Just when I thought I got a grasp of the KIF season, I proceeded to (as did many) fall flat on my face trying to predict games this season.
The Waimea Menehune came out with its ground and pound philosophy and proceeded to grind its way to a 14-7 win over the defending champion Kapa‘a Warriors last week Friday. The win created a three-way tie for the lead in KIF, leaving the title completely up for grabs and setting it up for what could be a very exciting season.
Menehune host Red Raiders
• As the Menehune get set to host the Red Raiders Saturday evening in Hanapepe, Waimea will be looking for a bit of redemption as the Menehune lost to Kaua‘i earlier in the season 24-7. Game two between these two programs should play out completely differently as both teams have adjusted its identities already in the young season.
• Waimea played its best game of the season last week against Kapa‘a and proved that it could be a force in KIF. Defensively, the Menehune played with tenacity and aggressiveness. Offensively, it proved that they can impose its will with the ground game. One of the unanswered questions is with the passing game, and how effective it can be for Waimea, or if it needs to be effective at all. Look for the Menehune to continue its defensive prowess all season, if the offense can keep the team in games, Waimea will be awfully tough to deal with.
• Kaua‘i High School is coming off of a beat down from the Kapa‘a Warriors in which the team looked tired, both offensively and defensively. This game is extremely important to the Red Raiders in seeing how the team is able to respond coming off such a loss. The bye week may have come just at the right time for Kaua‘i as it enabled the team to get some much needed rest coming off of five straight weeks of games. If the Red Raiders can get its passing game going early again and the offensive line can protect quarterback Trey Aguano Kaua‘i may bounce back in a big way.
• As far a predictions go at this point, I think it is almost impossible to see who is far and away the best team in the league right now as the teams seem to be so evenly matched. I will very tentatively take the Red Raiders in tomorrow’s game as I think the week off will have done Kaua‘i wonders, and Waimea is coming off a hard fought game against Kapa‘a. But if there is one thing I learned last week … never sleep on the Menehune.
NFL outlook
This past week in the NFL saw upsets, upsets and more upsets. The NFL is starting to heat up and it is beginning to look like yet another closely contested season.
• The Arizona Cardinals took down the New England Patriots in Foxboro. I almost need to repeat that to believe it. The Cardinals won 20-18 and I think made everyone do a double take. So are the Cardinals for real or did the Patriots just lay an egg? I am leaning toward the latter, as I am not quite a believer in what Arizona is selling just yet. Look for the Patriots to bounce back and play solid against a tough Ravens team who is also coming off of a tough loss.
• Are the New Orleans Saints done? A lot of people are asking this question. I think so, it seems that the loss of Sean Payton meant more to that team than anybody realized. They should beat the Kansas City Chiefs at home this week, however I don’t see them as a playoff contender.
• Are the San Francisco 49ers for real? The 49ers have had the two most impressive wins so far on this young season beating the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay, and defeating the Detroit Lions this past week in San Francisco. At this point, I think it is safe to say that the Niners are the most impressive team to this point. They have continued to get solid play from quarterback Alex Smith, and Frank Gore continues to do what he does on the ground. The 49ers seem to be the team to beat so far.
Football Frenzy
Congratulations to our week three overall winner Manelle Carvalho of Lihu‘e who won with a 11-4 record beating out a few others in the tiebreaker.
Also congratulations to Rep. 14th District Derek Kawakami for being the best in week three amongst the panelist with a 10-5 record.
• Rick Killeen, sports writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or sports@thegardenisland.com. ‘Talking Points’ appears every Friday.
