It’s not a surprise that every single game on the KIF docket is just as important as the next. With just six regular season games each, the three KIF football squads know that one game could ruin their season. The
It’s not a surprise that every single game on the KIF docket is just as important as the next.
With just six regular season games each, the three KIF football squads know that one game could ruin their season. The Menehune and the Warriors open up the 2005-06 KIF regular season at Vidinha Stadium. JV action begins at 5 p.m. and the varsity contest kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
“I think this game is really important for us. It will set the tone for us for the rest of the season. We have lots of boys in their first year on the varsity level and if we get a win, then they might get a sense of believing in our system and if we don’t come out victorious, we have to regroup and try to see what went wrong,” Pereira said. Kaua‘i High School was the only KIF squad to pick up a win in preseason action, defeating Kona, 17-0. The two-time defending champions were waxed by West Hills this past Friday, 41-13.
Waimea fell to Baldwin, 41-0 and Valley Center, 45-7. Meanwhile, Kapa‘a mustered up only three points in three games in losses to Hawai‘i Prep, 9-0, Kamehameha-Big Island, 28-3, and Bonita Vista, 37-0.
“It was good for us to play top caliber teams. I thought the schools that both Kaua‘i and Kapa‘a played were tougher.
We have to work harder and sustain blocks and pick up blitzes.
As coaches we need to make lots of adjustments,” Pereira said.
For Menehune, although the preseason didn’t bring any wins their way, it was still a great time to assess what type of kids they have.
“We had lots of personnel issues during the preseason. We learned that our offensive line needs to improve, special teams needs to be fixed but, we were playing with a lot of new guys,” Pereira said.
“The boys are going to play what is expected of them. We’re lacking instinctive type of foot-ball, we can’t coach everything,” Pereira said.
As for their upcoming game against the Warriors, Pereria expects nothing but a tough contest.
“Kapa‘a’s going to play their best game, but we are in the same boat with them. They are going to come hard at us,” Pereira said.
Extra points: Sia Salausa is in his first year as Kapa‘a High School’s varsity head coach. The Red Raiders have won the past two KIF titles under head coach Keli‘i Morgado.
Former Red Raider stars Kevin Cadiente and Kekoa Crowell are playing college football.
Cadiente is at Eastern Washington University and Crowell is going the junior college route. Menehune head man Liko Pereira is in his third year at Waimea.
Kellen Naka‘ahiki (offensive line), Ka‘eo Girod (defensive line), Fia Moe (linebacker), Josh Mori (wide receiver), former Menehune, have signed letters of intent to play football for Merced College in California.
KIF Football
• Waimea at Kapa‘a
• Friday: JV: 5 p.m., Varsity: 7:30 p.m.
