Well-matched Finale: Castle Vs. Kahuku
By Jack Danilewicz
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Castle High’s defense is good enough most weeks to get the Knights into the win column. But as they prepare for Friday’s road game at Kahuku, they’re counting on offense to be their best defense.
“We can’t go three(downs)-andout against them,” coach Nelson Maeda said of the need to control the ball.“That’s one of the keys to the game. Our offense will have to move the chains and move the ball. We have to generate some drives and put up some points.”
The regular-season finale for both teams, Friday’s game figures to have a large impact on seedings for the upcoming OIA playoffs - not to mention the final outcome of the Red East race. Kahuku entered last weekend’s showdown at 4-0 with co-league leader Farrington, while the Knights were 3-1 heading into their annual battle with Kailua last weekend. The Knights’ last win over the Red Raiders came in 2005 when they claimed a 23-6 victory before a statewide TV audience. That loss was the only setback in league play for Kahuku, which went on to win both the OIA and the Division I state title that year.
Friday’s battle is big for both teams. While Kahuku is one of the toughest road games in the state, the Knights are far from intimidated, having played a solid game in their last encounter with Kahuku before fading in the last quarter in a 34-15 loss in 2006.
As in past years, Kahuku’s depth remains a concern for the undersized Knights.“They have 70 or 80 kids - lots of numbers,” Maeda said.“As always, they have a lot of great, quality kids. I watched their game with Kaimuki, and Kaimuki did well against them. Kahuku showed a lot of character and perseverance and discipline. It can be easy to fold at crunch time.”
Castle dressed only 28 players Sept. 19 for its win over Roosevelt because of suspension and injury issues, but it had 32 in the fold for its win over McKinley the next week, and were healthy overall heading into last weekend.
The Red Raiders’ run game could provide Castle with its greatest challenge. Behind running backs St. John Lessary III and Alapeti Magalei, Kahuku has been able to control the ball against most of the teams on its schedule. The Red Raiders recently lost both guards - Kamalani Aalona and Jonathan Lautaha (out for the year) - to injuries, but still were able to grind out their win over Kaimuki.
“It’s the same old thing - their offensive line is superb. They’re so athletic and big and well-coached. It’s always a challenge for us to try to neutralize their size. They’ve been running the ball well.Against Kaimuki, they were always one (missed) tackle away or one block away from breaking one (for a touchdown).We have to earn every yard and not give them big plays.”
Castle’s defense, led by linebackers Mitchell Lum, Kawehi Sablan and Kevin Aipia Jr., is giving up 11.0 points per game. Conversely, the Red Raider offense is scoring at a 24.0 points-per-game clip. Like the Knights, Kahuku has enjoyed a stellar season on the defensive side of the ball, with a unit that features play-makers in safety Jray Galeai, linebackers Justin Afalava, A.J. Atuaia and Kamalani Alo; and junior defensive end Hau’oli Jamora.
A third phase of the game, special teams, also figures to have a big impact on the game’s outcome. Castle’s coverage teams were touched for a handful of big plays earlier in the season, and the Knights have worked hard to gain an edge with special teams. Kicker Derek Hillegass also has come into his own in recent weeks, having connected on a 42-yard field goal against McKinley.
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