Coach Sterling Carvalho is the first to note that Kahuku’s 52-17 win over Saint Louis was not perfect.
It was, though, quite balanced. Kahuku got five interceptions (including a pick-6) from Kaimana Carvalho, a kickoff return for a TD by Manulele Ah You, and an effective ground attack to stifle the Crusaders.
That was more than enough to convince coaches and media, who made Kahuku a clear-cut No. 1 in this week’s Star-Advertiser Football Top 10.
Punahou was tied with Kahuku at No. 1 in the season-opening poll last week, but dropped to No. 2 after a 51-7 win over Millikan (Calif.).
Konawaena jumped into the Top 10 at No. 9 after a 74-0 drubbing of Waiakea.
Saint Louis remained at No. 5 and will fly to the “Ninth Island” for a battle with Nevada powerhouse Liberty on Friday.
Week 1 of the OIA’s refreshed version of a blended Open/Division I schedule was a brutal one for D-I programs. Open teams Campbell, Mililani and Kapolei dusted D-I teams Aiea, Kailua and Radford by a combined score of 176-7.
The exception was D-I Leilehua, which beat Open member Moanalua, 21-7.
Star-Advertiser Football Top 10
Monday, Aug. 21, 2023
Rank School (1st) (record) Pts LW
1. Kahuku (9) (2-0, 0-0 OIA) 98 1-T
> def: No. 6 Saint Louis 52-17
> next: vs. Aiea, Saturday (at John Velasco Field)
2. Punahou (1) (2-0, 0-0 ILH) 92 1-T
> def. Milikan (Calif.) 51-7
> next: vs. Moanalua, Saturday
3. Mililani (1-1, 0-0 OIA) 79 3
> def. Kailua 59-7
> next: at Radford, Saturday
4. Campbell (2-0, 0-0 OIA) 71 4
> def. Aiea 61-0
> next: at Leilehua, Saturday
5. Saint Louis (1-1, 0-0 ILH) 53 5
> lost at No. 1 Kahuku 52-17
> next: at Liberty (Nev.), Friday
6. Kamehameha (1-0, 0-0 ILH) 49 6
> bye
> next: at Waianae, Friday
7. Waipahu (0-1, 0-0 OIA) 34 7
> bye
> next: vs. Kapolei, Friday
8. Kapolei (1-1, 0-0 OIA) 25 9
> def. Radford 63-14
> next: at Waipahu, Friday
9. Konawaena (1-1, 1-0 BIIF) 18 NR
> def. Waiakea 74-0
> next: vs. Hilo, Friday
10. ‘Iolani (1-0, 0-0 ILH) 15 8
> vs. Farrington, cancelled
> next: vs. Pac-Five, Friday
No longer in Top 10: Lahainaluna (No. 10).
Also receiving votes: Lahainaluna 5, Kapaa 4, Farrington 3, Maui 3, Leilehua 1
