The high school football preseason continues this weekend and all three Kauai Interscholastic Federation teams will be on the gridiron. For Kapaa (1-0), spirits are high following last week’s 20-2 road win over Nanakuli of the Oahu Interscholastic Association. “It
The high school football preseason continues this weekend and all three Kauai Interscholastic Federation teams will be on the gridiron.
For Kapaa (1-0), spirits are high following last week’s 20-2 road win over Nanakuli of the Oahu Interscholastic Association.
“It was a big win for us,” said Warriors head coach Philip Rapozo. “I think our defense played lights out and the offense moved the ball.”
Kapaa will be at home Saturday to face Lahainaluna of the Maui Interscholastic League. The game begins at 7 p.m. at the Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex in Kapaa.
Last year, the Warriors lost to the Lunas in a nail-biter, 18-16, at Vidinha Stadium.
“On offense, we have to protect the ball. Can’t turn the ball over. We have to convert on first downs. We need to score every chance we get in the red zone,” Rapozo said about the upcoming game. “I’m expecting to be in a battle. Lahainaluna, from what I understand, lost 20 of last year’s starters. But they have a great program. For Lahainaluna, it’s not about rebuilding. It’s about reloading.”
Waimea (1-0), too, is feeling good following last week’s 13-0 win against OIA’s Kaimuki at Hanapepe Stadium.
As for this week, Menehune head coach Jason Caldeira said he hopes to keep things rolling especially now that he has his full squad available.
“A lot of our ineligibles are back. So, we got our whole team back,” Caldeira said. “We’re slowly getting them into increasing their reps on both sides of the ball. Their (reps) were really minimum in the week prior to the first game.”
Of his returning players, Caldeira said he hopes junior running back and defensive back Ardino Ned and junior offensive and defensive lineman Israel Sylva will make an immediate impact.
“Ardino Ned, one of our returners from last year, he’s back. Interested in how he’s going to perform and how he can help out,” the Menehune coach said. “Israel Sylva, he’s one of our bigger lineman. We’ve been trying to fit him in. Interested in how that will work out.’
Waimea will fly out Saturday morning for its game against Waiakea of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation. The game is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Wong Stadium.
“I expect them to be big and physical. I expect them to come out a lot sharper than they did last week,” Caldeira said. “I think it’s going to be a good football game for both teams.”
Kauai High (0-0) will makes its season debut against Damien Memorial of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu. The match between the Red Raiders and the Monarchs will kickoff 3 p.m. Saturday at Aiea High School on Oahu.
Kauai head coach Derek Borrero could not be reached for comment Thursday.
