Da Five
League standings shakeup




On a weekly basis, ScoringLive's "Da Five" will pose five questions revelant to the prep sports world, and get responses from five different individuals. What results will hopefully provide multiple angles of insight and analysis for fans to take in.

This week's edition of Da Five has the ScoringLive crew breaking down games that will impact overall standings in league play.

1. What aspect of the game will be the deciding factor in the OIA Blue showdown between Mililani and Campbell?

Michael Lasquero, SL reporter: This game will come down to whether or not Campbell can run the football against Mililani. When these two teams last met in the 2013 state semifinals, the Sabers were held to just four rushing yards. If Campbell is forced to be one-dimensional with a young quarterback, the Trojans will win this one decisively. 

Brandon Ching, SL reporter: I think the game will be won on defense. So far Mililani has held their OIA Blue opponents to 11.6 points per game and if they can keep Campbell in check then they will have a good shot at winning. But I think the overall deciding factor will come down to executing assignments, limiting penalties and mistakes. 

Aven Santiago, SL reporter: I'm not giving Campbell much of a chance in this game. However, for Campbell to pull off the upset, the Sabers offense needs to be able to run the ball and control the clock against the high scoring Trojans. Mililani has debatably the best offense in the state and in order for the offense to be delayed, Campbell needs to be at its best to keep it off the field. It'll be a tough one but if the Sabers can avoid a shootout and avoid trying to match Mililani point for point, they might be able to come out on top.

Brien Ing, SL founder: Defense will be the decider I think. Can the Sabers stop, or at least slow, the vaunted Trojans’ attack? If they can keep the game score in the 30s or lower, I think that will be Campbell’s best chance at pulling out a win. Statistically, the Sabers have allowed just 8 points a game while scoring 31.8 thus far in 2014, while the Trojans score at a 52.2 points per game clip while allowing 20.8. A high-scoring affair clearly plays right into the hands of the visitors.

Kalani Takase:, SL reporter: Campbell's offense against Mililani's defense. The Sabers got a wake-up call against Kapolei last week when they trailed 13-0 in the third quarter. They can't afford to post a first-half goose egg against the prolific Trojan offense. Campbell will have to sustain drives on offense and capitalize on any Mililani miscues by putting points on the board. Unlike the Sabers' come-from-behind win over the Hurricanes, this one won't be a game of field position.

2. If you're a part of the Pac-Five coaching staff, what is your ideal game plan against Iolani?

Lasquero: Get an early lead and disguise your defensive coverages. Iolani’s renaissance in running the football will milk huge chunks off the clock and make comeback attempts that much harder. Offensively the Raiders are perfectly fine with taking what you give them. Changing the pre-snap look of the defense is your best bet against Raider QB Austin Jim On. The 5-foot-9 senior is averaging a 67.2 percent completion rate through three games.

Ching: If I was on Pac-Five's coaching staff, I would try and disrupt Austin Jim On's rhythm and timing and watch those short, intermediate routes. You have to keep an eye on Keoni-Cordell Makekau and make sure he doesn't turn a short route or play into something bigger. Also you have to prepare for Storm Lotomau and KJ Pascua because the Raiders will like to mix it up.

Santiago: With Tsubasa Brennan, statistically one of the top receivers in the state, I would try to find ways to get him the ball as often as I can. We saw in the Saint Louis-Iolani game that the pass defense of the Raiders can be broken. It's up to Pac-Five how it plans to exploit it.

Ing: Play their game. Against Saint Louis, the secondary for Iolani was gashed for 443 yards and 5 touchdowns, so why wouldn’t the pass-happy Wolfpack continue to do what they have been all year. Tsubasa Brennan leads all Division II pass catchers with 45 grabs for 573 yards and 7 scores, and if he can exploit the edges like the Crusaders’ receivers did a week ago, look out.

Takase: Tough question. My first inclination is to drop 7-8 bodies in pass coverage against Iolani and it's second-year starter at quarterback, Austin Jim On. However, the Raiders have shown the ability to run the ball with the duo of KJ Pascua and Storm Lotomau, so you have to respect that as well. Offensively, I expect Tsubasa Brennan to catch his usual 8-10 passes for 100+ yards, so as the Iolani defense begins to key on him, I'd look for Sean Kinel on the opposite side of the field.

3. Pearl City and Radford are both 4-0 in league play. Which team remains undefeated after this weekend?

Lasquero: I’m going to give the edge to Fred Salanoa’s crew in this one. After losing in San Diego on a last second field goal, Radford has outscored its opponents 75-12. The Chargers are coming off a two week break and might be a little rusty in their first test of the year. Pearl City also stunned the Rams in 2013, 7-6, so you can bet that they’ll be hungry to avenge last year’s loss.

Ching: I haven't seen either team play, but my gut feeling is that Pearl City will prevail. Then again, what do I know? That's why these kids play the game. Pearl City had some time to regroup and refocus due the forfeit so that should give them enough time to prepare for a Radford squad that's been playing well lately. Both teams seem to be playing well at the right time based on large margin scores so it should be a good game and both teams will play hard. 

Santiago: I'm giving the edge to Pearl City this weekend. Both teams are well coached and have dynamic play makers, but the run game for Pearl City may be too much for the Rams. However, if Radford can stop the Chargers' rushing attack, you could see the Rams coming out with the win. It'll be a great match up and I look forward to that game and seeing them in the post season.

Ing: I’m going with the Chargers, but not by much. Radford seems to be coming together nicely as a unit, evidenced by two convincing wins over Kaimuki and Kalani, but Pearl City should be rested and at full strength coming off of a two-week break. Running back Dominic Maneafaiga has a team-high 56 points scored on the season, including 5 rushing scores and a pair of TDs via reception and return, and quarterback Jordan Taamu is a threat both with his arm and via the run. Radford has its own set of weapons, including a two-headed threat at quarterback in Andrew Morgan and Quintas Ward, a speed back in Chase Cacatian and a pair of go-to receivers in Justin Lugo and Dylan Frank. In the end though, I think the stability at QB and the power running of Maneafaiga will put Pearl City over the top.

Takase: I like the Chargers. What's interesting is that the game will be played on a neutral field at Aiea, so no team will have a true "home-field advantage," but I expect both teams to bring their share of fans. I'm not entirely sold on the Rams' two-quarterback system, although running back Chance Cacatian has provided steady production behing either Andrew Morgan or Quintas Ward. Pearl City will face its toughest test to date, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but I think the experience its players gained from last year's league runner-up finish and a state-tournament appearance has helped to prepare them for games like this.

4. Saint Louis airlines or Kamehameha express? Which team's offense will carry its team to a "W" on Saturday?

Lasquero: Kamehameha. Despite losing running back Kaulana Apelu to his second ACL injury in as many years the Warriors will have their way against Saint Louis’ defense. I still have questions about the Crusaders’ run defense after Iolani put up 176 yards on the ground against them. Saint Louis will also have to account for the athletic ability of Kamehameha quarterback Fatu Sua-Godinet. An overplay on Sua-Godinet on bootlegs and rollouts could lead to open receivers in the intermediate and deep sections of the field.

Ching: If the Crusaders can have a repeat offensive performance like they did against Iolani, then I would go with them. Although Saint Louis' defense is improving by the week, I don't think they're near playing at their full potential and I feel the Warriors will be able to run it on them. If the Warriors can improve on their offensive line play and limit penalties, then I would go with the Kamehameha express. If the Warriors can control the clock then Saint Louis' offense would have a hard time getting onto the field. 

Santiago: This is a tough one for me. We all know Saint Louis had probably the toughest opening schedule in the nation; but since then, the team has been nearly flawless. The offense can score at will and is led by one of the top quarterbacks in the state. On the other hand, Kamehameha could have the defense to match up against them as Saint Louis has not played a D1 school since the first three games of the season. Should the match turn into a shootout, I give the edge to Saint Louis because I think the Crusaders can score more over a Kamehameha offense who is coming in banged up and a couple players out due to injury.

Ing: Particularly with the pending return of DB Dylan Kane, I’d like to think that Kamehameha’s "D" will carry its team to a "W" in a crucial ILH showdown with Saint Louis. There is no question that the Crusaders have the ability to put points on the board, and lots of em, but can they do it against the Warriors? On the other side of the ball, the loss of Kaulana Apelu has meant a committee at RB for Kamehameha, but it has been effective thus far, with 11 scores on 227.7 yards per game. As much as fireworks are fun to watch, I’m thinking this one will be a low scoring contest with the Warriors on the winning end.

Takase: I think this will be a close one, but I like the Crusaders and their potent offense over the Warriors Saturday night. Although Kamehameha's defense has played admirably through its first three games this year, I question whether it has has the offensive firepower to stay with Saint Louis. I don't like the Warriors chances when they are playing from behind and forced to throw the ball on first and second downs. If Kamehameha pulls off the win, don't expect a high-scoring game.

5. Favorite venue to watch or cover a game.

Lasquero: I like Roosevelt’s Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium and Waipahu’s Masa Yonamine Athletic Complex. Both fields are constructed in a valley of some sorts, giving it a bowl like feel. The sunset setting across the stands and press box also gives a nice view when waiting for the varsity game to start.

Ching: I have several favorite venues I've gone to in person for football: Iolani, Kamehameha, Punahou, Mililani, Roosevelt, War Memorial and Aloha Stadium. Why? The fields are really clear and it helps when I take stats or write down my play-by-play. For the high school venues I listed, their press boxes are located where there are no obstructions and it has a clear view of the field. 

Santiago: Going with the hometown on this one. Mililani has the double sided stadium and the turf to make it one of the premier places to play in the state. The press box can accommodate most media needs and the concession stand serves some of the best food at a high school game I've had in my years covering prep sports.

Ing: On any given Friday or Saturday night, my favorite venue is wherever I happen to be covering a game at.

Takase: Hard to pick one. The natural beauty at places like Waianae's Raymond Torii Field and Kamehameha's Kunuiakea Stadium can be simply stunning, but the conveniences of hash marks press boxes with many power outlets is also a big plus. I'll go with Castle, which got a new artificial-surface (with all the necessary hash marks) to go with the breathtaking backdrop of the Koolau mountains.





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