is fully healed, in time for 'Iolani's regular-season finale against Damien.