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Iolani, Campbell meet in the semis, this time as D1 members

The last time Campbell and Iolani met in the state tournament was back in 2008 as Division II members. Almost eight years later, the Raiders and Sabers meet again, this time in the First Hawaiian Bank/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division I Football State Championships semifinal nightcap at Mililani's John Kauinana Stadium.

After Baldwin and Hilo were eliminated last week, Iolani (third) and Campbell (second) are the only seeded teams left in the Division I tournament.

Iolani (4-7 overall) shook off a three week layoff by edging Moanalua, 17-14 in the opening round.

"We're used to that situation and managing the time off. I thought we played pretty well given the circumstances," said Iolani coach Wendell Look.

Going against Punahou, Saint Louis and Kamehameha in the ILH regular season has prepared the Raiders on facing bigger and faster teams so it will be no different task facing Campbell.

"They are a big, physical, athletic group, a typical Division I team," said Look.

"We have a lot of respect for them and Wendell and his staff do a great job with their players. They are not high in numbers, but they bring out the best and we have to be ready to execute. We can't afford to make mistakes and we have to be smart," said Campbell coach Amosa Amosa.

Tai-John Mizutani came back from injury to throw for 234 passing yards and a score to Justin Genovia. Genovia has been Mizutani's favorite target all year and leads the team with 70 catches, 1,066 yards and seven TDs. He had six catches for 168 yards against the Na Menehune.

KJ Pascua rushed for 128 yards and had a 10-yard score to put Iolani up, 14-0. Pascua has 861 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the year, but the Raiders will have to find ways to counter the Sabers' impenetrable rush defense that has only allowed 16.4 points, 59.7 rushing yards and 113.6 passing yards all season.

"Looking at their stats and scores, they're rock solid. We have to do what we do best and that's execute. Playing in the ILH prepared us, but we have our work cut out for us. Their front six is their strength, so we have to see how they play us," said Look.

On defense, Cameron Chang, a player with a high motor, led the team with eight tackles—two were for losses. The Raiders secondary is anchored by Helam Baldomero, Kyler Mento and Kaua Nishigaya.

"They (Campbell) has a good rushing attack and their receivers are dangerous. Our defensive front has been solid and we expect them to be solid," said Look.

"They have a sizable D-line, their schemes are not too fancy, but they are disciplined and play assignment football," said Amosa.

Campbell (7-4 overall), another team that had long layoff before playing in the opening round, thrashed Waiakea, 48-0 on Nov. 4.

"It was important to us and for the players. It's hard to keep focus after two weeks of not playing. Some guys missed practice so we didn't have our usual starters. Just because Waiakea was 3-8, doesn't mean you just show up and play," said Amosa.

The Sabers' big offensive line opened holes to gut the Warriors with 156 net rushing yards and five scores—three coming from quarterback Kawika Ulufale. Ulufale had 129 passing yards and an interception, but Dustin Abillanida came in to throw two scores.

"We have to control the clock and establish a running game to wear them (Iolani) down. We have to make sure we win the battle on the front line and it starts with them," said Amosa.

Dominic Puaatuua led the team with seven tackles—three of them for losses, a sack and forced fumble against Waiakea. Linebacker Dane Esprecion added a sack and forced two fumbles and recovered two.

"Iolani opens the field and Mizutani is good and they have good skill players so it will be a big task. We have to rely on our linebackers and front to apply pressure and take advantage of that," said Amosa.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

Third time's the charm for Leilehua or Mililani?

Will this be the game the Mules break through or will the Trojans complete the season sweep?

Oahu Interscholastic Association Red Division rivals Mililani and Leilehua meet for the third time this season, but this time the stakes are higher as the winner advances to the Division I championship game on Friday, Nov. 18.

The Trojans have outscored the Mules, 115-77 in the past two meetings. Mililani beat fourth-seeded Baldwin 49-28 with a 21 point outburst in the fourth quarter—all by passes from Dillon Gabriel to Andrew Valledares.

Leilehua came back from a two-score deficit to rally over top-seeded Hilo and a blocked field goal by Damion Scandrick helped the Mules survive to get them into the semifinals.

Kona Andres accounted for three touchdowns—two passing and one rushing against Hilo and Kawai Phifer caught five passes for 97 yards.

Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m.