Waianae responded to its loss to Kahuku by stifling Kailua 37-22 in last week’s OIA quarterfinal. It was an impressive victory in this sense: Kailua QB Noah Auld was off-balance and threw three interceptions, matching his entire total for the season up to that point. Waianae’s defensive coverage — and pass rush — came through big-time.

Can the Seariders do it against Mililani tonight? The Trojans have, arguably, the most potent offense in the state, even with starting QB McKenzie Milton out (shoulder). The Seariders haven’t been in shutdown mode defensively against passing teams, but they’ve usually done enough to outscore opponents. Kamehameha scored 33 in the first preseason game. Then came Moanalua (37), Castle (20), Leilehua (28) and Kailua (22).

Much of Waianae’s success comes on first down offensively. When the Seariders have clean plays free from penalties, they often set up high-percentage scenarios — second-and-5, third-and-2. QB Jaren Ulu is at his best when he doesn’t have to carry the offense. Ulu has passed for a modest 741 yards with six TDs and only three picks.

Coach Walter Young’s team has spread the ball to its large committee of running backs, from Javen Towne (16 TDs) to Jorell Pontes-Borje (team high 511 yards).

The Seariders haven’t played Mililani since the ’13 season and have lost the last three matchups.

Though it feels like Milton’s injury occurred ages ago, Mililani has actually played just twice since that night at Kailua, and both games were against Moanalua. Last week’s 48-13 playoff win over Na Menehune revealed virtually no drop-off production-wise. Freshman Dillon Gabriel got the start and Kaysen Higa saw action as well.

Gabriel offers more escapability than Higa. The Trojans’ aerial game is still dangerous, but the lack of experience at QB between Gabriel and Higa (a sophomore) means coach Rod York will entrust senior RB Vavae Malepeai with the football. Malepeai has been golden this season despite struggling with a a turf toe in preseason. He rumbled for a career-high 245 yards with four TDs in last week’s playoff win over Moanalua.

For the season, the 6-foot, 200-pound Oregon commit has rushed for 1,318 yards and 24 TDs. He already owns the state career mark for TDs.

The Trojans defense will be tested by Waianae’s wing-T offense. Since being overrun by Liberty (Nev.) nearly two months ago, the Trojans have fared much better.

King Kekaulike vs. Baldwin

The Bears are on fire, winners of four games in a row with last week’s 35-21 victory over Maui. Baldwin blanked King Kekaulike 38-0 on Sept. 18.

Kamehameha-Hawaii at Konawaena

Ever since the fall of Kealakehe’s dynasty, the BIIF has often looked upside down. It’s a place where Division II programs have had their share of success against D-I foes. Konawaena beat everybody in the BIIF this fall except for KS-Hawaii. That 24-0 loss was on the road, a 2.5-hour drive from Kealakehe.

This time, the Wildcats have home-field advantage. It could matter, but the visiting Warriors have fared well under coach Dan Lyons.