Liberty (Nev.) vs. No. 2 Mililani
Today, 7 p.m.
At Mililani
The Patriots (0-1) opened their nonconference schedule with a 31-17 home loss to Arizona powerhouse Chandler last week. Lonenoa Faoa (6-1, 224), formerly of Kapolei, might be the top dual-threat quarterback in Nevada.
Tight end Moliki Matavao (6-6, 240) was an All-State selection as a sophomore last season. Senior OL Alofaletauia Maluia (6-2, 250) was an All-Southeast League selection. OL Garrett Vea (6-2, 285) garnered preseason second-team attention from MaxPreps.
Defensively, Liberty gets a boost from defensive backs Donte Bowers Jr. (5-10, 165) and Lehi Ausage (6-2, 175). Linebacker Zephaniah Maea (6-1, 230), is a top-five player in Nevada for the class of 2021, according to 247 Sports. Punter Byron Viloria averaged 40 yards per punt last year.
No. 10 Moanalua vs. No. 6 Leilehua
Today, 6 p.m.
At Leilehua
The twists and turns have worked in the Mules’ favor. Last week’s postponement at Moanalua due to an issue with the stadium lights means Leilehua (3-0, 2-0 OIA Division I) will host this matchup. The Mules have allowed just 13 points, including shutouts of Farrington and Kailua, and overcame Waipahu and the state’s all-time leading rusher, Alfred Failauga.
Moanalua (2-0, 1-0 OIA D-I) brings a pass-heavy attack to Hugh Yoshida Stadium. RJ Javar, a transfer from Mililani, is averaging 324 passing yards per game and has connected with Dacryes Domingo, Jansen York and Lawsen Lee for four touchdowns. Javar also has thrown five interceptions.
Na Menehune have passed the ball on 63 percent of their snaps, and their ground game has been primarily dependent on Javar (31 carries, 65 yards) and Darius Johnson.
Since ending a 24-game losing streak to the Mules, Moanalua has won the last two games, including a 23-10 victory last season.
Downey (Calif.) vs. Kapolei
Today, 6:30 p.m.
At Kapolei
The Vikings (0-1) are coming off a 57-20 road loss to Corona Del Mar. This game is the back half of a home-and-home series between the two programs. Kapolei won at Downey last year, 23-14. That came two weeks after a loss to Punahou.
This time, Kapolei (2-2, 1-0 OIA Open) again is coming off a loss to Punahou. After going gangbusters in road wins over Castle and Waianae with 68 combined points, the Hurricanes have been thwarted by ILH powerhouses Saint Louis and Punahou (19 total points).
The ’Canes were the first team to score a TD on Punahou, which had pitched 13 quarters without allowing one. Jayven Reyes rushed for 60 yards and a TD against the Buffanblu. With Punahou shadowing WR De’Zhaun Stribling, QB Noa Bailey was picked off three times.
No. 4 Campbell vs. No. 5 Kahuku
Saturday 6:30 p.m.
At Kahuku
The Red Raiders (2-1, 1-1 OIA Open) have regained some momentum after a 32-0 win over Waianae. Carleton E. Weimer Field has been good to Big Red, which is now 2-0 at home. Two players sat out with a mandatory one-game suspension incurred at Mililani two weeks ago, including Arizona State commit Micah Soliai-Howlett. A third player was benched by the Kahuku coaching staff.
Tiger Adolpho’s first start at QB had the force of a standout defensive performance.
Campbell (1-2, 1-1 OIA Open) brings an offense averaging 31 points per game, including 27 against No. 1 Saint Louis last week. Sophomore QB Blaine Hipa has aired the ball out 92 times already for 676 yards and 10 TDs with six INTs.
Junior WR Titus Mokiao-Atimalala leads the state with 21 receptions for 366 yards and seven TDs. Zavier Ceruti, whom coach Darren Johnson compares to a young Ashley Lelie, already has three TD hauls. RB Jonan Aina-Chaves has 234 yards and two TDs from scrimmage.
The Sabers are still ailing, with DB/WR Poki‘i Adkins-Kupukaa (toe), LB Tyrese Tafai (shoulder) and RB Sky Lactaoen (hamstring) recovering from injuries.
St. Thomas More (Canada) vs. No. 8 Damien
Saturday, 6 p.m., At Farrington
This is a matchup of Christian Brother schools. Damien (3-0, 2-0 ILH D-I) had originally planned to play Mt. Spokane (Wash.) as part of a series after visiting the Northwest last year. After Mt. Spokane dropped out, St. Thomas More stepped in.
The Knights (0-0) are a perennial powerhouse in Canada and reached the national quarterfinal round last year. They are led by returnee Kaishaun Carter, a 6-2, 220-pound defensive end/guard.
Like Vincent Massey (Manitoba) in its game at Waialua last week, STMC will adjust to American rules like four downs instead of three, and no pre-snap forward motion by the offense.
The Monarchs are off to their best start since 2015, when they won their first three games. That squad went 6-2, losing to Konawaena in the D-II state tournament. This year’s team already has two wins over top-10 foes. Strong-armed QB Jake Holtz has 695 yards and nine TDs through the air. He has also rushed for 163 yards and two more TDs.
RB Amo Sulu has been double trouble for defenses with 250 yards and five TDs from scrimmage. WR Makanalea Meyer is among state leaders with 14 receptions for 201 yards and two TDs.
