PUKALANI - Preseason high school football games scheduled for Saturday involving Maui Interscholastic League teams have been called off.
P.K. Higa, King Kekaulike High School's interim athletic director, said Tuesday that Na Alii's game with Roosevelt set for King Kekau-like Stadium will not take place because the Rough Riders do not have enough eligible players. Na Alii will instead travel to Oahu for a controlled scrimmage at Roosevelt.
Kamehameha Maui's game with Honokaa that was to have been played at Kanaiaupuni Stadium has also been called off due to a lack of eligible players for the Dragons. Warriors coach Kevin O'Brien confirmed the cancellation on Tuesday.
Higa, formerly King Kekaulike's head football coach, said his status as interim AD should be addressed next month.
"They should have the interviews done soon and it should happen sometime in September," Higa said.
Clarence Rivers, the longtime offensive coordinator for Na Alii, is the interim head coach and would likely be boosted to permanent status if Higa gets the permanent AD job. Athletic directors are not allowed to be head coaches by Department of Education policy.
Fact Box
MIL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
PRESEASON
Friday, Aug. 17
Lahainaluna at Keeau, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 18
Maui High at Konawaena, 7 p.m.
Kauai at King Kekaulike, 7 p.m.
Kapaa at Kamehameha Maui, 7 p.m.
REGULAR SEASON
Friday, Aug. 24
Maui High vs. Kamehameha Maui at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.
"Clarence has been here from the beginning, through all of the coaching changes," Higa said. "He's our guy right now."
Na Alii are still slated to host Kauai on Aug. 18 in a preseason game at 7 p.m., and O'Brien said that Kamehameha's game against Kapaa is still on for the same date and time across the street at Kanaiaupuni Stadium.
