Moanalua takes on unbeaten Kahuku Friday


Aofaga Wily and the Red Raiders look to continue their winning ways against Na Menehune. Eugene Tanner | SL
One team is a perennial powerhouse while the other is an upstart in Division I. Kahuku, the state's top-ranked team, will take to the road for its third consecutive game Friday at Moanalua, who will try to derail the Red Raiders and their hopes of an undefeated season.

The lone unbeaten team in Division I, Kahuku (5-0, 3-0) has drawn national attention, earning a No. 17 ranking from Rivals.com and this week, it appeared at No. 50 in ESPN RISE Fab 50. The Red Raiders have outscored opponents 207 to 59 and has allowed just 25 points in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red East Conference.

The Red Raider offense has evolved from a smash-mouth rushing attack to include more pass plays with second-year starter Evan Moe at quarterback. The 6-foot, 213-pound senior has completed 70.2 percent (33 of 47) of his passes for 659 yards with nine touchdowns against one interception.

Moe's favorite target has been Punga Vea (15 receptions for 411 yards, 6 TDs), while Shairone Tompson (8-178-3) and Josh Sorensen (8-144-1) have also chipped into the Red Raiders' passing game.

However, most of Kahuku's production offensively has come from its duo of running backs sophomore Aofaga Wily (56 rushes for 494 yards, 5 TDs) and senior Tyrone Brown (41-343-7).

Moanalua (3-2, 2-1) has shown balance on offense this season, rushing for an average of 120.8 yards per game and passing for 128.2. Na Menehune are led by senior running back Charles Spencer (64 rushes for 393 yards, 3 TDs). Spencer, who is 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, ran for 159 yards on 25 carries against Kaiser last week.

Quarterback Keven Amaral (38 of 69 for 604 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs) has threw for 231 yards in a 22-18 win over Castle and 217 yards in a 23-20 loss to Kailua. Michael Egami is the team's leading receiver with 13 catches for 292 yards and 4 touchdowns.

The junior varsity game kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday and the varsity game will follow 25 minutes after its completion.

Aiea at No. 3 Mililani, 7:30 p.m. Friday (OC16)

It's homecoming week for the Trojans (4-1, 2-1 OIA Red West) and coming to John Kauinana Stadium will be the upset-minded Na Alii (3-2, 1-2). Mililani, which is coming off a bye week, averages 388.8 yards and 38 points per game. Aiea, which lost 16-7 to Leilehua last week, averages just 173.4 yards and 13.2 points per game, but allows just over a touchdown (8.4 points) a game defensively. The game will be televised live statewide on OC16 in HD. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

No. 8 Kailua at Kaiser, 7 p.m. Friday

The Surfriders (4-2, 3-1 OIA Red East) are coming off a huge 31-15 upset of Farrington last week and hope to keep that momentum going against the last-place Cougars (0-6, 0-4). After dropping its season opener against Baldwin and losing at Kahuku the following week, Kailua has reeled off four consecutive victories. Quarterback Kahaku Iaea (112 of 201 for 1,567 yards, 12 TDs, 8 INTs) is the state's leading passer while Eric Lum (34 receptions for 654 yards, 8 TDs) is the top receiver statistically.

Waipahu vs. Kalaheo at Kailua, 6 p.m. Saturday

The Marauders and Mustangs enter with identical records at 5-1 in the OIA White. Kalaheo features the state's top rusher in senior Jesse Carney (69 rushes for 924 yards, 11 TDs), who also plays linebacker. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound back has averaged 231 yards through four games and set a state record with 374 yards and six touchdowns against Kalani two weeks ago. Waipahu's Victor Moananu (84 rushes for 583 yards, 6 TDs) ranks fifth in the state in rushing yards. Behind their triple-option attack, the Marauders have averaged 323 yards rushing each game this season.


Reach Kalani Takase at [email protected].