Off the Bench

Dave Kawada
dekawada@gmail.com

Tell me you donâ€™t look at this weekâ€™s schedule and find a game that sparks your interest beyond the fact that it may be your alma mater playing.

PUNAHOU v ST LOUIS

The Buff n Blu are the defending state champions and everyone knows they lost a ton of talent from last year. Everyone, including the players, also know that it means that there are 2 bullseyes on their backs â€“ one for being the defending champs, and two for being Punahou and the top rated prep athletic program 2 years running, courtesy of Sports Illustrated.

The Crusaders want the ILH title back which they have pretty much owned over the past 3 decades. But last year they took a definite back seat to Punahou. Jeremy Higgins is the most efficient quarterback in the state.

CAMPBELL v LEILEHUA

This game will be long so plan for coming home late. Both teams pass a lot. Think Hawaii vs Texas Tech. The Mules have Andrew Manley to Kamana Akagi. The Sabres have Maika Ulufale to Samson Anguay. The Mules want to get back to the state title game for the 3^rd year in a row. But they have to get out of the tough OIA Red West Division.

And Campbell never goes down easy.

ANY OIA WEST MATCHUP

See above comment. At this point I consider that there are 6 teams in contention to win the division. The coaches know that too. Pick any matchup and nothing more needs to be said about what is at stake.

TOP OUTER ISLAND GAME: BALDWIN v LAHAINALUA (MIL)

On paper this is D-I vs D-II so this is the only time they will each other. Also on paper the Lunas are 1-2 and the Bears are 0-2. That just means both teams are off to an uncharacteristic slow start. Since the beginning of time supremacy in the MIL was determined by the winner of this matchup. It was even more intense prior to the league classification of D-I and D-II. Loyal followers still believe the winner to be the best in the league.

The victory may prove to be the catalyst for the winner.