Waianae's Mahvan Tau grinds out hard yards against Castle. Expect much of the same from both teams when Kahuku hosts Waianae Friday. Sylvia Lee | SL

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Modern day football is rapidly evolving, but it's always nice to see some old style football once in a while. And the teams that fans will see Friday night at Carleton E. Weimer Field, Waianae and Kahuku, clearly fit the bill. Both teams like to ground and pound, and both teams play tough defense. Last year's game between the two squads was in gridlock for most of the game. Waianae looked primed to get that road win before former Kahuku running back Aofaga Wily ran in the game-winning score with 2:32 remaining. Kahuku has historically been tough at home with the last time they lost in the quarterfinals being in 2007 to Kapolei. Both teams want to extend their seasons and the only way to do so is to continue to win.

Imitation is flattery

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and there is nothing but mutual respect between the two teams. This game will have a strong defensive tone to it, with both offenses finding it hard to move the ball down field. The two teams' offense is almost entirely the same playbook. They both like to run power run games and pass when it is necessary or the passing lanes open up. In recent years, both teams have started to incorporate some triple-option into their offense to confuse some defenses for a spell.

With both defenses equipped to take on the opposing offense, it will come down to who can do something out of the box effectively. Some things Kahuku might do to get something going is to have quarterback Tuli Wily-Matagi issue some pump-fakes to help receivers like Kuuliko Carvalho get wide open for an easy touchdown. Most of the time cornerbacks are on an island because the safeties are so intent on stopping the run. Some things Waianae will do is to show formation and looks that makes it seem that they are going to run the ball, but instead throw a quick pass. This will happen the most when the Seariders are in an I-formation, a formation that usually means a power run game with a lead blocker.

Battle tested

There has been a lot of talk that this year is a rebuilding year for the Red Raiders, but there are still three elder statesmen on the roster. Fullback P.J. Liua, defensive lineman/ tight end Lamone Williams, and linebacker Clifford Ramseyer all made key contributions in the Red Raiders' 2012 championship run. They are either being under-utilized or having a quiet season, but should all have big games with the stakes raised.

Liua was part of a one-two running back tandem with Wily in 2012, but only had single digit carries in games against Saint Louis and Farrington. The 5-foot-9, 219-lb senior leads the team in all rushing categories and should see he ball more if Kahuku wants a shot at defending their title.

Williams broke out in the 2012 postseason, but has pretty much been a non-factor in the Red Raiders' big games this year. He had quiet defensive games against Saint Louis and Farrington, and had no receptions in those games either. With the season on the line, I'm sure Williams will find a multitude of ways to show up on the stat sheet once the night is over.

Ramseyer started the season with an injury, and only now is he starting to hit his stride. He had a fumble recovery against Farrington showing that he has a sense for the ball. The Red Raiders will need him to be a playmaker on defense if they want to extend their season.

It's called special for a reason

Waianae has been a force on offense and defense all season, but there are three facets of the game. Special teams have been The Seariders Achilles' heel all season, something that could be the deciding factor with the two teams being so similarly alike.  They had trouble with the long snap in the beginning of the season, and have given up three touchdowns on special teams. If the Seariders can play error free on special teams, they should keep it close.

Final thoughts

By looking at each team's schedule, I have to give the edge to Waianae. Based on common opponents in Farrington, Moanalua and Castle, the Seariders have outscored opponents 98-36 while the Red Raiders are 88-53. Kahuku does have home field advantage, a week off, and playoff experience, making for a real close game that should go down to the wire.