THIS MIL WEEK IN FOOTBALL
Maui High vs. King Kekaulike Today, War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m. Baldwin at Lahainaluna Saturday, Sue Cooley Stadium, 7 p.m.
Overview
The second round begins. The last time these two teams met, Na Alii’s Trey Hunter caught 10 passes for a state-record 342 yards in a 41-20 loss — Hunter has not caught a pass since. Maui High ranks third in team offense and defense. King Kekaulike is fifth on offense, fourth on defense.
Na Alii at a glance
In the two games since Hunter’s big night, Na Alii have gone 4-for-45 passing for 13 yards. The defense is giving up only 130.7 yards per game on the ground. Hunter is fourth in the league in receiving, fifth in rushing.
Sabers at a glance
Naia Nakamoto averages 153 yards rushing per game and also has five rushing touchdowns, both tops in the MIL. Defensively, the Sabers have given up a league-best 131 yards on the ground, but a league-worst 817 in the air.
Quotable
“You never want to come from behind, so honestly it’s every day a chance to get better. Never surrender and we’re just going to keep trying to get better each game this second round.” — James Kammerer, Maui High coach after clinching the D-I first-round title
Overview
The Lunas beat the Bears 49-6 in the opening round. Lahainaluna is ranked in the top seven in the state by all three major polls. The Lunas are first in the MIL both offensively and defensively. The Bears are fourth on offense, fifth on defense.
Bears at a glance
La‘a Asuega-Stark is second in the league in passing yards and tied for the top with seven scoring passes. Kapena Kamai leads the MIL with 19 receptions, while Bishop Wickes is fourth in the league in rushing.
Lunas at a glance
Joshua Tihada is second in the league in rushing yards (285) and touchdowns (4). Nainoa Irish is third in passing and has completed 55.6 percent of his passes. Kai Bookland averages 19.8 yards per catch.
Quotable
“We just have to work with what we have. We were a little short-handed, but we’re not using that as an excuse. … It’s just about getting guys buying in and keep working.” — Pohai Lee, Baldwin coach after a 44-6 loss to Maui High last week