Preview: Campbell-Leilehua, third place

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Campbell (8-2, 6-2) at Leilehua (8-1-1, 7-1)

On paper: Their previous meeting resulted in a 32-13 win for the Mules, limiting Campbell to 88 passing yards. The rematch will again be at Hugh Yoshida Stadium. Unlike years past, when November brought torrential rain and lakes of mud to the field, the synthetic turf will permit both teams to use their four-wide offenses to the maximum.

The Sabers scored as much on Farrington last week (24 points) as any team had, but dropped passes cost them at least two more touchdowns. Coach Amosa Amosa’s defense is rock-solid, while his run-and-shoot offense has actually been highly productive on the ground (nearly 120 yards per game).

Leilehua senior Kenan Sadanaga has piled up huge stats (33 touchdowns, 17 interceptions) while his receiving corps has matured. Jeremiah Andrade has 10 touchdown receptions despite missing two games (concussion).

The skinny: The first game with Campbell proved to be a key lesson for the Mules (8-1-1, 7-1), who lost receiver Mikhal Peyton and safety Russell Siavii to ejections and subsequent one-game suspensions.

“That just showed that we can’t leave any doubt out there. Just play the right way and not do anything questionable,” interim head coach Mark Kurisu said.

The Mules have moved on quickly since last week’s narrow loss to Kahuku.

“It’s like every game. It’s a 24-hour rule. Address the corrections and move on. Living in the past is not going to help you for the future,” Kurisu said.

The Sabers continue to rotate Justin Tago-Su‘e and Isaac Hurd at quarterback, resulting in 19 touchdown passes with just 10 picks. Their favorite target remains Keoni Piceno (36 receptions, eight touchdowns), though Aries Pihi, Amosa Amosa Jr., and B.J. Halmos get plenty of touches on short routes.

X factor: Tim Momiyama (six field goals) has touchback range on kickoffs, giving Leilehua a consistent advantage in field position. Campbell missed all three of its PAT attempts in the loss to Farrington.

Paul Honda, Star-Advertiser