Their first goal has been accomplished. Now it’s time to forget about any off-field decisions and refocus on what they can do on the field to make their ultimate goal a reality. Things worked out about as well as they
Their first goal has been accomplished. Now it’s time to forget about any off-field decisions and refocus on what they can do on the field to make their ultimate goal a reality.
Things worked out about as well as they could have. There is no outrage, no reason to feel slighted, no chip on their shoulder.
The Kapaa Warriors were recognized and rewarded as the top seed in Division II as the HHSAA state football tournament begins Saturday. Earning that No. 1 slot gives the Warriors a week off to mend any lingering injuries and take a closer look at their potential opponent for next weekend’s home tilt.
While there was still some question heading into the championship games for both the OIA and BIIF as to who would be granted the top two seeds and byes into the semifinals, those doubts seemed to shrink once Radford and Konawaena won those two respective titles. But it still had to feel good and allow for a welcome sigh of relief when Kapaa saw its name listed on the top line with that #1 next to it.
Now the Warriors know they are one home win away from a game at Aloha Stadium for the D-II state title. One home win away from a chance to bring Kauai its first state football championship.
That one home win will either have to be at the expense of Maui’s Lahainaluna (6-5, 5-4 MIL) or Oahu’s Kaimuki (7-4, 6-2 OIA).
Ironically, both of those teams traveled to Kauai in August for preseason tilts and both went home with losses. But each is a very different team now than the ones that struggled back in the summer. Kaimuki was without a good portion of its squad when it dropped its 13-0 opener to Waimea at Hanapepe Stadium and began the season 1-3. The Lunas lost a 14-10 battle to Kapaa that began a four-game losing streak, now having won five of their final six to make it back to the state tournament.
They’ll play Saturday (7 p.m., Lahainaluna) to see which one gets a return trip and a shot at redemption.
For Kapaa, the party line is sure to be that there is no preference as to who wins Saturday. No top seed should really care about their opponent. But there is something to be said about familiarity and it can go both ways. Lahainaluna has already prepared for Kapaa once this season and gotten to see them play in person. They came as close as anyone has to actually beating the Warriors.
The same can be said for Kapaa, which will have the extra week off and should know what to expect from the Lunas.
Kaimuki would be a bit more of a wild card. While the Bulldogs clearly weren’t on the same level as No. 2 seed Radford in last week’s OIA title contest, they found a rhythm down the stretch and are battle tested with a number of close wins.
Whether it’s the Lunas or the Bulldogs running onto the Vidinha field next Saturday afternoon, the Warriors have been given the opportunity to make history. They’ve done everything they can to earn this opportunity. Now they get to show why they deserve it.
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David Simon can be reached at dsimon@thegardenisland.com.
