LIHU‘E — It seems to have become a recurring theme for Kaua‘i High School throughout its undefeated (10-0) run to tomorrow’s HHSAA D-II championship game: start slow, keep the game’s outcome in doubt, then capitalize on second-half turnovers or big
LIHU‘E — It seems to have become a recurring theme for Kaua‘i High School throughout its undefeated (10-0) run to tomorrow’s HHSAA D-II championship game: start slow, keep the game’s outcome in doubt, then capitalize on second-half turnovers or big plays to run away by a disproportionate margin.
That’s what the Raiders did in their first two meetings with Kapa‘a during the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation season. The first encounter was scoreless well into the third quarter, before they scored two touchdowns of more than 60 yards to eventually win the game 21-0.
The second game played out similarly, where the Raiders led 7-0 after three quarters, before winning 24-0 as Kapa‘a turned the ball over six times on the night.
Prior to last Friday’s semifinal game against Hawai‘i Prep, head coach Derek Borrero had said that his team would need to get off to a fast start and that the offense would be moving at a “high pace” to prevent HPA from taking an early lead.
That didn’t happen.
As was the case in those two Kapa‘a battles, Kaua‘i struggled in the game’s early stages, trailing 6-0 at halftime after committing four turnovers. They then unloaded 28 second-half points for the appearance of a one-sided victory.
The fact that the team managed to keep its head in the game and not become rattled by the lack of early success is a testament to the coaches, as well as the players for their patience and level-headed approach, thanks in large part to senior quarterback Trey Shimabukuro.
Throughout the season, Shimabukuro has remained a calming influence to his teammates, seemingly unflappable both on the field and on the sideline when things may not be going as planned.
In these two recurring themes of slow starts and levelheadedness, one will need to change and one will need to remain the same if Kaua‘i plans to bring home a state title with a win tomorrow.
The caliber of opponent takes another giant step up, as D-II powerhouse ‘Iolani (11-2) will be waiting at Aloha Stadium, hoping to notch its third consecutive state title and fourth in five years.
The Honolulu-based private school has the proven coaching staff and top-level talent that will likely not be as forgiving as recent opponents if Kaua‘i gets off to another slow start. Those four first-half turnovers that resulted in just six HPA points will not have the same result if duplicated this week.
Coach Borrero stated prior to the semifinal game that the team’s goal in the preseason was to play its final game at Aloha Stadium. With that goal already checked off, sights will be set on becoming the first KIF team to ever win a football state championship. Just reaching the final game is historic, as only the 2006 Kaua‘i squad has previously made it this far.
The senior-led team is unlikely to become startled by the spotlight, so the true test should be handled in the X’s and O’s and execution. ‘Iolani presents the biggest challenge to date, but the Red Raiders have reached 11-0 for a reason and are one of just two remaining unbeaten teams in the state (Div. I’s top-seeded Kahuku is 12-0 heading into its championship game against No. 2 Kamehameha).
Both teams at their best should provide plenty of excitement worthy of a championship game.
