Waianae has the horses;
Campbell has the beefOIA Red race could be a rerun of last year
By Pat Bigold
Star-BulletinConsidering that Waianae has back its pile-driving three-man defensive front, an equally impressive ground game and a quarterback who threw for more than 160 yards against St. Louis two weeks ago, it's pretty hard not to pick the Seariders to win the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference again. But don't overlook Campbell, the jumbo-sized team that lost to the Seariders in the OIA title game. With Kahuku out of the picture, the Sabers believe they belong in the league finale and the Prep Bowl's marquee game.
The Red season opens tonight when Waipahu takes on Farrington at 8:05 p.m. at Aloha Stadium, and Leilehua travels to Waianae for a 7 p.m. game.
Roosevelt will open at Campbell tomorrow night. Castle has the week off.
With all-state pick White Sosene and Stanford Evaimalo back to apply the squeeze from their defensive end positions, and nose tackle Kainoa Evangelista tearing up the middle, opposing OIA quarterbacks will find it uncomfortable to stay in the pocket.
Senior linebacker Tai Bradley and senior defensive backs Micah Molina and Sheldon Kapua also are major contributors on the stingy Waianae defense.
Third-year head coach Leo Taaca is quick to point out that running the ball is the hallmark of Waianae offense. With quarterback Kana Kawai handling the triple option and running backs West Keliikipi and Kamuela Black that should be true again this year. But Kawai adds another dimension to the Seariders' offense -- the pass. He proved that with a 166-yard performance (19-for-26) against St. Louis in the preseason opener.
Kawai has effective receivers in wideout Chucky Narvaez, tight end Sammy Koahou and sure-handed back Duane Miller to throw to.
If any team has a chance to derail the Waianae express, it is Campbell. The Sabers, under fourth-year head coach Darren Hernandez, were the Red's top defensive team and second leading offensive team last season.
"We have a healthy respect for Waianae but we feel we can compete with them, and our kids feel if we do what we have to do, we can beat anybody," Hernandez said.
Rodney Tavui, a 6-1, 230-pound senior, is the starting quarterback and Hernandez said he might be an even better athlete than the rugged Kaleopa. "He's one of the best athletes on the team, he did very well in pass league and he can bench over 300 pounds," Hernandez said.
There's physical strength at running back, too, with 5-10, 215-pound Jason Albritton, who is a superb powerlifter.
A look at the offensive line shows why Campbell will be effective moving the ball. Surrounding center Shaun Onuma (5-10, 235 pounds) are Akoni Arnold (6-2, 315), George Willing (6-2, 270), Kawika Wright (6-5, 345) and Shane Akina (6-2, 265).
Veteran Mark Acidera, who scored six touchdowns in the 1996 Red schedule, is the top receiver.
On defense, some of the keys will be defensive tackle Mike Muasau, third-year starting linebacker Robby Takara, nose tackle Abraham Ibale and outside linebacker Jack Ioane.
Waipahu and Leilehua also could cause some disquieting moments for the front-runners.
The Marauders return mobile quarterback Kaiser Seumalo, who was the top passer in the Red last season (1,018 yards/nine TDs).
The ground game looks stable with senior running back Aaron Pasion. Junior Colin Santos, who had an 87-yard return for a touchdown against Iolani last week, should give Seumalo a nice target.
Third-year starter Lui Fuga leads the defense.
Leilehua returns the White Conference rushing champion, John West (10 touchdowns, 725 yards last year).
Farrington is young this season, although that doesn't necessarily mean the Governors won't be a factor. With the return of four probationary players, Farrington will have 11 returning starters, including standout defensive lineman Kale Williamson.
New quarterback T.J. Akusitino will operate behind a line that returns just two starters.
Roosevelt, which survived in the Red last year with two wins, and newcomer Castle, with just 30 players, are question marks.