Iolani will play host to Kaimuki Saturday afternoon in the 54th Annual Father Bray Memorial Football Classic. ScoringLive photo illustration

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When Kaimuki visits nearby Iolani for Saturday afternoon's non-league game at Kozuki Stadium, it will officially be as part of the 54th Annual Father Bray Memorial Football Classic.

Unofficially, it could be the considered the ‘Duel for Date street' when the Bulldogs (2-0) take the field against the Raiders (0-1). Regardless, both teams will be playing to win.

"This is a huge game for us," said Kaimuki coach David Tautofi, whose team is ranked fifth in the ScoringLive/Hawaiian Electric Division II Power Rankings.

"This is a valuable game for us — every game is a valuable game — but we're going to approach this game as we approach any game, including a championship game."

While the Bulldogs have already picked up a pair of league wins in the Oahu Interscholastic Association, the Raiders have sat idle for nearly two weeks since a rare home loss (to Hilo, 62-35) to open the season.

"We're one week out from our regular season and we usually would have two games under our belts by now — and in some ways it was good that we didn't have another game because we needed the practice — but you can't simulate playing, so we're going to treat this like a game that means something because we've got to get ready for next week," said Iolani coach Wendell Look, whose team is ranked seventh and opens Interscholastic League of Honolulu play against No. 8 Damien next Saturday.

The Raiders allowed 333 rushing yards to the Vikings and will be put to the test by a Kaimuki offense that is averaging 273 rushing yards per game.

"For us, every year is about stopping the run and trying to use our strengths to utilize the mismatches, but the challenge is always trying to stop the run and their front," Look said, turning his focus to the run-heavy Bulldogs. "They have a lot of weapons. Their quarterback (Jordan Solomon) is versatile and that running back is good — he can move — so it's going to be a big challenge for us up front."

Seei-Cleveland, a 5-foot-9, 210-pound senior, is averaging 8.4 yards per carry. He has carried 40 times for 334 yards — which ranks second in D2 statewide — and five touchdowns this season.

"Ieke is definitely reliable and has proven himself, but he also understands that any day he could lose his spot and he knows he can't slack off in practice because we have two other backs, too, and the one that gives the best effort and makes the best decisions will play. So far, he's been dominant and earning his spot, but the two other guys are knocking on that door," Tautofi said, citing sophomore Naomas Asuega-Fualaau and junior Falisi Uhatafe.

Solomon, a 5-foot-11, 187-pound junior, has thrown for 332 yards with four TDs and one interception. He has also run for 124 yards and three scores.

"Kaimuki is a heck of a ball team," Look said. "They've got some studs over there and they're playing with 25 guys and to see what they've been doing with that group, with their numbers — I mean, their motors, that's what impresses me about them. They play hard all game, all four quarters."

After a 63-0 drubbing of Waialua to open the season, the Bulldogs held off a pesky Kalani squad last week, 41-34.

"That gave gave us a lot clearer of a picture of things. We were able to find some positives, but also things that were potential errors and what we can do better because we did enough in that game to lose that game," Tautofi said. "It was loud and clear the things that we have to fix, so we've been working on that this week and sharpening up on those things."

Despite allowing 440 yards of total offense against Hilo, Iolani did manage 382 net yards itself. Senior quarterback Tai-John Mizutani threw for 258 yards with three TDs on 17-of-34 passing, but was intercepted three times. His favorite target was senior receiver Justin Genovia, who finished with 10 receptions for 101 yards and two scores.

"We have a really, really good group of kids," Look said. "We have 37 of them on paper, we usually suit up about 32, 34, around there, but these kind of guys just come out every day and work hard — no complaints. They know the position they're in and they're making the most and best out of the situation, but we've got a lot of work to do."

Kaimuki boasts the state's best scoring offense (52 points per game), but isn't taken anything for granted against the Raiders.

"A lot of times, especially in football, it's the discipline of the team that really makes a team effectively no matter the talent," Tautofi said. "Iolani has been successful because they're a well-coached, well-disciplined team and they run a system like a well-oiled machine, so this is a great opportunity for our boys — and myself and my coaching staff, as well — that we don't really come across often, so we certainly understand the magnitude of this game."

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday.