With two weeks of games left in the OIA Division I slate, playoff time is right around the corner.
There are some hugely important games over the next nine days. Here’s a look at what’s left for every OIA team in both Division I and Division II.
OIA Blue
Teams that clinched a playoff berth: Kahuku, Campbell, Waianae, Aiea, Radford, Moanalua
Team eliminated: Kaiser
Teams that clinched a bye: Kahuku
What’s at stake: A Kahuku win over Radford this week sets up a division title showdown at Campbell on the 29th. The Red Raiders already have a bye, but a win gets them the No. 1 seed. The Sabers, who have a bye this week, win the division title with a victory but could fall to the third spot and lose out on a first-round playoff bye with a loss to Kahuku and a win by Waianae over Aiea this week. Three teams are tied with four losses but it’s Moanalua, which started 0-4, that has a chance to earn the fourth spot and a “home game” in the first round with a win by forfeit over Kaiser this week and a win over Radford next week. A Rams win over Na Menehune next week would likely mean a three-way tie for fourth through sixth, resulting in a coin flip.
OIA Red
Teams that clinched a playoff berth: Mililani, Kailua, Farrington, Leilehua, Castle
Team eliminated: Nanakuli/Kapolei loser on Sept. 29
Teams that clinched a bye: Nobody
What’s at stake: A lot, but not as much as it seems. Mililani has a two-game lead and can finish no worse than a tie for first. The only reason the Trojans haven’t clinched anything yet is the three teams currently with two losses, but that will change with Kailua playing at Leilehua this week. Nanakuli is in trouble with Mililani and Kapolei left on the schedule, but the Golden Hawks could shock the world. A win over the Hurricanes in the season finale would eliminate Kapolei from the playoffs. Only Nanakuli and Kapolei are in danger of missing the playoffs — a shocking development considering Kapolei was ranked in the top six in the state entering the season.
OIA D-II
Teams that clinched a playoff berth: Pearl City, Waipahu
Team eliminated: McKinley, Waialua
Teams that clinched a bye: Nobody
What’s at stake: Pearl City and Waipahu play this week with a Chargers win clinching the division title, but there’s another huge game on Friday as well. Kalani and Roosevelt meet with the winner in position to claim the fourth and final playoff berth. The Falcons control their own destiny, but look out for Kalaheo, which can still sneak in there. Despite having to forfeit a game earlier this season and struggling with low numbers, the Mustangs have Waialua this week and Kalani the following week. With Falcons quarterback Seth Tina-Soberano working his way back from an injury, could the Mustangs be the surprise playoff team in the OIA?
Yes the Campbell-Kahuku game will be huge. At this point of the season the momentum is with Campbell. Their passing game is strong, the running game keeps teams honest, and their defense has been tough. Disputes their loss to Waianae, they have been very consistent so far on both sides of the ball. Kahuku, meanwhile, has looked dominant over their lesser opponents. However, their wins over Leilehua and Waianae occurred early in the season when both of those teams were not at full strength. Both of those teams have improved. Kahuku’s offense hasn’t been consistent. The running game is their strength but Bingham proved their o-line needs to improve. They’ve tried to put together a passing game but it’s to predictable and inconsistent. Defensively they are tough but Bingham proved they could pass on the corners and run successfully due to Kahuku’s missed tackles. It’ll come down to which coaching staff prepares and executes their game plans while making adjustments during the game. One note though, is that Darren Johnson has never beaten Kahuku while he has been a head coach.
Put the pipe down bro. This is not even going to be a game.
c’mon now… das all…
😂😂😂…gotta agree with 88, you’re hyping Campbell way too much!🤣🤣🤣
I totally agree with hi hs fan but Sol Jay wasn’t playing the Bingham game. Also Bingham linemen was way more aggressive than kahuku linemen. Hi hs fan was right on point with kahuku being inconsistent and to predictable in there passing game. It’s just a waste from being a super offense last year to a team learning how to play the game. Id say coaches need to do a better job coaching
Knation did you watch the Bingham game? It wouldnt of mattered if kahukus starting QB played. The result would have been the same because of the idiotic play calling. Kahuku could have had Joe Motana at QB and the outcome would still be the same. Hopefully the play calling and coaching gets better because if we try that same bull$#it against St. Louis they going spank our arse up and down the field all game.
@88 yes I agree with you! I’ve been saying that too. It’s the whole entire playbook that needs to go. Kahuku has the personnel to have a high scoring offense but the coaches choose to make it harder for themselves but will see if adjustment will be made until then i see st.louis and mililani in the state championship game. As for Campbell they are impressive and has a chance to beat a struggling kahuku.
If kahuku would just run the ous has no chance. St Louis would be the only competition but with a balanced offense (which we arent) so others have a slim chance if they play well and we don’t. It’s still football season so it’s all good. Play hard, be safe and good luck to all teams. Go BIG Red.
Kahuku has always been known to play hard-nosed football. Their success on offense Has always been having a dominating offensive line and running backs that are both strong and fast. Their weakness was that they did not have a decent passing game. So it seemed like the HC & OC wanted to try and develop a passing game. However, it takes more than summer & Pylon 7-on-7 passing leagues to be successful. They have a Young (only a sophomore) quarterback who can be a dual-threat. I believe if they ran a read-option offense they would be more successful. Furthermore, it would open up the play-action passes. Thus, if they go back to a formidable running game it’ll give them more opportunities to be successful with short and intermediate passes. I agree with some of the previous posts that Bingham dominated Kahuku’s o-line. I also must concur that the offensive play calling was suspect.
Kahuku fans always whining and wearing those Red Raider shirts with the politically incorrect Indian picture all over town. They stand up during games which makes it hard for the kapunas who have to sit to enjoy the action on the field. I hope Campbell wins.
@Education First, you are entitled to your opinions and viewpoints. You portray yourself as someone who has a solid educational foundation. You are also very articulate in bringing across your beliefs. However, you definitely have a negative view of Kahuku High School, its students and athletes, the community, and its alumni. You consistently question the academic integrity of the school and those who have graduated from there. Like all small, rural, and inner city schools, individuals like you feel that these schools do not focus on academics and are not on the same academic level as the larger, prestigious private or city schools. Schools like Kahuku, Waianae, Nanakuli, Waialua, and those on the neighbor islands might not have the resources, means, or political support to be considered, by you, as academically qualified. However, if you, an educated person, would do some research, you would find that many of these schools have alumni who are successful politicians, judges, lawyers, doctors, nurses, CPA’s, CEO’s, bankers, etc. They are also you professors, teachers, educators, social workers, public and civil servants. Your restaurant owners, chefs, small business owners, hotel executives, and union leaders. Your musicians, entertainers, recording artists, and journalists. And yes, your bank tellers, grocery clerks, state and county laborers, coaches, and you neighbors. My point, stop continuously putting down communities, like Kahuku, and the rest, who are very proud of their school, athletic teams and athletes. In your mind you feel they are not comparable or on your accepted level of education. One thing for sure, and something you might need to learn, is that they have pride, values of hardwork, family, respect, humility, and honor among others. Much Aloha.