Offensive fireworks are the norm in high school and college football these days, but don’t discount defense and what it can do for your team.
Think back to the old days, if you can, about your proverbial daddy’s football team. That’s when runs up the gut were what you did extensively and close games were usually decided by a 2-point conversion or the unsuccessful attempt at such. For every 76-53 rampage where there is all kinds of offensive wizardry in this day and age, way back when there were the 8-6 and 14-12 slogfests. That was the definition of football at the time.
Well, we might not get many of those any more, but no fear and no tear, we still have defense. In the case of one Hawaii high school football team — the Kahuku Red Raiders (8-0) — you might want to have the cheerleaders chime in on their “mighty, mighty defense” chant.
And it is all of that. Some stats to take a gander at:
>> Four shutouts
>> Yielding 2.8 points per game (less than a field goal, on average)
>> Have not been scored on in 11 quarters
>> Have not allowed a rushing touchdown
>> Have not given up more than 7 points in a game
The big-time stoppers at Kahuku are becoming quite well-known in state circles: linebacker Manaia Atuaia, safeties Keala Santiago, Hirkley Latu and Kekaula Kaniho, cornerback Stokes Botelho, defensive end Bradlee Anae, and defensive tackle Samson Reed, to name a bunch.
The Red Raiders host Kapolei (6-3) in an Oahu Interscholastic Association quarterfinal game on Saturday. The two teams met earlier in the season, when Kahuku prevailed 27-7 on the road. This time, the game is on the North Shore, the scene of the Red Raiders’ 9-0 win in last season’s quarterfinals. Talk about defense!
KAPOLEI LIVES BY ITS DEFENSE, TOO
Sure, sure, Kapolei’s offense has been making a name for itself this season, with freshman quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa distributing the ball to many pass-catchers, including two-way standout Ezra Savea, who can also play QB.
But have you looked at what the Hurricans’ defense is doing lately? Here’s some numbers:
>> Giving up 4.8 points per game in their last four games, including a shutout of Castle in the first round of the OIA playoffs
>> Have not allowed a rushing touchdown in those four games
>> Have not allowed a touchdown in nine quarters
Savea has been a playmaker as defensive back as has Jay Amina and Jonathan Liana. Linebackers Omar Mareko and Rocky Savea and lineman Noah Punahou Mahelona are among the potent run-stoppers.
RADFORD RAMS YOU WITH DEFENSE
And, now, on to Division II and OIA regular-season champion Radford. Like Kapolei, the Rams have a powerful offense to boot, but it’s defense that they thrive on.
“Defense is our bread and butter and defense wins championships,” Radford head coach Fred Salanoa said after wrapping up the regular-season crown with a 28-7 win at Nanakuli two weeks ago.
This is what the Rams (9-0) have been doing all season on defense (numbers do not include a 2-0 forfeit win over Anunenue):
>> Three shutouts
>> Five touchdowns allowed all season (another TD allowed was against Radford’s offense)
>> Yielding 4.3 points per game
>> Have only allowed one rushing touchdown
Radford’s defensive menaces abound. There’s defensive back Sipa Leafa, pass rusher Thomas Reid (who also excels as a wide receiver), and sack master Dillon Sunday, among others.
The Rams have a rematch against Waialua (5-4), a team they beat 35-0 last Friday, in the semifinals of the OIA D-II playoffs on Saturday at the Aiea High field.
To outside onlookers, Salanoa’s Radford squad is on a collision course with Kapaa (7-0) for the state title. But, alas, that is way too far in the future to really discuss at length. There are plenty of other solid D-II teams across the state in the mix to be able to foretell such a tale. But, the truth is, some people are thinking it.
Nanakuli (7-2), of course, wants to avenge its 28-7 defeat to the Rams that clinched the regular-season championship for Radford — a title that belonged to the Golden Hawks last season.
So, there you have it folks, a little bit of a primer on three teams who put emphasis on the somewhat lost art of defense.
We need a moderator its getting sore in here or is this a beta test to get the locals heated we to smart for that or are we? If not should just watch Oc16 or X cast at home or listen on the radio I think going be more enjoyable and who ever wins or loses can leave the TV on or turn um off tomorrow is another day.
Cant believe an immature poster is attacking the coaching staff. Hawaii Prep can you erase these accusations of “drug” abuse? Wow, stooping so low.
Hawaii Prep World should ban TrueStory IP, because of Terms of Service violations. There’s no need to attack a coaching staff that included many that volunteer their time. I’m sure this poster has used various names as indicated by the time posted. A troll does not care how low they go and that’s why they hide under a bridge,True Story.
Every year our team.has to deal with Parents from other school bs. What has our team do to you. The kids are out there playing their hearts out and you guys are here saying all this hate annoying comments about them. Why DONT YOU HATER GO.AND TEACH YOUR KIDS OR TELL YALL COACHES HOW YOU WANT YOUR BOYS TO PLAY . DO SOMETHING USEFUL WITH YOURSELF INSTEAD OF TALKING BS. CAUSE IN THE END OF THE DAY KAHUKU WILL STILL RISE AND WINNING GAME. NEXT TIME YALL HATER GAVE A TWO CENTS TO ADD PLEASE USE IT ON YOUR KIDS CAUSE THEY PROBABLY NEEDED MORE THEN OUR BOYS. GOD BLESS YOU HATER AND HOPE YALL HAVE A BLESS DAY.
@truestory, haha should be Kapolei tropical depression, the championshipLESS team and coach.
If it continues we might have to consider limiting some comments but as a newspaper man I am generally against it. But I can tell you that “fan96701”, “truestory” and “amazing…” are all from the same IP address and seems to be arguing with himself.
Before that he was Hawaii Nakoa.
3 point stance boy!! Cheer-huuuuu!!
*( Sorry about that Mr. Company)
No wonder why the anti-Kahuku posts have so much detail info, they are Kahuku people!
Kahuku peeps are bi-polar they argue against their own fans and even argue against their own self…no surprise considering Laie is where Lenay Kekua is from.
So really there is no beef with Kapolei or Mililani, only Lenay Kekua’s brothers who are all from Laie.
LOL
@manoarainbow, look up area code 96701. That’s Aiea, not Kahuku or Laie. Fwams.
Isnt Lenay a Punahou alum from the town area around manoa? Just saying….
….POST UR NAME!
POST UR NAME!….
UNITY is great Thank You for pointing out the rotten apples now these folks can talk to the “HAND”!!!:)
“Amazing”
“TrueStory”
“Fan96701”
“Hawaii Nakoa”
– are the same person from the same computer as reported by the admin. Hes a Kahuku fan then talks smack about Kahuku posing as a Kapolei fan. He attacks Kahukus coaching staff and players. He is obviuosly a disgruntled Kahuku x-coach. Look at his history of posts
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Amazing… October 12, 2015 at 11:46 pm
Just play baby! Let ALL the haters Hate, that’s all it is! After Kahuku wins, come back on this thread and read all the sorry kapolei stories hahahaha
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TrueStory October 12, 2015 at 11:52 pm
Kapolei will Beat Kahuku at Home and then Come here and read the sorry Kahuku comments lmao!!!
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True Story: Kahuku Coaching Staff = D U I’s hahahahaha…True Story! Most coaches get Felonies…and Long Rap Sheets smh!!! Good Job Kahuku Admin Hiring Staff…Hire all the Saint Louis Druggies….including your OC John Hao…what a Joke we had em at Kapolei and now Kahuku is facing the same BS we had especially with the QBs…Losers!!!
Hurricane in Kahuku on Saturday!
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Fan96701 October 13, 2015 at 12:01 am
When Kapolei Stops Kesi and the Run game, then we will win the game for sure! Kesi can’t pass he’s not a real QB, then the other back ups materangi, renaud, newman just like John Hao no can pass!!! lol!!! KapCity baby!!!
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Hawaii Nakoa September 21, 2015 at 10:49 pm
Coach Tatas comment “We don’t have a quarterback-Quarterback”? Wow I’ve been coaching for 20 plus years in Hawaii…and for a coach to say that about probably the most important position on the offense is just sad! I coached Kona Neumann and Cameron Renaud from big boys and then onto intermediate ball, I’ve seen both get the job done they both have an Arm!
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Hawaii Nakoa August 29, 2015 at 6:13 pm
Wasn’t Renaud the JV starter for Kahuku last season? If I recall that kid has an arm and pretty accurate passer…wth isn’t he playing more? Things like these make you go hmmm? Coach Hao put the real qb’s in, kesi belongs at RB…as for pockets passers what the heck, you guys think your going to win in the play offs without a passing threat? Think about it: I’d rather have a pocket passer who can run the ball and threat at passing, making me wonder about coach Hao…just like at SLS started the other QB and when Mariota came in…and where is he now? Smh! Get with the program coaches…know your kids off the field too. As for grade check seriously 20+ plus out in the game? Wth is going on!!!
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Hawaii Nakoa August 30, 2015 at 4:22 am
88: I’m talking about work on the passing game at the beginning of the game! Yeah true Kahuku had ways been about the run…but when others teams start to stop the run then what? Seriously it will get tough real soon, they should work on their passing game the next few games, I’m not saying pass all game long, but work on it! If they need to go to the air at least it will be their! Come playoff time we gotta be an all around team! Just saying… We don’t want to hear the coaches saying “we didn’t work on our passing game” until our first loss when it counts!
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Hawaii Nakoa August 31, 2015 at 10:40 pm
RRFL: right… We know the run will always be there! Why not? Start the passing game, before the play offs OIA and HHSAA? Our road is easy to say the least, our next games anything can happen castle, mules, waipahu then Waianae come on now…we should be working on the passing game period! Wth is Hao thinking of putting kesi at QB he should be RB 24/7! The saying goes “you don’t practice it…you ain’t gonna do it”..will see what they have coming up and then let’s see how things come out in the playoffs.
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Hawaii Nakoa October 3, 2015 at 12:33 am
First John Hao gotta go! Killing me last week vs Waipahu QB Kesi injured and the the other QB Neumann comes in gets Injured and the the last Real QB Renaud comes in and still running the QB draw what an idiot!!! Whatever’s learn the hard way!
@ManoaRainbow
As a Red Raider fan…I gotta admit that’s pretty hilarious.
…but seriously, can you get a life?!
That’s some good investigative journalism skills my Bradah. You should put in for Hawaii prep world.
WOW, and I taught Gina and Keoki was good.
Hahaha so all these guys are Kahuku fans looking for drama outstanding work ManoaRainbow. You are the man!!!!!!
ALL YOU KAHUKU HATER GO AND JUMP OFF THE CLIFF THAT WILL END YOUR HATE. YOU GUYS ARE ALL TALK WITH NO ACTIONS. PLEASE COME AND SAY IT TO.OUR FACES. HATERS KEEP HATING CAUSE.IT DOESNT BOTHER US. CAUSE YALL 2 CENTS DONT COUNT HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA HATERS GON HATE. CHEHOOOOOOOOOOOOOI
OH NO WE AINT LOOKING FOR DRAMA.WE ARE.RESPONDING.TO.ALL YOUR HATE.COMMENTS. WE ARE DEFENDING OUR BOYS. WHY ARE YALL MAD CAUSE KAHUKU IS WINNING ALL THE TIME. HATERS HATERS HATERS HATERS HATERS WE LAUGH AT YALLL FACES BAHAHHHAHAHAHHHAHA HAHHHHAHAHAHHHAHAHH
HaHaHa that’s some North Shore Bi-Polar stuff going on right there!!
Don’t stop taking your guys meds!
DaaaaaaaaaMMMMMMMMMNNNNNNNNNN Gina!
Wow I wonder who that is posting under different names. I enjoy some friendly trash talk but looks like some people(even my fellow RR) getting too emotional/irrational with their postings on here. Keep it fun and somewhat coherent so these boards don’t turn into petty name calling fest.
Daaaamn 73 comments lol….. 74th right here…. what season were having…. just cherish every week cause its already almost over.
I take my kids every game (Kahuku), these kids work hard, not just for themselves but for all who had wear the numbers on their backs before them with all the history. These kids doesn’t have much but have a village to raised them. I give the coaches credit, didn’t understand at first now I see what most people doesn’t see, he care for the kids in this village. It doesn’t matter what happen this Saturday, all of our kids will go back their village and celebrate their achievement.RRFL
“Amazing”, “TrueStory”, “Fan96701″ and “Hawaii Nakoa” sounds like a disgruntled parent that their kid is not playing, and probably on the offense because you are ripping coach Hao! Grow up! I am a proud parent and very happy for what our kids are accomplishing. And if you would watch practice you would know that Kesi can throw the ball and by the looks of it better than the other QB’s! Maybe you are a parent of one of the QB’s or maybe Receivers…..Hmmmm! I hear that Pao is going to Millilani and Neumann back to Kamehameha……Hmmmm!
All I know is that if Tanoai invited me to a 3 point stance it would MAKE MY DAY!!!!!! Just jokes folks. *wink* No offense to the Mrs. But for real, all this smack talk is just for fun because we just li dat! No worries. The boys work hard all over the state. We want them to do their best, stay safe and avoid serious injury and not have the zebra’s go crazy over every exaggerated thing.
Hey Mr. Campany,
Can we check to see if HauulaGirl mad Don’t Explan Your Life have the same IP address too please? Just Joking Hauula Girl….
Sorry I meant “and HauulaGirl”
After reading some of the comments here, i reviewed the interviews of Coaches Tata and Hao, i think i know where they b coming from. So as for this RR alum, no worries, its all good. In regards to kids transferring, nothing new, them and their parents will do what they think best, but honestly, if one of their goals is to win a championship, then they losing out…but do what u gotta do. Wishing all the teams and each boy the best. RRFL!
I’m here too guys…Don’t Explain Your Life, Better Story, Lee Boy…all Haterz. Where you at?
What happen? Hurricane season ended with a whimper! So much hot air, Big Red showed what a Real storm looks like.
& DAT Hurricane Just GOT DOWNGRADED BIG TIME!!!! DAS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LIKE TALK SMACK ABOUT OUR BOYZ.
Great game last night, Kapolei came did their best, Kahuku did too, congratulations to both schools. What ever coaches (Kahuku) planned it works, I thought they would have rush to stop the quarterback I guest small rush and catch the receiver without penalties is training. I quest that’s why I’m a future Red Raider dad and spectator. Like the Rest of us. Keep up the good work. Blessing to you all Aloha.