Maui High quarterback Rodney Vaka releases a first-quarter pass under pressure from Kamehameha Maui’s Kanekoa Maielua-Kekiwi last Saturday. The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photo

Kamehameha Maui at King Kekaulike

Tonight, King Kekaulike Stadium, 7 p.m.

Overview

The first games that count towards state tournament qualification take place this weekend, and this one will be one of the most-anticipated D-II regular-season games in recent memory. The Warriors lead the MIL in passing by a wide margin, just as Na Alii do in rushing.

Warriors at a glance

Senior QB Makana Kamaka-Brayce is 26 for 38 for 465 yards, eight TDs and no interceptions through two lopsided wins. Frank Abreu caught five passes for 145 yards and three touchdowns last week against Maui High, while Zedekiah Campbell ran 19 times for 99 yards.

Na Alii at a glance

Six players ran for more than 20 yards apiece last week against Baldwin, led by Jordan Yoro — he finished with five carries for 73 yards and a touchdown, caught the only pass Na Alii threw for a 16-yard TD, and also scored on a 33-yard interception return.

Quotable

“Oh, that’s going to be a lot of fun, especially since I grew up with a lot of those boys, just playing Pop Warner and stuff. It’s going to be good fun to see what they got.”

— Frank Abreu, Kamehameha Maui senior WR/LB on King Kekaulike

Baldwin vs. Maui High

Saturday, War Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.

Overview

Two teams searching for answers and in desperate need of a win battle in this one with the chance to jump to the top of the D-I standings as Lahainaluna’s return looms in two weeks. Maui High is averaging 153 yards per game on offense, Baldwin is averaging 71 yards per game.

Sabers at a glance

Rodney Vaka stepped in at quarterback last week and started to find some rhythm, although drops have plagued the Sabers’ offense. Polynesian Bowl invitee Ofa Falekaono, a senior linebacker, leads the defense. Piercen Cajical-Evans has amassed 118 yards rushing.

Bears at a glance

Trotter Apo has caught four passes, Brock Toma is the main option at running back, and Josiah Nakihei and Kalaheo Kanae Oliveira have shared duties at quarterback. The Bears defense is led by the return to Maui of linebacker Toa Mata’afa-Grove.

Quotable

“We have got to get on the same page. Rodney made really good throws and then we dropped it. Then when the guys were in the right areas, we don’t make the good throw.”

— Aylett Wallwork, Maui High head coach after last week’s loss

MIL STANDINGS

Note: Only in-division games will count toward state qualification

DIVISION I

W L Pct PF PA

Lahainaluna 0 0 .000 0 0

Baldwin 0 2 .000 0 95

Maui High 0 2 .000 0 73

DIVISION II

W L Pct PF PA

KS Maui 2 0 1.000 86 0

King Kekaulike 2 0 1.000 82 0

Friday, Sept. 8

King Kekaulike 54, Baldwin 0

Saturday, Sept. 9

Kamehameha Maui 45, Maui High 0

Today’s Game

Kamehameha Maui at King Kekaulike, 7 p.m.

Saturday’s Game

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

Friday, Sept. 22

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

Saturday, Sept. 23

Maui High at King Kekaulike, 7 p.m.

Note: Lahainaluna first game on Sept. 30