State Football Title Games Should Bring Firepower

Division II:  Lahainaluna vs Iolani

Both
teams are flying somewhat under the radar outside of their respective
leagues.  Lahainaluna is Division II on Maui, Iolani on
Oahu.  Not much chance of either coach knowing much about the
other.  You would think.  Actually both Wendall Look of
Iolani and Bobby Watson of the Lunas go “way back” and are quite
familiar of each other’s styles and philosophies.  But nothing
compares to the players having some familiarity of their opposition.

The
Lunas have the size advantage on the line of scrimmage.  But
Iolani is used to that every year.  This year’s ILH schedule beat
up the Raiders at the end.  So the bye week really helped them.

The
Raiders have their run and shoot, no-huddle offense led by Kela
Marciel, who has passed for 2228 yards and a rating of 144.9.  Any
defensive coordinator would be up nights game planning.  Plus
Marciel can run so the pressure is on all defenders.  Lahainaluna
runs the Wing-T, which put up 52 points against a good physical Kaimuki
team last week in the semi-finals.

Key Factors
For any high
school team that has to pack their bags and fly to their game, this is
a disadvantage.  Too many distractions for these teenagers coming
to Honolulu.  Some may be coming for the first time.  Hotels,
restaurant meals, and bus rides.  Everything is different.

The
Aloha Stadium factor.  Not a player who has ever played in the
Stadium will attest to the intimidation factor.  Remember, even
the OIA teams have to adjust from playing at school fields with
bleachers and seating for 5,000, to the biggest sporting venue in the
State, where the Hawaii Warriors play.

Advantage Iolani.

Division I:  St Louis vs Leilehua

The outer islands have yet to break through the ILH/OIA dominance in representation in the title game. 

Leilehua
has been riding a wave of momentum that started in the 1st round of the
OIA Playoffs 5 weeks ago.  The Mules have covered the most ground
since that time in which the were the last seed in the West
Division.  A sophomore quarterback from the JV, Andrew Manly,
sparked this ride.  Can it last one more week?

The Mule
offense elevated themselves in last week’s semi final win over a very
good Baldwin team.  A total of 41 points were point on the board
and more importantly, their passing game is now definitely a threat as
the 6-2 Manly can utilize his rifle arm.

But the quarterback
comparison ends with Crusader QB Micah Mamiya.  Over 2 years as a
starter, he has not lost a game that he played in.  It  must
have burned him to miss last years State Championship Game against
Kahuku.  A passing efficiency of 163.4, and he definitely uses his
legs on the option from shotgun.

The leaders of the Crusaders,
the seniors and juniors, are still stung by the last in last year’s
championship game.    Added incentive there.  The
Crusaders are ranked #1 for a reason.