With a potent passing attack and a ground game led by running back Vae Malepeai, Mililani's offense is clearly one of the most exciting in the state to watch. Peter Caldwell | SL

Purchase image 1 of 1

On a weekly basis, ScoringLive's "Da Five" will pose five questions revelant to the prep sports world, and get responses from five different individuals. What results will hopefully provide multiple angles of insight and analysis for fans to take in.

Members of ScoringLive talk about the top offenses and defenses around the state, the big Campbell-Kapolei game and much more.

1. Which team has the most exciting offense?

Jared Kanoa, SL all-purpose: I think the most exciting offense in the state has to be Punahou. The Buffanblu have so many weapons like running back Wayne Taulapapa and receiver Kanawai Noa, it’s crazy. They also have many different sets that they can run with their offense like the empty set, I-formation, power-I, and even a jumbo package. They so many options in their offense that you really can’t double any one person because you’ll let another weapon go uncovered.

Aven Santiago, SL reporter: Mililani easily has the most exciting offense in the state. The Trojans currently have the number one receiver in Division I with Kalakaua Timoteo. You also have to account for the running ability of All-Hawaii first-team running back Vavae Malepeai. To top it all off, the brown and gold also have junior quarterback McKenzie Milton behind center. The dual-threat quarterback is not only one of the state’s top passers, but one of the state’s top rushers as well. The amount of weapons Mililani has on its squad is incredible and I look forward to seeing them light up more scoreboards this season.

Michael Lasquero, SL reporter: Even though I have yet to see them in a meaningful game, the most exciting offense to me would be Moanalua’s. I got a chance to watch Na Menehune’s spread offensive attack against Pearl City and was extremely impressed. Moanalua’s offensive line isn’t the best, forcing Kawika Keama-Jacobe to scramble around the pocket. The result was like watching a Johnny Manziel highlight reel. Watching Keama-Jacobe throw passes to Jason Sharsh and jump balls to Karson Cruz was good fun. Na Menehune may not be a title contender in the OIA, but they will definitely make a lot of plays to make the games exciting. 

Shawn Sueoka: SL contributor: I have to say that thus far I am extremely impressed with Mililani's offense. All eleven players are outstanding. It starts up front with the offensive line doing a nice job of blocking for McKenzie Milton. When you add in running back Vavae Malepeai, it would be hard press to find a better duo in the backfield. Another thing going for the Trojans is that their core of wide receivers always seem to be unselfishly blocking for one another. This offense will give any defensive coordinator a headache.

Kalani Takase: SL reporter: Mililani. Although you can probably put Punahou at 1b, but the Trojans have playmakers galore in their spread offense, starting in the backfield with McKenzie Milton and Vavae Malepeai. Kainoa Wilson has been a steady pass-catcher for the past three seasons while Kalakaua Timoteo appears on the brink of stardom. My one concern on the offensive side of the ball for Mililani is a lack of depth behind Milton at QB. I'd like to see him take a few less hits while scrambling downfield, but then again, that's what makes him so exciting to watch.

2. What defense would you take into a championship game right now?

Kanoa: I’m starting to sound like a broken record over here but Punahou’s defense would be my pick, mainly because of its front seven. Punahou puts a lot of pressure on opposing team’s quarterbacks. Standouts on the front seven include defensive lineman Canton Kaumatule and linebacker Ronley Lakalaka.

Santiago: If I had to pick a defense right now it would have to be Punahou. From the defensive line all the way to the defensive backs this team is loaded. When you can shut down an offense like Saint Louis, who has a formidable offense despite its losing record, you are bound to grab attention. It looks like the Buffanblu defense hasn’t missed a beat from last season. The personnel and schedule combined provides for a well rested defense come state tournament time. The only worry I had for the Punahou defense is with the unpredictability of Kamehameha’s offense, which did extremely well against Del Oro. However, that question was answered with the loss of key players for the Warriors. I don’t see any team threatening the Punahou defense until the state tournament. 

Lasquero: With the way the passing game has evolved, I have to go with Kahuku’s defense. The top five Division I teams in total offense (Mililani, Saint Louis, Leilehua, Campbell and Moanalua), all employ spread formations to heighten the passing game. To me Kahuku’s back seven has the necessary personnel needed to counter these types of offenses. They play physical and are quick to the ball. These are the necessary traits needed to disrupt passing teams that rely on timing and crisp route running. Big names in the back seven include Keala Santiago, Soli Afalava, Hirkley Latu and Manaia Atuaia. 

Sueoka: Out of the defenses that I have seen, Campbell’s defense seems to be the most complete. From front to back you have playmakers all over the place. You have a mammoth size pass rusher in Tristan Ludiazo (6'4 250), a sideline to sideline tackling machine linebacker in senior Isaiah Gibson, two cornerback that have an interception each in Dylan Villanueva and Zibrex Cabel, and last but not least the best safety combo in the state with Abel Taito and Oregon State commit Solomon Matautia. The speed and tenacity this team plays with is outstanding. The Sabers held a topnotch offense like Moanalua to under 200 yards of total offense and six points.

Takase: Punahou, without a shadow of a doubt. For as loaded as Mililani is offensively, Punahou is just as stacked defensively. The Buffanblu have tons of experience on that side of the ball, especially at linebacker, where their four guys are as good as they come and will only benefit from playing behind a stout defensive line anchored by Canton Kaumatule and Joseph Saula.

3. Name a player (or players) that are unsung and deserve more recognition.

Kanoa: I just want to take this time to mention my fantasy football pick from last week, Pac-Five receiver Tsubasa Brennan. The senior wideout finished with 15 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown against Division I opponent Saint Louis. That is good for 20 points in any standard fantasy football league, numbers similar to what Cincinnati’s star wide receiver AJ Green put up this past weekend.

Santiago: With all the recognition and attention towards Farrington defensive tackle Breiden Fehoko (and deservingly so), I would like to see more praise go towards running back and kick returner Ranan Mamiya. When you talk about a playmaker, the transfer from Saint Francis is every bit of it. With the ability to take a handoff the distance for a score, or return a kick for six points, Mamiya has the power to singlehandedly dismantle a defense and the opposing team’s morale. I’ve seen him play twice this season against Waipahu and Aiea. Against Waipahu, I scarcely remember if he was ever tackled in that game. When Aiea came into tow, I saw Mamiya not only run and return for scores, but throw for one as well! I expect to see a lot more big plays from him and would like to see more attention come his way.

Lasquero: Mililani center Brett Damato deserves some love. With all the electrifying players on offense, and guys like Jordan Agasiva, Andru Tovi and Derrick Fetui-Suapaia on the line, it’s easy to get overlooked if your Damato. 5-foot-9, 220-lbs isn’t exactly first off the bus material if your lineman. Nevertheless Damato holds his own and deserves some dap. Punahou RB/SB Heisman Hosoda is another player to keep in mind. Remember that name because I think he will be the biggest x-factor in the Buffanblu’s journey back to glory.

Sueoka: Pac Five's Tsubasa Brennan not only leads the Division II in receiving yards, but also the entire state. The senior wide receiver has amassed 45 reception and 573 yards for seven touchdowns. Brennan's best game thus far was against King Kekaulike where he caught 19 passes for 292 yards and four touchdowns.

Takase: Nayton Kuresa. The Waianae defensive lineman has been a terror on opposing offensive linemen and quarterbacks. I've covered two or three Waianae games this year and it seems like every time a Searider gets to the quarterback it's Kuresa. He seems to have a non-stop motor and you can't question his desire to play. Even when his team was down big several times early this season, Kuresa was still relentless in his pass rush.

4. Other than playing a then No. 10 Moanalua, Campbell hasn’t really been tested yet this year. How do you think the Sabers will fare against a Kapolei team that has played Kahuku, Farrington and Mililani? 

Kanoa: I think this will be a very good test for Campbell. However, I don’t think the Sabers should encounter too many problems against Kapolei. The Hurricanes have not showed that they can stop a dominant running game, as evident in their matchups against Mililani, Farrington and Kahuku. Campbell has proven that it can run the ball in the trenches with Terrell Johnson and Austin May. With the exception of their past game, the Sabers have rushed for over 300 yards in every game this season.

Santiago: I feel that although the Sabers haven’t truly been tested, they will still come out with a win against the Hurricanes. I’m sure the score will be tight, but I think Campbell is riding a momentum too fast to be stopped by Kapolei.

Lasquero: Over the past couple of years, these two teams have always played each other close no matter what place they are in the standings. However, I feel like Campbell has made the jump to state title contender status. To me this game hinges on how well Sabers sophomore quarterback Ezra Savea handles his first start on the road. Savea was also at Kapolei before transferring to Campbell. If Savea is able to settle down and just “play the game,” the Sabers should win decisively.

Sueoka: Campbell has played Castle, Moanalua and Kailua, all who are in the middle of the pack or below in their respective divisions; while Kapolei has played three teams from the top five of the ScoringLive/OC16 Division I Power Rankings. If I had a second pick for an unsung player, it would be Campbell running back Terrell Johnson. Prior to facing Kailua, Johnson had two 100-plus yard games and is averaging almost eight yards per carry. Look for Johnson and the offense to be the reason why Campbell will come out victorious.

Takase: I think that as long as Campbell's offensive line can protect QB Ezra Savea, they should fare well against Kapolei. Savea was deadly accurate against Kailua last week and stands to benefit from the running of Terrell Johnson, who could eat up a suspect Hurricanes' run defense. If the Sabers can get a quick score or two over the top of the Kapolei defense, or a defensive touchdown, it puts them in a good spot against a Hurricanes' team that is more of a grind-it-out type of offense that hasn't shown big-play ability.

5. Here’s a lighthearted question for a change, what team has the nicest uniforms?

Kanoa: Have you seen Kauai High School’s uniforms? Wow, I do not remember their uniforms and their helmets being that nice. If you haven’t seen them yet, check out the photo gallery from this past weekend when the Red Raiders played against Waimea.

Santiago: I think for this one I might have to go out of the island; better yet, out of the country. Did anyone see the Golden Bears’ uniforms when they came over from Japan to play Iolani? The red and gold color way really stood out to me (San Francisco 49ers fan here). Those had to be some of the coolest jerseys I’ve seen in a while and I think more teams should try to emulate that style.

Lasquero: The Leilehua Mules have one of the most underrated uniforms in the state. It’s nothing too fancy and it serves its purpose. The numbers and bright and bold which helps identify players that much easier. In my opinion it gives the Mules a stoic look that could intimidate opposing teams. I also like Castle’s gold away jerseys. It just makes the field more colorful with both teams wearing a solid color.

Sueoka: If you're a San Francisco 49ers fan, how can you not appreciate Mino Jiyu from Japan. Vintage 49er jerseys and the quarterback wore number 16. A must see from the photo gallery against Iolani. From Hawaii I'll go with Damien’s home jerseys. Black tops and bottoms with royal purple and gold trim. I'm a fan of the all black uniforms. Now if they had black helmets to go with it I just might have found my Halloween costume.

Takase: I saw Moanalua's grey jerseys on TV the other week and initially they looked nice, but realized it's difficult to read those numbers, so no bueno. I'm all about functionality over aesthetics, so I like those jerseys that have big numbers in outline on both the front and the back (outside of the shoulder wouldn't hurt either). A few teams even have numbers on their helmets, which only makes my job easier — and you can guess, I'm all for — but I also like the traditional look of teams like Waianae and Iolani. I also like the decals on the Nanakuli helmet, but I guess if I had to pick one jersey, it'd go with the overall look of Kamehameha.