History wasn't on underdog Leilehua's side when it played Kahuku in the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red tournament three weeks ago. But it's a little different when it comes to the state tournament.

The teams meet in Friday's semifinals of the First Hawaiian Bank Division I state football tournament at Aloha Stadium. Kickoff is 7 p.m.

The top-seeded Red Raiders (10-1) have won their last five meetings with the Mules (10-1-1) - on the field; last year's semifinal's outcome was reversed with the forfeit - in the OIA playoffs. But in the state tournament, albeit a brief history, the Mules are 2-0 against Big Red.

When the teams met in the OIA semifinals, it was a grinder with Kahuku winning, 9-7, en route to its 16th league title since 1970. Leilehua was relegated to the third-place game and beat Campbell for the OIA's last berth for the state tournament.

While the Red Raiders drew an opening-round bye, the Mules went to the Big Island and outlasted Kealakehe, 35-24, to reach the semifinals.

Kahuku and Leilehua have offenses capable of lighting up the scoreboard. But their speed-based defenses do a good job of keeping scoring down. Their defenses are likely to be the difference, not so much in keeping the other team out of the end zone, but with turnovers in their opponent's territory.

The Mules have a premiere passer in senior southpaw Kenan Sadanaga, who has a baseball scholarship offer from Hawaii-Hilo. He leads the state with 3,033 yards passing and 39 touchdown throws. But the Red Raiders have one of best secondaries with veterans Kawehena Johnson, Evan Ramirez, Mikeli Fiso and Bronson Beatty.

The Red Raiders have one of the best running backs in the state in junior Aofaga Wily. He had 227 yards rushing against the Mules last time, but he wasn't able to score against a Mules' defense that isn't big, but big on swarm tackling. End Penitito Melei and safety Russell Siavii anchor the Mules' defense.

Leilehua might have the edge in the kicking game behind the big toe of 5-foot-10, 230-pound Tim Momiyama, who also is the center. He has eight field goals this season. The Mules aren't afraid to go for the 2-point conversion from their multiple wide-spread formations on PATs.

But it was Kahuku's kicker Kekahu Aluli who had the big kick in the teams' last meeting, when he booted a 38-yard field goal that was the difference.

Both teams also have multiple threats on their return teams as well.

The winner advances to the state title game on Nov. 25 against the winner of the Punahou-Baldwin semifinal. The Red Raiders have been to the title games seven times (5-2), while the Mules have made it twice (1-1).

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