The Lahainaluna High School football team won 10 consecutive state tournaments from 2016-2021, achieved four consecutive Division II titles, and reached the first DI state final in Maui Interscholastic League history at the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA state tournament. The company expanded to
Three of those wins came against Kapaa in the D-II state championship game, and the Lunas defeated Kapaa in those title games 21-14 in 2016, 34-32 in 2018 and 21-10 in 2019. .
Lahainaluna also defeated Kapaa in preseason games, 21-18 in 2019 and 30-10 in 2018.
The Lunas lost 21-0 to Kapaa in the 2016 preseason, so they will take a five-game winning streak into the series heading into Saturday’s HHSAA DI quarterfinal showdown with the Warriors at Sue Cooley Stadium at 7 p.m.
“They are huge, but I believe we will match up well with them and there is a lot of history between both schools, so it will come down to who can make the fewest mistakes and execute better.” Lahainaluna co-head coach Dean Rickard said by phone Thursday. “That’s what we’re really focused on. Just executing. Don’t miss any assignments and just polishing up what we already have, because we have a lot of packages.”
Unlike their impressive run to four straight D-II state titles, the Lunas have lost their last two games in the state tournament — 38-0 to Iolani in the 2021 DI state title game and in last season’s DI quarterfinals. They lost to Aiea 30-10.
“They understand what’s at stake. Our seniors in particular are very excited about the chance to at least play for a promotion spot.” Rickard said. “They understand the impact. It’s a one-time deal. They focus on the X’s and O’s to help us remember our challenges and prepare physically and mentally. It allowed me to focus on doing what I do best.”
Rickard said being able to play at home is a big advantage. The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to the state semifinals on Nov. 18 against top-seeded Konawaena.
“I think the best thing is that we can host it and you don’t have to deal with travel and all that stuff.” Rickard said. “Whenever you go on a trip, there are too many distractions. So we’re happy to be able to at least have the first round here.”
The Lunas are 5-0 against the Maui Interscholastic League this season. Four of the wins were two wins each against Maui High School and Baldwin, who are looking to qualify for MIL DI state, and the other was a hard-fought 19-13 victory over Maui High School and Baldwin. Kamehameha Maui on October 14th.
Kamehameha Maui is the No. 2 seed in D-II and will play in the semifinals on Nov. 18.
Lahainaluna has extended its winning streak to 44 games this season, a MIL record since 2016, and is 47 wins and 3 losses since the start of the 2017 season.
Rickard shakes his head at being back in the state tournament, even though the Aug. 8 wildfires that ripped through the town put the season in major jeopardy. Nine of the 18 coaches on staff lost their homes in the fire, as did more than half the team.
All six of the Lunas’ games this season have been sold out, most within minutes of tickets going on sale online.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about the game itself.” Rickard said. “That’s what we’re doing this for and what we’ve been preparing for. Of course there was the immediate aftermath of the fire, but the support from our community was always there. This event has made it even bigger. And the kids understand that, but they also understand that the game still needs to be played.
“Once you take that aspect away, the kids realize all they have to do is focus on the game. I just have to be disciplined and give my best every time I step on the field.”
Rickard said national media attention has largely waned, but the Washington Post and NFL Films are still working on producing articles and documentaries about the team.
“The media attention is still there and I think it will continue.” Rickard said. “I hope this isn’t the last week. As long as they’re there, that means we’re progressing, so we welcome that. From a coach’s point of view, that’s always a good thing, right? Anyway. That’s the intention.”
Ricardo added: “We’ve played five games and this will be our sixth game, so I’m happy with where we’re at, mentally and physically. We were a little flustered, but we’ve had an extra week and we’re happy. It’s helped us out. For the most part, everyone is back to some capacity, except for Avery Babayan (shoulder injury), who is very questionable for this weekend.”
Mr Rickard said Kapaa was his usual self, very large and easy to run.
“Kapaa is definitely a physical team, no question. I mean they always have size.” Rickard said. “But they can run as much as they want and they can get them out. We’ve seen them throw the ball, run from the spread, and attack hard. They’re athletic on the defensive end. He has a lot of ability, and while he’s not as physically big as he used to be, he’s still very athletic on defense.
“They run the bases in a 4-4 and we believe they will blitz and try to thwart our traps and misdirection. So we expect to see a lot of blitz packages from them. Offensively, it’s a zone-read type of offense. They’re very physical up front.”
* Robert Collias is rcollias@mauinews.com.
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football state championship
Division I
Saturday matches • Quarterfinals
No. 3 Damian vs. Farrington, Kaiser, 6 p.m.
No. 5 Kapaa at No. 4 Lahainaluna, 7 p.m.
Saturday November 18th • Semi-finals
Lahainaluna-Kapaa winner, 1st Konawaena, 7 p.m.
Damian Farrington, No. 2 Waipahu, 7 p.m.
Saturday November 25th • Championship
Semifinal winner, Mililani, 7 p.m.
Division II
Today’s matches • Quarterfinals
No. 3 Pac-Five vs. Kaimuki, Roosevelt, 4 p.m.
No. 5 Kamehameha Hawaii, No. 4 Roosevelt, 7 p.m.
Saturday November 18th • Semi-finals
Winner of No. 1 Waimea vs. Roosevelt Kamehameha Hawaii at Hanapepe Stadium, 1 p.m.
Pac-Five Kaimuki winner, No. 2 Kamehameha Maui, 6 p.m.
Saturday November 25th • Championship
Semifinal Winner, Mililani, 4 p.m.
open division
Friday 17 November • Semi-finals
Campbell, No. 1 Mililani, 4 p.m.
No. 2 Punahou vs. Kahuku, Mililani, 7 p.m.
Friday, November 24th • Championship
Semi-final winner at venue to be determined, 7 p.m.