Preview
Can the Hawks stop the top rated passer and top two receivers in DII?
Nanakuli High & Intermediate vs Henry J Kaiser
Waianae, HI — The Cougars (5-0, 5-0 OIA D-II) have allowed just 8.4 points per game and are in the driver’s seat of the OIA D-II chase. Only two teams qualify for the playoffs, i.e. a single championship game.
Nanakuli (3-1, 3-1) needs a win to keep its postseason hopes alive. Coach Kili Watson’s squad presents a dynamic challenge on both sides of the ball. The Golden Hawks have surrendered just 46 points in four games, and more than half came in last week’s 70-26 blowout of McKinley.
Keahi Ah Sui has been a dual threat offensively with 957 passing yards, nine TDs and just three picks with a 67% completion rate. He has rushed for 282 yards (10.1 per carry) and four TDs.
“(Ah Sui) is a really good quarterback,” Kaiser coach Tim Seaman said. “He throws a nice ball, makes good reads and can hurt you with his legs, as well. We are very impressed by him.”
The 5-10, 160-pound senior also has multiple playmakers at his disposal, from running back Christian Asinsin (376 yards, three TDs) to multi-skilled Joseph Lewis IV (313 yards, five TDs from scrimmage) to David Kalili (24 catches, 337 yards, four TDs).
Kaiser’s run stoppers include Ryan Bethke, Nick Wild, Hopo Aholelei, Taye Debina and Kuahiwi Cummings. Caleb Garcia leads the secondary for Kaiser.
Kaiser’s offense has been on fire with Easton Yoshino in the pocket. The 6-1, 180-pound junior has passed for 1,189 yards and 11 TDs with only three interceptions at a 66-percent completion rate.
Kamakana Mahiko (31 receptions, 554 yards, six TDs) and Justin Kaneoka (29, 460, four) may be the best 1-2 receiving combo in Division II statewide.