Kapa‘a hosting Waimea tonight

LIHU‘E — Tonight’s Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation matchup, which features the Kapa‘a Warriors playing host to the Waimea Menehune, will be an interesting clash that should provide some foreshadowing to the potential pecking order of the conference.

With each team having lost to thus far undefeated Kaua‘i High, tonight’s matchup gives each squad a chance to show the improvement usually displayed from a team’s first game to its second, as well as gain a leg up on the other in terms of conference record.

Kapa‘a’s week one loss (21-0 at Vidinha Stadium) was not without positive aspects, as the Warriors were able to stifle the Kaua‘i ground game and keep the Red Raiders scoreless until midway through the third quarter. Kaua‘i had been scoring in bunches during the preseason, so Kapa‘a should be confident that it can stop any team’s offense.

Waimea, like Kapa‘a, struggled offensively in its first outing, but did show some spurts with the running of Taylen Acoba. The defense displayed a nose for the ball, picking off two Kaua‘i passes and forcing one fumble, but was also susceptible to the big play. Kaua‘i scored all of its touchdowns from outside the 10-yard line.

However, this game will be more suited to Waimea’s style, since Kapa‘a’s offense showed improvement and efficiency with quarterback Brentten Rapozo, but is less likely to go for the home run. The Warriors will probably be happier to control the tempo of the game and allow their defense to get them in position to score.

Each team has solid special teams and Waimea’s Kaulana Waalani-Arroyo showed that he is a dangerous and elusive returner. Providing the Menehune with good field position could be a crucial component if they are to pull out a road victory.

All in all, each team should be expected to rally from opening losses and the result will likely be a hard-fought, close football game.

The two teams will kick off at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the New Kapa‘a Town Park field, preceded by the junior varsity matchup.