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This week in MIL football

Joshua Tihada is one of four Lunas who could see action at quarterback today against Baldwin. MATT HIRATA photo

Baldwin vs. Lahainaluna

Today, War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Overview

The last two overall Maui Interscholastic League champions meet in the league opener — Baldwin was 8-0 in league play in 2016, the same mark Lahainaluna put up last season. The top-ranked offense a year ago from Baldwin meets the No. 2 defense of the Lunas.

Bears at a glance

La’a Asuega-Stark takes over at QB, Bishop Wickes returns at RB, and baseball standouts Kapena Kamai and Bubba Varner will be counted on at WR.

Lunas at a glance

As many as four QBs could see action, depending on the offensive package. Kai Bookland caught eight passes last season for an average of 24.9 yards.

Quotable

“I’m proud of that last name, and the other side of my family is Tihada, so all the coaches and everything. It’s nice to have. Viela’s a proud name at Lahainaluna and so is Tihada.”

— Ikaika Viela, a Lahainaluna senior offensive lineman whose sister Maiki Viela was a Parade All-American basketball player at Lahainaluna; uncle Garret Tihada is the co-head coach and grandfather Lanny Tihada is also on the staff.

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Maui High vs. King Kekaulike

Saturday, King Kekaulike Stadium, 7 p.m.

Overview

King Kekaulike will play on its new $5 million field for the first time in league play, while Maui High hopes to start a campaign that leads to a second straight state tournament berth. Maui High’s top-ranked defense from a year ago will try to contain a Na Alii offense led by Trey Hunter.

Na Alii at a glance

Franco Melgar Martich has been taking the bulk of game snaps at QB. Helmut Finau had a 28-yard INT return for a touchdown last week in a 20-19 loss to HPA.

Sabers at a glance

QB Brex Delray has a solid receiving corps that includes Mitchell Hirose, Christian Lee, Torryn Kauhaahaa-Sulusi and Trent Takara.

Quotable

“We lost a close friend this year, not too long ago, Elijah Kamalani. I give this game to him because we were really close. I grew up with this kid and I loved him. So, this one’s for you Elijah.”

— Viliami Makoni, a Maui High senior defensive lineman, on his friend and former classmate who died on Aug. 1 at the age of 18.

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MIL schedule

First round

Today’s Games

Baldwin vs. Lahainaluna at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

American Leadership Academy (Ariz.) at Kamehameha Maui, 7 p.m. (nonleague)

Saturday’s Game

Maui High at King Kekaulike, 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 24

Maui High at Kamehameha Maui, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 25

King Kekaulike at Lahainaluna, 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 31

Baldwin vs. Kamehameha Maui at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 1

Maui High vs. Lahainaluna at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 7

Baldwin at King Kekaulike, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 8

Kamehameha Maui at Lahainaluna, 7 p.m.

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