Kahuku Dominates Red East, But Others In Contention

Wednesday - September 22, 2010
By Jack Danilewicz
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In the OIA Red East mid-season MidWeek’s Windward Islander looks at what shaped the first half of league play.

Offensivee MVP: Perhaps no player is more important to his team than quarterback Jaymason Lee is to the Castle Knights. His mastery of the offense has already paid huge dividends, and he proved to be a clutch performer in driving his team across the finish line in the riveting win over Farrington when he passed for 372 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensivee MVP: The entire Kahuku first team defense. That it’s yielding just over two touchdowns a game wouldn’t be that special, except the league has so far been more about offense than defense.


Bestt Game: Castle 29, Farrington 28. The Knights bounced back beautifully Sept. 3 after losing a game they felt they should have won to Moanalua, and the win showed the Knights’ grit, as they trailed late and faced a third-and-long situation before Lee hooked up with Josh Kong for a 46-yard pass play. That play helped set up Castle for the game-winning score as Lee and Kong connected again moments later on a scoring play of 21 yards.

Biggestt Surprise: Kailua. Its offense can put up enough points to win most weeks, and the defense is stocked with athletes and is getting better each game. Indeed, Kailua has progressed nicely from an opening day loss to Kahuku - the toughest schedule draw a team could have - and could figure big in the race with huge games ahead against Castle and Kahuku.

Islanderr Powerr Ratings:

1) Kahuku is the team to beat in the entire state. Making it hard to beat is its versatility on offense. “That’s what’s making them so deadly this year - their being so balanced,” declared Kaiser coach Bill Lobendahn. “They’ve always been able to run the ball. Having that dual threat is something to really contend with, and they have one of the best offensive lines in the state.” Fans eagerly await games with Farrington and Castle.

2)Castle: The Knights responded big-time to an upset loss to Moanalua Aug. 28, beating Farrington and Kaiser. Quarterback Lee has been the senior leader it hoped for, and others are stepping up.

Tie, 3) Kailua: The Surfriders are on track to have their best season in years. Their Oct. 2 game against Castle could make the difference between a good year and a great year, and this weekend’s game with Kaiser also is a must-win - and they’re supposed to win it.


Tie, 3) Farrington: Its loss to Castle threw a wrench into its plans, but it remains a dangerous team if not one of the most physical in the state.

4) Moanalua: It’s made a nice transition to Division I, upsetting Castle and nearly defeating Kailua. Dating back to August of 2008, Moanalua is 18-6 in its last 24 outings.

5) Roosevelt: With Castle this week and Moanalua to follow, the Rough Riders’ Oct. 8 game versus Kaiser may be their best bet for a win.

6) Kaiser: The Cougars are improving every week, as evidenced by their taking Castle to the limit Sept. 11 in a 30-27 loss, and they are capable of springing an upset by the time the season wraps.

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