The Radford High School football team has island-hopped the past two weeks in pursuit of the First Hawaiian Bank Division II Football State Championship, and now the crown is within grasp just a half-mile down Salt Lake Boulevard from the Rams' campus.

But today's title game might be their roughest journey yet.

Radford (10-3) takes on defending DII state champ 'Iolani (10-3) at 4:30 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.

"They're a tremendous team," Rams coach Fred Salanoa said of the Raiders. "Coach (Wendell) Look does a spectacular job with the size and talent that they have. We try to scrimmage them every year (in August), and the reason is I do that is to show my young men that it doesn't matter how big you are — if you have speed and play smart and pay attention to detail, you can be successful."

Radford has overcome its own obstacles the past month, rebounding from a 28-14 loss to Campbell in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association White Conference title game to become the first team in the 10-year history of the state tournament to win a first-round game and a semifinal while traveling to different islands.

The Rams upset Kaua'i Interscholastic Federation champ Kaua'i High, 17-7, at Vidinha Stadium in Lihu'e on Nov. 21 and then held off Maui Interscholastic League DII representative Lahainaluna, 33-27, at War Memorial Stadium in Wailuku last week.

"That shows their character," said Look, whose team had a first-round bye and then defeated Campbell, 24-6, at Roosevelt last week. "It's tough to travel, and for them to do it twice and win high-pressure games ... that's tough to overcome."

Salanoa said the extra time at the airports, on airplanes and in hotels has "brought the players together," but Radford also got a big boost on offense from a surprise source. Phil Hogan, a sophomore who was promoted from the JV, stepped in after injuries to veteran running backs and rushed for 160 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries in the victory over Kaua'i. He then had 93 yards on 20 carries in the win over Lahainaluna.

"He's a soft-spoken guy, and he waited for his opportunity," Salanoa said.

The opportunity came after another sophomore JV call-up, defensive back T.J. Reid, made two interceptions against Campbell in the OIA White title game.

"I think that lit a big fire for (Hogan) on the field," Salanoa said. "They've both made huge contributions for us."

Look is concerned not just about Hogan, but also Rams senior quarterback Mosiah Manuma.

Manuma has completed 72 of 125 passes (57.6 percent) for 908 yards and nine TDs, with only three interceptions. He also has rushed for 236 yards and two touchdowns on 36 carries (6.6 ypc).

"They run a multiple offense and they can establish the run real well with that new kid (Hogan)," Look said. "And their quarterback can throw and run."

Defensively, Look said Radford is "big, active and aggressive." The Rams defense features lineman Marcus Malepeai, a 6-foot-2, 245-pound senior who has made a verbal commitment to play for the University of Hawai'i.

Radford's front four averages 246 pounds per man, compared to the 'Iolani offensive line average of 208. Two of the Raiders' offensive linemen, sophomore Ryo Chow and junior Grant Yonemoto, weigh 180 pounds.

"But they have quickness and smarts," Salanoa said of the 'Iolani players. "Their coaching staff made wonderful adjustments against Campbell."

The Raiders offense is a quick-attacking one, with no huddles and players in fly motion before the snap. Quarterback Jarrett Arakawa has thrown for 1,866 yards and 19 TDs, and running back Kellen Imada has rushed for 949 yards and 13 touchdowns.

A not-so-secret weapon is senior Kela Marciel, a starting cornerback who also plays receiver and has 17 catches for 472 yards and six TDs. He also made two interceptions against Campbell.

"He's definitely a playmaker," Salanoa said. "We're going to have to try and play mistake-free football, because they will capitalize on our mistakes."

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