HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
OIA Red West has best running backs in strong crop
ANALYSIS
NEITHER Jordan Torres nor Micah Abreu-Laybon is an elephant-type power running back, but they have produced some scintillating numbers already.
Both are power-packed, low-to-the-ground runners, but used differently. Mililani has relied on Torres as a featured back out if its I-slot formations. Leilehua has put Abreu-Laybon's arsenal of skills to use in multiple formations.
Torres has racked up 607 rushing yards on 81 carries in four games. At 151 yards per game (and 7.5 per carry), he has certainly met the standards expected by Trojans coach James Millwood.
Abreu-Laybon, meanwhile, has accumulated 285 yards on the ground and 189 more on 15 receptions. His ability to be the perfect safety valve -- he turned a short pass into a 68-yard score against Mililani -- makes his role extremely valuable to the Mules.
Which back is better? Torres is the better runner, though Abreu-Laybon can run inside and outside, too. Mililani has been inconsistent through the air, while Leilehua has, perhaps, the finest quarterback in the state, Bryant Moniz. Torres has just one reception for 5 yards, but it may be a sign of things to come. That catch was a touchdown in Mililani's most recent game, a loss to Waianae.
There is a posse of talented running backs across the state, as usual. Kealakehe's Gabe Tuata is racking up insanely big numbers, albeit against mostly Division II teams on the Big Island. Shandon Augustus of Pac-Five showed promise before an early-season injury. Bronson Ellis has quietly put up good numbers in Campbell's Wing-T offense.
Damien has found another terrific runner in Kama Bailey, while Kamehameha's Truman Chun has been solid in limited playing time. There's more.
Kapolei's two-way standout, Kamuela Foki, has been dangerous as a pass-catching running back. Kahuku is doing committee action again, but Lehi Aumua could rack up substantial numbers if he gets more carries.
Waipahu's Keo Palimo'o has been a big boost to Waipahu's option offense.
For now, at least, Torres and Abreu-Laybon are opening the most eyes.