Last round of prep touch football coming

LIHU‘E — Triple K Strongman Athletics 9-on-9 football gets a break this Friday because of the Kamehameha Day holiday, officials announced following the games Friday at Vidinha Stadium.

There is one more anticipated matchup planned for June 18 to make up for the holiday play.

Triple K football features players who would be eligible for junior varsity and varsity play from the three public high schools, or three member schools of the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation, playing competitive football in a format modified to fit the restrictions of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

There is no use of any of the state Department of Education equipment or facilities, and players go two-hand-touch on the field to minimize personal contact, with play commentary being offered by Kaua‘i County Councilmember Billy DeCosta and Jeremy Makepa.

Traditionally a seven-man squad, the Triple K format allows for two defenders to rush the quarterback that results in a nine-a-side play in a 25-minute, running-clock game.

This also results in six games being played, with each of the three schools being able to play each other at least once in both the junior-varsity-aged group and the varsity-aged group.

Initially restricted to no spectators inside the stadium, the COVID-19 restrictions have loosened to allow spectators on the home side of the stadium with face masks and social distancing being observed.

Admission is $5 per person.

There is no food concession available.

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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.