This week in MIL Football
Baldwin vs. Maui High
Today, War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.
Overview
The second-round championship in Division I goes to the winner. A Maui High win sends the Sabers to the state tournament; a Baldwin victory forces an overall title game between the teams next week. The Bears have the Maui Interscholastic League’s top-ranked offense, and are No. 3 on defense. The Sabers are fourth on offense, and first on defense. Maui High beat Baldwin 32-21 on Sept. 16.
Bears at a glance
Chayce Akaka has accounted for 27 touchdowns this season — 17 passing, eight rushing, one receiving and one on a kick return. He is the league’s leading rusher and scorer, and No. 2 in passing yards. Bishop Wickes is the No. 2 rusher, and is sixth on the receptions list. Brayden Reys-Sojot is ninth on the receiving list.
Sabers at a glance
Solomone Tongi, Naia Nakamoto, Justin Pulido and Kainalu Tancayo all rank among the top 10 in MIL rushing, and Tancayo is third in passing yardage. Maui High generates an average of 229.6 yards per game on the ground, although Baldwin allows a league-low 139.6 rushing yards.
Kamehameha Maui at Lahainaluna
Saturday, Sue Cooley Stadium, 7 p.m.
Overview
Defending state champion Lahainaluna enters the regular-season finale seeking an undefeated league record, having already clinched an 11th straight berth to the Division II state tournament. The Lunas rank third in the MIL on offense, and second on defense. Kamehameha Maui is second on offense, and fourth on defense. Lahainaluna won the first game 39-19 on Sept. 15.
Warriors at a glance
The high school careers of Kamehameha’s career rushing leader, Damon Martin, and career passing leader, Kainoa Sanchez, wrap up. Martin, last year’s league rushing champion, is eighth this season, one spot in front of Sanchez, who leads the MIL in passing yards. Nathan Facuri, Karsyn Pupunu and Tristan Catan are the top three receivers.
Lunas at a glance
Lahainaluna will play in a state semifinal on Nov. 3 against an opponent to be announced. Joshua Tihada is third in the MIL in rushing, one spot in front of Elijah Ragudo. Tihada’s eight rushing touchdowns are tied for the most in the league, and the Lunas lead the MIL in rushing yards overall, averaging 252.7 per game.
MIL Second-Round Standings
Overall MIL record in parentheses
DIVISION I
W L Pct PF PA
x-Maui High (4-3) 2 1 .667 89 53
Baldwin (4-3) 2 1 .667 128 70
DIVISION II
W L Pct PF PA
y-Lahainaluna (7-0) 3 0 1.000 93 31
KS Maui (3-4) 1 2 .333 70 86
King Kekaulike (0-8) 0 4 .000 12 152
x-won first-round championship
y-clinched league championship
Friday, Oct. 13
Maui High 45, King Kekaulike 6
Saturday, Oct. 14
Baldwin 59, Kamehameha Maui 47
Today’s Game
Baldwin vs. Maui High at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.
Saturday’s Game
Kamehameha Maui at Lahainaluna, 7 p.m.
End of regular season
Friday, Oct. 27
Division I championship playoff: Maui High vs. Baldwin, if necessary, time TBA