Prep Game Of The Week – 10/1/14

FOOTBALL
Kalani vs. Pearl City
OCT. 3, 2014 @ 7:30 P.M.
@ KALANI HIGH SCHOOL

Chris Hart

I’ve had Pearl City ranked No. 1 in my D-II poll most of the year. The Chargers are well-coached by Robin Kami. They have a balanced attack offensively, effectively mixing up the run with the pass. The Chargers also have senior leadership with QB Jordon Taamu. He doesn’t have the numbers of Tua Tagovailoa or Mckenzie Milton, but he’s efficient and doesn’t turn the ball over. Handling much of the load on offense is running back Dominic Maneafaiga, who can run the ball as well as catch out of the backfield. Taamu also can take off and run. At this writing, the Chargers defense has held opponents to just over 30 yards rushing. If Kalani expects to win, it will need to rely on its passing attack. But Pearl City has been pretty effective in limiting opponents’ passing output as well. The Chargers at home will beat the Falcons 28-14.

Gary Dickman

A key Division II game is coming up Friday as Kalani will have its toughest test this season. The Falcons got close to making the D-II playoffs last year, and a win against Pearl City would certainly help their chances for postseason play this season. Greg Taguchi has done a great job replacing the Lee brothers (Cal and Ron), who returned to Saint Louis. Kalani’s strength is its defense, which gives up only 12 points a game. QB Tyler Ching needs to be steady and not turn the ball over. Ching has weapons in RB Ace Faumui and WR Blaise Manabe. Kalani averages 21 points a game, but points will be hard to come by against a stingy Pearl City defense. If Kalani plays the way it has all season, I see an upset here. The Falcons will get the W and be on their way to states.

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