This week in MIL football
Baldwin vs. King Kekaulike
Today, War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.
Overview
The MIL first round ends this weekend with all eyes on the second round. The Bears own the first-round title in Division I, while Na Alii are looking to build on their best record in years. Baldwin is third in MIL team offense and second on defense. King Kekaulike is fourth on offense, fifth on defense.
Na Alii at a glance
Trey Hunter is a one-man wrecking crew. He is tied for second in MIL scoring, tied for sixth in receptions — while averaging 22.1 yards per catch — is fourth in rushing and seventh in passing. He also plays stellar defense and punts.
Bears at a glance
Laakea Asuega-Stark is fourth in passing and seventh in rushing. Isaiah Souza is third in rushing and fifth in scoring. Kapena Kamai is tied for third and Isaiah Richards is tied for sixth in receptions. Ezra Laga is ninth on the rushing list.
Quotable
“The way that we’re coaching, we’re training it, offseason training, the way that these guys are playing — it’s never-give-up-type mentality. We just have to stop making these mistakes and kicking ourselves in the butt.”
— Tyson Valle, King Kekaulike coach on the team’s new mentality
*****
Maui High vs. Lahainaluna
Saturday, War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.
Overview
The 3-0 Lunas meet the 0-3 Sabers to end the first round. Lahainaluna is on a roll after a season-opening, nonleague loss to Damien, while Maui High has struggled with injuries after a nonleague win over Kauai. The Lunas top the MIL in team offense and defense. Maui High is fifth on offense, fourth on defense.
Lunas at a glance
Lahainaluna has the No. 1 passer in the MIL in Esekielu Storer and the No. 1 rusher in Joshua Tihada. The Lunas average nearly 100 yards per game more than second-place Kamehameha Maui in MIL team offense.
Sabers at a glance
For the third game in a row, Maui High has a list of more than 10 players who are out injured this week. Brex Delray ranks second in passing, and Kaeo Miguel is second in receptions in the MIL.
Quotable
“Just a lot. It has impacted us a lot because a lot of the guys who are injured are starters. So, the younger guys just have to step in, step up and just play. This game is important how we play, that we play four quarters.”
— Rodney Figueroa, Maui High coach said Thursday on the injury situation
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MIL Standings
DIVISION I
W L Pct PF PA
x-Baldwin 2 1 .667 69 57
Maui High 0 3 .000 20 78
DIVISION II
W L Pct PF PA
x-Lahainaluna 3 0 1.000 114 21
KS Maui 2 2 .500 88 87
King Kekaulike 1 2 .333 44 92
x-clinch first-round championship
Friday, Sept. 13
Baldwin 33, Maui High 0
Saturday, Sept. 14
Kamehameha Maui 34, King Kekaulike 18
Today’s Game
Baldwin vs. King Kekaulike at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.
Saturday’s Game
Maui High vs. Lahainaluna at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27
Baldwin vs. Lahainluna at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Maui High vs. Kamehameha Maui at War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.