OIA RED WEST PREVIEW
Nothing will come easy for Mililani
The Trojans are the favorites in a stacked division
This may be the year when the enemy is so close, not a single football team in the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West can find a comfort zone.
All fingers point to Mililani as the favorite, rightfully so. The Trojans return a talented, smart line that outmaneuvers bigger foes in the trenches. Jordan Torres, a platoon player for the past two years, is the featured running back now. He broke out with a 234-yard game in last week's 26-23 win over Iolani.
"I think Jordan will make a big name for himself this year," Mililani coach James Millwood said during a sweltering, dog-day afternoon in mid-August.
From top to bottom, and certainly more so than the Red East, the West is loaded with similar levels of talent and size. That's why even longtime division champion Mililani is feeling the heat despite the fact that the Trojans are off to a strong start.
The Trojans won the West last year, but fell to Aiea after clinching the division title. That loss proved vital; Mililani lost momentum, while Aiea advanced to the OIA title game.
Leilehua returns only a handful of starters, but quarterback Bryant Moniz is healthy for his senior year. The Mule offense, once a juggernaut, was stifled by Saint Louis' defense in a 20-0 loss last week.
Waianae is experiencing ups and downs, but last week's 21-12 loss to No. 1 Punahou is reason for optimism. What separates the West from the East, though, is the strength of the new
comers.
Campbell and Radford were promoted from the OIA White (Division II) Conference, but the typical dropoff due to graduation hasn't seemed to hurt. Radford, which won the White and reached the D-II state final, has been surprisingly dynamic offensively.
The Sabers, with a number of key returnees, have won both nonconference games while permitting just 13 points combined by Castle and a resurgent Pac-Five squad.
It is Campbell coach Tumoana Kennessy, however, who is a bit anxious about returning to the Red West. "Mililani is always up there, well disciplined, well coached," he said. "Waianae has their tradition. You don't want to catch that team late in the season. Leilehua can throw the ball very well. Aiea's front seven is tough. I thought they graduated by now.
"Radford is young, but they have serious good skills. Their O-line is faster, their quarterback can throw the deep ball and their defense is fast," Kennessy noted. "Honestly, I don't want to play anybody."
Here's a look at the Red West:
AIEA NA ALII
Coach: Wendell Say
Returnees: 30
Returning starters, offense: 8
Returning starters, defense: 6
On paper: Na Alii bring one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the state, but the odd thing is, they might even be more lethal if All-State receiver Lofa Liilii were to play quarterback. The speedy senior is certainly not a one-man show, however.
"We're deep at receivers. We had a lot of kids who were young last year," Say said. "Hopefully, this will be their payoff year." Among them is James Buchanon, who is recovering from an offseason hand injury.
A sleeper among the pass catchers is Aldoius Colquitt, who moved to Hawaii from Florida last year. "He's got a lot of skills, a lot of confidence and speed," Say said.
Aiea is blessed with a posse of big, athletic linemen. Mako Malepeai (6-0, 308), was an All-Red West guard last season. Malepeai, who bench-presses 450 pounds, will move to center. "He's been our strongest guy since his sophomore year," Say said. "And he runs a 5.1 (in the 40)."
In all, Na Alii return four outstanding starters to the O-line.
David Liilii, the starting safety, was outstanding in the summer pass league as a receiver. "Lofa was at all these (mainland) camps, so (David) came up with all the catches. Everybody thought he was Lofa," Say said.
Finding a replacement for prolific passer Kali Kuia won't be instant. Returnee Alfredo Higa is a nimble runner, while JV product Keenan Naeole has a stronger arm. "He reads better and has a lot of maturity," Say said of Naeole, who is battling a pair of nagging injuries.
Mana Ohia has moved from strong safety to middle linebacker, and is a magnet to the football. Quinton Peterson moves over to the whip, while David Savaitasi, a transfer from the mainland, is the new strong safety.
"David can put a hat on people. He's still learning our defense, but it's coming along well," Say said. Receiver Alan Fonoti, coming back from a hand injury, will also see action on defense.
The skinny: Lofa Liilii is also the punter again. Can one player alter the course of a game? He can if he punts, returns kicks and is the fastest receiver in the league.
Coach says: "Our team is young. Defensively, we're rotating three ends, but only one is a senior."
CAMPBELL SABERS
Coach: Tumoana Kennessy
Returnees: 30
Returning starters, offense: 6
Returning starters, defense: 8
On paper: The Sabers are 2-0 and ranked No. 7 in the Star-Bulletin Top 10, much to the chagrin of Kennessy. This stacked defensive unit limited Castle to 6 points and Pac-Five to 7. The offense, meanwhile, is purring and difficult to handle. That's what happens when experienced players run the Wing T.
Defensive linemen Koroseta Leauma (6-foot, 225), Chris Fuga (5-11, 230) and Jordan Doane (5-11, 230) anchor the line. "When Matthew (Miller-Raymond, 5-11, 265) comes back, the D-line will get 10 times better," Kennessy promised.
The skinny: A potential season-ending injury to fullback Brazill Kelii (5-9, 190) could be pivotal to the Sabers' intricate offense. "We're hoping it's not serious. It would be a big loss," Kennessy said.
Running back Bronson Ellis-Rivera (5-8, 175) has been "a bright spot," the coach said. "He's been on track, showing more maturity as a junior."
Offensive linemen Matthew Masifilo (6-2 1/2, 250) has received offers from 13 D-I schools. Ryan Matautia (6-2, 340) also anchors the line.
Coach says: "My staff says this team plays with good sportsmanship. I don't think we've had any personal fouls yet. It's hard to figure out, but they're pulling for each other."
KAPOLEI HURRICANES
Coach: Darren Hernandez
Returnees: 24
Returning starters, offense: 3
Returning starters, defense: 3
On paper: Oddly enough, one of the more successful programs in the league is practically starting from scratch, Hernandez said. Last year's 'Canes sent four players to D-I universities and four more to small colleges. Gone are players at virtually every skill position, but speedster Aaron Santiago returns.
Offensive lineman Mike Matamua (6-4, 290) has offers from Utah, UNLV, Hawaii, Colorado and Washington. He runs a 5.1 40, benches 225 pounds 19 times and is an academic qualifier. However, he broke his hand in preseason and the young line is making the best of it.
Safety Kamuela Foki is a huge asset to the defense. The 5-10, 200-pound senior runs a 4.5 40. "He's a Troy Polomalu type," Hernandez said.
Foki ran for 80 yards and had 72 receiving yards in one game, then ran for 56 yards the week after while still starting at safety.
The skinny: Quarterback Mason Koa (6-1, 180) has all the tools, but no experience. Santiago started one game at quarterback, then Koa made his first start last week. He passed for 180 yards, but committed three turnovers.
Grade issues and injuries are sacking Kapolei, which had 20 players sidelined in a nonconference loss to McKinley.
Coach says: "We can't make an excuse. We just gotta rise up and play better. If we can survive the West season, look what Aiea did last year. We beat them early 41-13, and they made it to the OIA championship (game)."
LEILEHUA MULES
Coach: Nolan Tokuda
Returnees: 28
Returning starters, offense: 3
Returning starters, defense: 6
On paper: A No. 10 ranking (1-1) reflects a tough nonconference schedule and a bunch of inexperience.
The hybrid offense of the past two years has been a bit off-kilter in large part because of inexperience. Moniz (6-1, 185) returned from a collarbone injury for the playoffs last year, but his timing wasn't quite there. Getting that chemistry with his new receivers will take time, but Martin Iosefo (6-0, 185) is back as the most experienced wideout.
Pearl City transfer Micah Abreu-Laybon (5-9, 175) has emerged as the top running back for an offense that won't be as airborne, Tokuda said. Adriano Alae (5-11, 300) anchors the offensive line.
Viliami Hauga, a 6-4, 230-pound senior, is one of the leaders of the defensive line. "It's his first year playing varsity, but he's a born leader. The kids listen to him. He's the first one on the field and the last one off," Tokuda said.
Nose guard Mike Schuster (5-10, 250) and tackle Leroy McCloud (5-11, 265) fill the gaps in the trenches, while Roman Seui, Mene Asuega-Coffin and Art Laurel give the Mules a speedy trio of 'backers.
"Our defense is our strength," Tokuda said. Dustin Pauu, a two-way player, is at one corner and Aaremy Palomares is at the other. Rob Fiavii and Tianeva Tyrell-Edra are the safeties.
The skinny: The Mules may be young, but last year's JV team won the OIA title.
Coach says: "We're hoping we can stay healthy. That's key for us. This year, we got no excuses. We've got people behind (Moniz), and he'll be calling plays. That's the good thing. We gave him that in spring ball and pass league."
MILILANI TROJANS
Coach: James Millwood
Returnees: 27
Returning starters, offense: 7
Returning starters, defense: 5
On paper: Mililani's offensive line held its own and then some in early scrimmages against powerful Kahuku and Kamehameha. "Our line is a veteran group," Millwood said. "When Micah (Kia) got hurt last year, all five of them got experience. They're the most consistent and dedicated group, and very hard-working."
Versatile lineman Kenneth Peneku has shifted to left tackle this season. "We respect everybody on this team. Some other teams, if you tell the guys to hustle, they might give you attitude. Here, no attitude," he said.
Defensively, third-year starter Josh Andrews (6-1, 210) brings experience to his spot at middle linebacker. "We've been playing together since Pop Warner. No matter what, we hang out together," Andrews said.
Defensive lineman Matt Hunt (6-1, 245), formerly Matt Pupu, is off to a strong start, Millwood said.
The skinny: The book on the fifth-ranked Trojans is to stop their running game first, but the addition of former Utah and Saint Louis quarterback Darnell Arceneaux as offensive coordinator gives Millwood and his team a new dimension. Instead of plays being set pre-snap, quarterback Rustin Funakoshi and his receivers are making reads.
"This has been the best our passing game has been so far," Millwood said. "It takes pressure off our offensive line."
Mililani has been one of the best play-action teams in the OIA for years, but the ability to throw against soft coverage on first and second down is the kind of edge every team needs in the rugged Red West.
The addition of Leilehua transfer Isaiah Lawelawe gives Mililani much-needed depth and size at safety. "Isaiah was the piece missing in the puzzle. He's been doing everything we ask of him. Hard worker," said Millwood, who believes the senior will also contribute on offense.
Coach says: "They put a lot of work in over the summer. We're not overly big, but we want our guys to be agile."
RADFORD RAMS
Coach: Fred Salanoa
Returnees: 18
Returning starters, offense: 4
Returning starters, defense: 1
On paper: A year ago, the Rams went 9-3 overall and finished ninth in the Top 10 despite being a Division II team. That's how much talent they had, and how much respect they gained.
With the departure of so many talented graduates, this looked like the worst time for the Rams to move up to the Red West. Instead, they've held their own in a close loss to Iolani and a nice win over Pac-Five.
Travis Daniels, the lone returning starter to the defense, is seeing plenty of pigskin spirals as a slotback.
Kyle Blair, a returning starter at wide receiver, is one of the best in the state. "He and a lot of our guys have been with me for a while. They're dedicated, hard workers, quiet and lead by example," Salanoa said.
The passes are coming from first-year starter Epa Maika, who has loads of talent, but needs time to develop. "He can play, but we're just trying to get him to grow up a little, be a little more mature in his decision-making," said Salanoa, who was a prolific passer at Eastern Washington. "He has a good upside."
The skinny: The Rams aren't huge like last year's interior players were, but Salanoa's team has work ethic. "How are we going to jell as a team. We have a lot of new guys. How are they gonna take to our program," he asked.
Coach says: "I look at the West as very, very tough. It's gonna be a dogfight. I look at us as the lower part of the division, but I'm hoping we can make the top five for the playoffs. That's our goal right now."
WAIANAE SEARIDERS
Coach: Danny Matsumoto
Returnees: n/a
Returning starters, offense: 5
Returning starters, defense: 6
On paper: Last year, Waianae returned to prominence with a 9-4 overall record and a final No. 7 ranking. This season, the Seariders are in defensive mode, hoping a stalwart unit led by linebacker George Kauwalu can hold the fort. The offense is struggling through the air, which means Waianae will have to win the old-school way -- on the ground.
Kauwalu (6-0, 210), defensive back Preston Ayala (5-10, 165) and defensive lineman Fred Ellis (6-1, 240) are seniors who keep the unit in line.
Willie Duseigneur (6-0, 270), Alex Tupulua (6-2, 270) and Sosaia Waitai anchor the O-line.
The skinny: The Seariders rebounded from a one-sided home loss to Farrington by playing top-ranked Punahou tough in a 21-12 loss last week.
"There was some improvement," Matsumoto said. "Our offense and defense got a little better execution."
Waianae will get better when the injury skid goes away. Three starters are currently out, but numbers are there. Eighty players tried out this season.
Coach says: "Every week, there's gonna be a tough match. We have to stay healthy."