HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Future Warrior Tuata makes Kealakehe dangerous
They bring out the old, catch you napping and explode with something new.
After more than 30 years of coaching high school football, Cliff Walters knows a thing or two about the old and the new. The Kealakehe coach runs a number of businesses in Kona, including one that puts good use to old stuff and new.
Walters, who loves to air the ball out from myriad formations, puts some of his creative energy to use on Alii Drive. With tourists and locals streaming about, he puts his explosive machinery -- an old-fashioned popcorn machine -- on the sidewalk. From there, the tasty treats do the trick.
"It's a come-on. People will stop and have some popcorn, and then they come in for a time-share presentation," he said. "It's beautiful here in Kona. Always beautiful."
The view will be even nicer if the Waveriders can get past Keaau for the Big Island Interscholastic Federation's Division I title on Saturday.
Walters has engineered a Kealakehe squad that isn't quite as big as last year's team, but has enough speed and versatility to dominate the BIIF. Gabe Tuata is the hub of Kealakehe's high-octane offense.
"I use Gabe like USC used Reggie Bush. He is Reggie Bush to us. I'm not saying he is Reggie Bush, but that's what he means to us," said Walters, who has said that Tuata is the next Chad Owens.
Unlike Owens, Tuata received a scholarship offer from Hawaii, and gave the Warriors a verbal commitment. The hoopla surrounding Tuata's commitment in the media and on Internet sites has been considerable, but then again, it's not often that UH offers a neighbor island skill-position player a scholarship.
Walters is glad the attention is waning already.
"I expected something to be happening toward the end. I wish it could've been later. It kind of detracts from the other kids," he said. "They have hopes, too, and we like to think in terms of the team. They open up the paper and there's No. 5."
The team is surviving the media onslaught partly because Tuata is an unassuming person.
"Gabe's a team player, a really humble kid. The team is happy, and it's Gabe that makes this easy for the team to swallow. The hay is in the barn, and now we can just play football, I think that's what he's thinking now," Walters said.
Now would be the time for Kealakehe to finish the BIIF season with a perfect record. The 'Riders are 11-0 overall, including 9-0 in league play. One more win would qualify No. 8 Kealakehe for the state tournament. The BIIF champion is scheduled to face the Oahu Interscholastic Association runner-up at Mililani's field next week.
If the Waveriders get there, they have a chance to go further than Kealakehe's last two championship teams. Those squads lost to Leilehua and Waianae at Kealakehe's field.
Here's a look at this weekend's games:
TOMORROW
BIIF
Keaau (7-4) at Kealakehe (11-0, 9-0) -- The Cougars began the season with a bumpy ride, but have finished strong. Running back Bronson Kaneao is a force for Keaau's offense, which ranked second in BIIF scoring at nearly 24 points per game.
"They have good speed, tough kids. We expect a good game out of them. They have a good quarterback and they pass 90 percent of the time," Walters said. "They have good receivers, and the running back can catch the ball out of the backfield."
Kealakehe won the regular-season matchup 47-7, but will face a reborn team.
"I went over and filmed their game, and they're ready to play us, that's for sure. They're not afraid of us," Walters said. "They even run a wishbone. They give you a lot of formations and keep you on your toes. We expect a much closer game for the championship."
Tuata has run for more than 1,600 yards, but Max Papalii has returned from an injury to balance the backfield. Keoki Limahai's passing has also added balance to an offense that scores nearly 50 points per game.
Kealakehe's defense, anchored in part by linebacker Fetu Longi, has permitted just 41 points. Longi also plays running back, giving Walters a 205-pound power runner.
Konawaena (7-4, 6-2) at Kamehameha-Hawaii (8-2, 7-2) -- The Warriors started the season with a younger team, but have progressed and gained momentum. Running back Colten Wong has been a prolific producer for the defending Division II champions.
Reece Alnas, a senior defensive back, was a big player in the Warriors' 25-19 win at Konawaena a month ago. The three-sport standout returned an interception 51 yards for a touchdown and also caught a scoring pass in that key win.
Konawaena lost starting quarterback Kawai Kanuha to an injury two weeks ago, but rebounded and surprised Honokaa 20-0 last week.
OIA
No. 2 Kahuku (8-2) vs. No. 3 Waianae (7-3), Aloha Stadium -- The three-time OIA Red champion Red Raiders have won big games this season under new head coach Reggie Torres. Last week's 13-7 win over Leilehua silenced those who weren't sure Kahuku could handle a team with passing proficiency.
Nai Fotu and Kaniela Tuipulotu continue to anchor Kahuku's 3-4 and 4-3 fronts. They'll face a Waianae offensive line that has manhandled opponents all season long.
Kahuku's offense, meanwhile, was in normal smashmouth form last week. Backup running back Junior Mataafa broke off an 82-yard touchdown run to give his team a fourth-quarter lead.
Waianae's offense, guided by Ben McQuown, has shown more balance than Kahuku's run-first, run-second, run-third attack. McQuown is the X Factor. He turned the ball over twice in last week's 7-6 win over Mililani, but also scrambled for key first downs. He rushed for 90 yards on just seven carries.
Linebackers Chad Duran and George Kauwalu spearhead the Searider defense, one of the best in the state.
Kaimuki (6-3-1) vs. Waipahu (6-2-2), Aloha Stadium -- Both teams have qualified for the state tournament, but their focus is still on winning the White Conference title. Matt Soueira was a difference-maker in Waipahu's 19-14 regular-season win over the Bulldogs nearly two months ago. Soueira caught a touchdown pass and ran for a 62-yard score, and the Marauder defense permitted just 155 total yards.
Kaimuki has been on a roll, ousting top seed Kaiser last week to earn a state berth.
Both OIA games will air at www.oc16.tv/sports/livestream on the Internet, as well as on OC 16.
SATURDAY
ILH
Damien (3-6-1, 2-4-1) vs. Iolani (4-5-1, 2-4-1), Kaiser Stadium -- A state-tournament berth is at stake in this Division II tiebreaker. Damien running back Kama Bailey has rushed for a whopping 1,278 yards and 11 touchdowns, including his best game of 301 yards and three scores against Iolani.
Damien tied Iolani 34-all in their first meeting, then toppled the defending ILH D-II champs 14-10 in their second matchup. The Raiders' run-and-shoot is the antithesis to Damien's power game. Ryan Dung threw for 254 yards and three touchdowns in the first game with Damien.
OIA
No. 9 Mililani (7-3) at No. 7 Leilehua (7-3) -- There's always plenty of intensity when these neighboring rivals meet, but now there's a state berth at stake. When they met in early September at Hugh Yoshida Stadium, Bryant Moniz threw for 237 yards, three touchdowns and no picks. Micah Abreu-Laybon amassed 191 yards from scrimmage, including a 68-yard touchdown pass.
Mililani's passing game has come around since. Rustin Funakoshi's accuracy and Isaiah Lawelawe's running ability have taken a load off the OIA's leading rusher, Jordan Torres.
FOOTBALL
High school standings
ILH
| Division I |
|
|
League |
|
|
|
|
Overall |
| Team |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
| Saint Louis |
7 |
0 |
0 |
227 |
120 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
306 |
140 |
|
| Punahou |
4 |
3 |
0 |
217 |
184 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
281 |
210 |
| Kamehameha |
4 |
3 |
0 |
139 |
91 |
8 |
3 |
0 |
227 |
136 |
| Division II |
|
|
League |
|
|
|
|
Overall |
| Team |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
| Damien |
2 |
3 |
1 |
105 |
165 |
3 |
6 |
1 |
166 |
250 |
| Iolani |
2 |
4 |
1 |
143 |
202 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
214 |
252 |
| Pac-Five |
0 |
6 |
0 |
94 |
171 |
3 |
7 |
0 |
194 |
266 |
OIA
| Red East |
|
Conference |
|
|
|
Overall |
| Team |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
| Farrington |
5 |
1 |
0 |
198 |
112 |
6 |
3 |
0 |
247 |
152 |
| Kahuku |
5 |
1 |
0 |
192 |
71 |
8 |
2 |
0 |
281 |
121 |
| McKinley |
4 |
2 |
0 |
120 |
115 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
169 |
194 |
| Castle |
3 |
3 |
0 |
128 |
112 |
3 |
6 |
0 |
159 |
164 |
| Kailua |
3 |
3 |
0 |
96 |
118 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
128 |
152 |
| Moanalua |
1 |
5 |
0 |
110 |
229 |
2 |
6 |
0 |
158 |
255 |
| Kalaheo |
0 |
6 |
0 |
104 |
191 |
1 |
7 |
0 |
198 |
225 |
| Red West |
|
Conference |
|
|
|
Overall |
| Team |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
| Waianae |
5 |
1 |
0 |
143 |
65 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
212 |
129 |
| Leilehua |
5 |
1 |
0 |
141 |
98 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
198 |
165 |
| Mililani |
4 |
2 |
0 |
146 |
115 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
245 |
163 |
| Kapolei |
3 |
3 |
0 |
96 |
148 |
4 |
5 |
0 |
138 |
236 |
| Aiea |
2 |
4 |
0 |
140 |
168 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
206 |
267 |
| Campbell |
1 |
5 |
0 |
105 |
131 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
160 |
144 |
| Radford |
1 |
5 |
0 |
117 |
163 |
2 |
6 |
0 |
164 |
208 |
| White |
|
Conference |
|
|
|
Overall |
| Team |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
| Kaiser |
6 |
1 |
1 |
263 |
71 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
290 |
125 |
| Waialua |
5 |
2 |
1 |
209 |
137 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
283 |
193 |
| Waipahu |
5 |
1 |
2 |
166 |
75 |
6 |
2 |
2 |
201 |
129 |
| Pearl City |
5 |
2 |
1 |
204 |
122 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
211 |
128 |
| Kaimuki |
5 |
2 |
1 |
198 |
94 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
236 |
151 |
| Roosevelt |
3 |
5 |
0 |
172 |
184 |
4 |
6 |
0 |
172 |
225 |
| Nanakuli |
2 |
4 |
2 |
118 |
146 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
130 |
173 |
| Anuenue |
1 |
7 |
0 |
83 |
255 |
1 |
8 |
0 |
89 |
265 |
| Kalani |
0 |
8 |
0 |
20 |
338 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
26 |
412 |
KIF
|
|
Conference |
|
|
|
Overall |
| Team |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
| Kauai |
6 |
0 |
0 |
220 |
22 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
227 |
28 |
| Waimea |
3 |
3 |
0 |
87 |
148 |
5 |
3 |
0 |
158 |
168 |
| Kapaa |
0 |
6 |
0 |
58 |
195 |
1 |
7 |
0 |
85 |
231 |
MIL
|
|
Second round |
|
|
|
Overall |
| Team |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
| King Kekaulike |
3 |
1 |
1 |
217 |
117 |
6 |
3 |
1 |
310 |
256 |
| Lahainaluna |
3 |
1 |
1 |
116 |
149 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
263 |
117 |
| Baldwin |
4 |
0 |
1 |
159 |
44 |
9 |
0 |
1 |
344 |
86 |
| KS-Maui |
1 |
2 |
1 |
94 |
121 |
3 |
5 |
1 |
208 |
237 |
| Maui |
0 |
3 |
1 |
41 |
115 |
1 |
7 |
1 |
115 |
253 |
| Pac-Three |
0 |
4 |
1 |
54 |
205 |
0 |
9 |
1 |
111 |
402 |
|
|
First round |
|
|
|
Overall |
| Team |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
| Baldwin |
5 |
0 |
0 |
185 |
42 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
185 |
42 |
| Lahainaluna |
4 |
1 |
0 |
147 |
68 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
147 |
68 |
| King Kekaulike |
3 |
2 |
0 |
123 |
139 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
123 |
139 |
| KS-Maui |
3 |
3 |
0 |
153 |
122 |
3 |
3 |
0 |
153 |
122 |
| Maui |
1 |
5 |
0 |
80 |
177 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
80 |
177 |
| Pac-Three |
0 |
5 |
0 |
57 |
197 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
57 |
197 |
BIIF
|
|
Conference |
|
|
|
Overall |
| Team |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
W |
L |
T |
PF |
PA |
| Kealakehe |
9 |
0 |
0 |
439 |
34 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
496 |
41 |
| Honokaa |
7 |
2 |
0 |
211 |
177 |
7 |
4 |
0 |
238 |
245 |
| Konawaena |
6 |
3 |
0 |
201 |
127 |
7 |
4 |
0 |
227 |
144 |
| Keaau |
6 |
3 |
0 |
231 |
176 |
7 |
3 |
0 |
259 |
179 |
| KS-Hawaii |
7 |
2 |
0 |
340 |
166 |
8 |
2 |
0 |
367 |
166 |
| Waiakea |
4 |
5 |
0 |
152 |
184 |
4 |
7 |
0 |
155 |
250 |
| Hawaii Prep |
3 |
6 |
0 |
120 |
194 |
3 |
7 |
0 |
129 |
221 |
| Kohala |
1 |
8 |
0 |
135 |
296 |
1 |
8 |
0 |
135 |
296 |
| Hilo |
2 |
7 |
0 |
116 |
206 |
2 |
8 |
0 |
136 |
229 |
| Ka'u |
0 |
9 |
0 |
26 |
401 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
26 |
401 |
ILH statistics
| TEAM OFFENSE |
G |
Rush |
Pass |
Total |
Avg |
| Punahou |
6 |
509 |
1,678 |
2,187 |
364.5 |
| Iolani |
5 |
732 |
998 |
1,730 |
346.0 |
| Saint Louis |
6 |
1,051 |
971 |
2,022 |
337.0 |
| Damien |
6 |
1,279 |
475 |
1,754 |
292.3 |
| Pac-Five |
6 |
877 |
725 |
1,602 |
267.0 |
| Kamehameha |
5 |
495 |
479 |
974 |
194.8 |
| TEAM DEFENSE |
G |
Rush |
Pass |
Total |
Avg |
| Kamehameha |
5 |
523 |
605 |
1,128 |
225.6 |
| Saint Louis |
6 |
268 |
1,095 |
1,363 |
227.2 |
| Damien |
6 |
882 |
1,002 |
1,884 |
314.0 |
| Pac-Five |
6 |
1,034 |
952 |
1,986 |
331.0 |
| Punahou |
6 |
1,016 |
993 |
2,009 |
334.8 |
| Iolani |
5 |
1,320 |
679 |
1,999 |
399.8 |
| RUSHING |
G |
Att |
Yds |
TD |
YPC |
YPG |
| Bailey, DAM |
6 |
153 |
953 |
8 |
6.2 |
158.8 |
| Yamamoto, IOL |
5 |
96 |
553 |
7 |
5.8 |
110.6 |
| Ho-Ching, PAC |
6 |
46 |
435 |
1 |
9.5 |
72.5 |
| Mamiya STL |
6 |
47 |
366 |
7 |
7.8 |
61.0 |
| Chun, KAM |
5 |
59 |
318 |
6 |
5.4 |
63.6 |
| Augustus, PAC |
6 |
66 |
304 |
1 |
4.6 |
50.7 |
| Hilliard, PUN |
6 |
57 |
303 |
5 |
5.3 |
50.5 |
| Montez, KAM |
5 |
44 |
194 |
1 |
4.4 |
38.8 |
| Auelua, STL |
4 |
20 |
185 |
0 |
9.3 |
46.3 |
| Dung, IOL |
5 |
28 |
163 |
2 |
5.8 |
32.6 |
| PASSING |
G |
Comp |
Att |
Pct. |
Yds |
TD |
INT |
| Kan, PUN |
6 |
128 |
209 |
0.61 |
1,600 |
13 |
6 |
| Dung, IOL |
5 |
72 |
147 |
0.49 |
977 |
4 |
6 |
| Mamiya, STL |
6 |
65 |
114 |
0.57 |
968 |
10 |
2 |
| Beirne, PAC |
6 |
55 |
130 |
0.42 |
646 |
2 |
11 |
| Hoke, KAM |
5 |
38 |
75 |
0.51 |
479 |
4 |
2 |
| Martin, DAM |
6 |
43 |
105 |
0.41 |
475 |
2 |
2 |
| RECEIVING |
G |
Rec |
Yds |
TD |
YPC |
YPG |
| Ostrowski, PUN |
6 |
46 |
706 |
8 |
15.3 |
117.7 |
| Hilliard, PUN |
6 |
22 |
204 |
0 |
9.3 |
34.0 |
| Kim, PUN |
6 |
22 |
252 |
1 |
11.5 |
42.0 |
| Fujioka, IOL |
5 |
20 |
259 |
1 |
13.0 |
51.8 |
| Ho-Ching, PAC |
6 |
18 |
229 |
0 |
12.7 |
38.2 |
| Hirokawa, IOL |
5 |
17 |
376 |
2 |
22.1 |
75.2 |
| Furukawa, IOL |
5 |
17 |
167 |
1 |
9.8 |
33.4 |
| Whitford, PUN |
6 |
16 |
195 |
2 |
12.2 |
32.5 |
| Kaina, DAM |
6 |
16 |
168 |
0 |
10.5 |
28.0 |
| Augustus, PAC |
6 |
16 |
139 |
0 |
8.7 |
23.2 |
| Ahlo, STL |
6 |
14 |
225 |
5 |
16.1 |
37.5 |
| SCORING |
G |
TD |
FG |
2pt |
PAT |
TOT |
| Bailey, DAM |
6 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
60 |
| Ostrowski, PUN |
6 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
60 |
| Mamiya, STL |
6 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
42 |
| Yamamoto, IOL |
5 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
42 |
| Chun, KAM |
5 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
36 |
| Kim, PUN |
6 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
21 |
36 |
| Chun, STL |
6 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
21 |
33 |
| Ahlo |
6 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
| Satele, PAC |
6 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
| Hilliard, PUN |
6 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
| Martin, DAM |
6 |
4 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
28 |
| Adams, IOL |
5 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
11 |
26 |
