Trojans, ’Dogs are
favorites in OIA Blue

Kaimuki has imposing size
and Mililani has depth in its backfield

By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

Kaimuki and Mililani, two teams that desperately tried to bolt the Oahu Interscholastic Association Blue Conference last year, appear poised to rule it this year.

These teams will start the regular season off with a bang as they collide in an OIA opener Saturday at Mililani at 7 p.m.

The Bulldogs, who were 3-3 in 1996, and the Trojans, 4-2 last year, both went 2-0 in last month's preseason games.

When you talk about Kaimuki, you talk about size.

The returning offensive line, all seniors, averages nearly 286 pounds.

With Siaosi Mafile'o (6-foot, 271-pounds), Ricky Wells (6-0, 285) Travis Francisco (6-4, 285), Jason Valentin (6-2, 275) and Hatimu Manupuna (6-0, 313) blasting holes in opposing defenses, a talented but undersized running back such as 5-6, 160-pound senior Arthur Isa could run wild.

In a 42-36 victory over Kohala and a 27-7 win against the Red Conference's Roosevelt, Isa scored six times.

The mammoth Kaimuki line also enables 5-5, 120-pound starting senior quarterback Alton Wong to operate effectively.

"We are looking to our line for a lot of leadership this season," second-year Kaimuki head coach Fred Lee said.

Junior defensive lineman David Tautofi is the leader of the Bulldogs' defense.

At Mililani, the key word is backfield.

Coach James Millwood has four senior ball carriers returning who can make things happen: slotbacks Jose Serate, Ty Takamoto, Jeremy Deveraturda and fullback Garrison Quisano.

Deveraturda went over 100 yards in a 13-0 victory against Aiea last weekend and Takamoto scored twice in preseason.

But the silver bullet of the Trojans' backfield might be the guy who spent most of last year laid up with an injury.

Dyron Kelly is a run-and-catch threat on offense and a dangerous cornerback in the secondary.

In the preseason, the junior track standout (100-, 200- and 400-meter sprints), returned two picks for touchdowns.

Junior Ricky Goulsby, a first-team Blue Conference all-star, anchors the offensive line.

On defense, junior linebackers Shane Alfar and Sean Vallesteros are the keys.

Also in the hunt for the conference crown should be a White Conference refugee, Kalaheo (1-5 last year). The Mustangs proved they can pass effectively in preseason.

Senior Shawn Withy-Allen is the quarterback.

Kalani, which struggled to a 2-4 record last season, comes back with a do-everything player, Alvin Tokunaga. The senior plays slotback, cornerback and is a big threat as a return specialist. He had an 85-yard return against Honokaa in preseason.

Two of head coach Greg Taguchi's best players are cousins of the late Hawaiian recording artist, Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

Kapono Kamakawiwo'ole, a senior, plays quarterback and defensive back, while junior Kekai Kamakawiwo'ole is a running back and linebacker.

"The two are great athletes," said Taguchi.

Nanakuli (1-5 last year) has experience, too, with 21 returnees.

The only thing the Golden Hawks lack right now is depth. Due to the 2.0 rule, 16 of the 43 roster members are on academic probation.

The offensive line experience comes from tackles Kalama Marfil and Makana Kahoonei and guard Allin Yap -- all are seniors.

At quarterback is junior Silas Ah Sui.

Tight end Matt Asinsin, a 6-3, 200-pound senior who also plays linebacker, is a favorite target.

Waialua, which was winless last year in the Blue, and Pearl City, which won one game in the White, round out the Blue Conference.

Opening games

Friday
Nanakuli vs. Kalaheo, Aloha Stadium, 5:35 p.m.

Saturday
Kaimuki at Mililani, 7 p.m.
Kalani at Pearl City, 7 p.m.