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Wednesday, October 25, 2000
Kemoe‘atu anchors KAHUKU football coach Siuaki Livai says, "Not too many Chrises come around."
a tough defense
for Red Raiders
The 6-foot-5, 330-pound senior
will lead Kahuku's drive
in OIA PlayoffsBy Dave Reardon
Star-BulletinBut when they do, they're pretty good.
There was a time when it was thought Chris Kemoe'atu might become the next Chris Naeole.
But the coaches decided he'd be better off as the first Chris Kemoe'atu -- at least for now.
Last season, Kemoe'atu played mostly offensive line, like former Red Raider Naeole did on his way to the New Orleans Saints. But Kemoe'atu is back anchoring Kahuku's defensive front this season as Kahuku tries to defend its Oahu Interscholastic Association championship.
David Tanuvasa's McKinley Tigers play Kahuku in an OIA first-round playoff game Friday at Aloha Stadium. He said it doesn't matter where you put him, Kemoe'atu can dominate a game.
"His position of the future, where he might have the most success, is offensive line," Tanuvasa said of the 6-foot-5, 330-pound senior tackle. "But in high school, you put that kid anywhere and he'll do anything you want."
Some consider Kemoe'atu -- who bench presses 350 pounds and has run 4.7 in the 40 -- the state's top college prospect this year. His stats aren't outrageous -- 30 tackles and 4 sacks in seven games -- but he takes up two or three blockers every play.
He said Colorado, Cal, BYU, Utah and Arizona are among the many schools in the hunt for his services.Although the Tigers came close to beating the Raiders last year before falling, 14-12, Tanuvasa said beating a team with a defense led by Kemoe'atu is a tough challenge.
"We'll need a whole lot of luck. We've just got to go out and play the best we can," Tanuvasa said. "Guys like him are not going to make a whole lot of mistakes."
In the seven regular season games in which Kemoe'atu played this fall, the Red Raiders yielded an average of less than seven points.
Livai said Kemoe'atu's impact is more than physical.
"He's a funny guy. He brings a good spirit to practice but he works hard and is very serious about his football," Livai said.
Come game time, though, and Kemoe'atu is a less-than-friendly giant.
"He's big and strong and mean," Livai said. "He's a really mean guy I need to control and slow him down sometimes."
And that's something that few OIA offensive linemen have been able to do this season.
Here are previews of this week's playoff games. The winners advance to next week's OIA semifinals and also gain state tournament berths.
Waianae vs. Campbell
When and where: Tomorrow, 5:05 p.m., Aloha Stadium.About the Seariders: Waianae went 8-0 in the Red. It's all about defense, with just enough offense to control the yardsticks and the clock. Established star: FS Kekoa Reyes is a ball-hawking defender and special teams dynamo. Rising star: DL Bryson Avilla came out of nowhere and allowed the Seariders to make a series of moves to strengthen both lines.
About the Sabers: Campbell went 7-1 in the White. Porous at times on defense, but unpredictable and electric on offense. Established star: OL Kaeo Lealao anchors a college-size line. Rising star: RB Jamison Rabaino improved as the season progressed.
Analysis: The key battle is Waianae's defensive front against Campbell's offensive line. Watch for an interesting coaching battle as the Seariders' defensive wizards, led by Larry Ginoza, adjust to whatever the Sabers pull out of their deep bag of offensive tricks. Waianae, though, makes way less mistakes, and should prevail.
Words to remember: "We have no idea what to expect. They change their offense every quarter." -- Waianae coach Danny Matsumoto.
Kailua vs. Castle
When and where: Tomorrow, 7:35 p.m., Aloha Stadium.About the Surfriders: Kailua went 5-3 in the Red. The Surfriders lost their first three league games -- to Waianae, Mililani and Kahuku -- but won its last five as a young team gained confidence. Established star: WR Ryan Lum led the Red in receiving. Rising star: RB Josh Uelese was a LB at start of season, then rushed for 722 yards in three consecutive games.
About the Knights: Castle went 7-1 in the White. QB Joel Botelho leads a diverse offense which generated an average of 306 yards per game. Established star: RB Kaleo Segovia scored 19 TDs, at least one in every game. Rising star: Freshman SB/KR Ikaika Ho is a budding game-breaker.
Analysis: Kailua has a huge size advantage on the line, and both teams are loaded with exciting skill position players. Look for Kailua to win a high-scoring shootout.
Words to remember: "Historically, we're a fast starter. But this year we're jelling at the right time. We're a lot more disciplined now." -- Kailua coach Darren Johnson.
Kahuku vs. McKinley
When and where: Friday, 5:05 p.m., Aloha Stadium.About the Red Raiders: Kahuku went 7-1 in the Red. Its "Perfect Storm" defense dominated nearly every game it played. The offense wasn't shabby either, with running back by committee and a strong passing attack, too. Established star: FS Aaron Francisco is considered by many the best at his position in the state. Rising star: RB Muliwai Pula -- fast and athletic -- scored in every game but one.
About the Tigers: McKinley went 7-1 in the White. The Tigers would've run the table if not for a 24-21 loss to Castle in September. Established star: Va'a Fonoti leads the island in rushing. Rising star: Sophomore RG Taase Jennings helps open the holes for Fonoti.
Analysis: If McKinley plays error-free football, it has a chance. But Kahuku probably has too many weapons -- on offense and defense -- for it to deal with.
Words to remember: "Many teams try to avoid Chris (Kemoe'atu) as much as possible. Teams try to double-team him frequently. Some try to triple team him with two linemen and a fullback." -- Kahuku assistant coach James Graf.
Kaimuki vs. Farrington
When and where: Friday, 7:35 p.m., Aloha Stadium.About the Bulldogs: Kaimuki went 6-2 in the Red, with lots of skill position playmakers and good size, but little depth. Established star: Justin Faimealelei does a little of everything, and a lot of scoring (79 points). Rising star: NG Kaulana Kaluna stops up the middle.
About the Governors: Farrington went 4-4 in the Red. This is not your father's Governors, or even your big brother's: They operate out of the run-and-shoot, and despite typical Farrington size, are less physical than in the Skippa Diaz days. Established star: WR Micah Alexander is dangerous catching passes and returning kicks. Rising star: RB Michael Rabago rushed for 104 yards last week, but it wasn't enough.
Analysis: This is a rematch of a game last week which Kaimuki won, 22-17. The Governors have a better chance of stopping RB Chanceton Mirafuentes (26-154 last week) with reinforcements DL Randy Talaeai and LB Benito Reyes, both back from injury. We rate this one a toss-up.
Words to remember: "Our defense needs to fine-tune and cut down on mistakes." -- Farrington coach Harold Tanaka.
Information for capsules was compiled by
Tim Crouse, Glen Higa and Dave Reardon.
