honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, September 9, 2005

Iolani pays visit to Washington power

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

spacer

Iolani School will play indoor football for the first time tomorrow, taking on highly regarded Capital (Olympia, Wash.) in the 23,000-seat Tacoma Dome.

The matchup of unbeaten teams — set for 5 p.m. Hawai'i time — is the feature contest in a two-day, six-game event billed as "Touchdown Time II." Iolani (3-0) is Hawai'i's 2004 Division II state runner-up and is ranked No. 3 in The Advertiser's Top 10 poll of coaches and media.

Capital opened its season last week with a 23-19 victory over O'Dea (Seattle), the No. 3-ranked team in Washington (all divisions) at the time. Capital is ranked No. 5.

The Cougars feature a strong running attack behind an offensive line that averages 285 pounds per man. They rushed for 300 yards in last week's win.

Iolani coach Wendell Look said Capital operates out of the unique "Delaware Wing T" offense — the same one used by Campbell in a 28-7 victory over the Raiders in last year's Division II state championship game.

The Sabers rushed for 352 yards that night.

Iolani will counter Capital's rushing attack with a diverse, no-huddle offense featuring returnees at every skill position. Quarterback Kiran Kepo'o, running back Mike Hirokawa and receivers Kekai Kealoha, Travis Nishioka and Blayne Yama have been clicking on all cylinders so far as the Raiders have won three games by an aggregate score of 130-40.

Iolani's defense, led by linebacker Jon Takamura and defensive back Landon Patoc, has allowed a total of 13 points in the first three quarters of each game.

STATE TITLE REMATCH

Back home, Kamehameha will host Leilehua tomorrow in a rematch of last year's Division I state championship game.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Kamehameha's scenic on-campus Kunuiakea Stadium.

Kamehameha, which won last year's game 28-7, is 2-1 and ranked No. 2 by The Advertiser. Leilehua (2-0) is ranked No. 5.

OIA RED WEST CLASH

In a key O'ahu Interscholastic Association showdown, Kapolei (2-1 overall) hosts 'Aiea (2-0) tonight at about 7:15.

Kapolei opened its OIA Red Conference Western Division season last week with a 53-0 whitewash of Nanakuli. Tonight is 'Aiea's Red West opener.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.