[ ILH PREVIEW ]
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM
Darnell Arceneaux, a former all-state quarterback at Saint Louis, returns to the Crusaders as their head football coach.
New kid
on the blockAll eyes will be on Saint Louis
coach Darnell Arceneaux when
the ILH season opens Saturday
FIREWORKS come early in Interscholastic League of Honolulu football this year as big guns Saint Louis and Kamehameha go head-to-head in a league opener at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Aloha Stadium.
This year, all eyes are on new Crusaders coach Darnell Arceneaux. The former Saint Louis all-state QB follows in the footsteps of Delbert Tengan, who replaced the legendary Cal Lee and took Saint Louis to the state title in his only year as coach.
The question begging to be answered is: Can the school's long string of success continue?
Coach Arceneaux isn't planning to let things slip under his watch.
"Kamehameha is our biggest test," Arceneaux said. "But all of the teams are tough and have the potential to win if we don't come ready to play."
Arceneaux is trying to get his seniors to understand that it's their team.
"We'll go as far as our seniors want to lead us," he said.
He's pretty confident about the capabilities of his defensive backfield, which is led by senior Keao Monteilh and coached by assistant Eddie Klaneski. The linebacker crew, spearheaded by senior Dylan Moss, isn't causing Arceneaux too much reason for concern.
"Our offense is behind our defense because of the (run-and-shoot) system," Arceneaux said.
"It takes time to get in a groove."
The quarterback position hasn't been nailed down yet, and it will likely fall on the shoulders of Stanley Nihipali or Kealii Perbera.
Senior running back B.J. Batts and offensive lineman Bronson Carvalho are among the key offensive returners.
The Crusaders' coach is trying to teach his players that being able to play is a privilege and to take advantage of opportunities that come their way.
"We call it 'opps,' " said Arceneaux, who quarterbacked the Hawaiian Islanders of arenafootball2 to the playoffs this summer. "It's something I got from (Kapolei head coach and Islanders assistant) Darren Hernandez. Whether it's football or school, they've got to seize the moment when a good opportunity comes around. Even wrong decisions are 'opps' because then they learn the right way."
Arceneaux isn't taking any of Saint Louis' ILH opponents lightly.
"Kamehameha has a great coach that I really respect in Kanani Souza and a great flex defense that they can do a number of things with," he said. "Punahou, for years, has had one of the best blitz packages around and a great young coaching staff.
"Iolani scares me, too. (Coach) Wendell Look really gets the best out of his players, especially the 165- to 185-pound offensive linemen. They'll be ready to play. Pac-Five, you couldn't ask for a better coach in Joe Onosai, and Damien, I've heard, is improved."
Onosai, in his first year at the helm of the Wolfpack, agrees with Arceneaux's assessment of the Monarchs.
"Damien has some of the best athletes right now and are much improved," he said. "And I've always thought Iolani is one of the best-coached teams in the state."
Pac-Five, Damien and Iolani all have a shot at the new Division II state tournament, while Saint Louis, Kamehameha and Punahou are fighting for a Division I berth.
"Division II is our main concern right now, and I really believe it will be a good year," Onosai said.
Kamehameha's Souza knows the Crusaders are still the team to beat.
"They're the premier program," he said. "We'll try and be ready for that one (Saturday)," he said.
Punahou coach Kale Ane thinks the rest of the league is looking to catch Saint Louis and Kamehameha, as usual.
"Our margin for error is very small," said Ane, whose team is going through a tough time this week after unspecified penalties were handed out to about a dozen players for breaking team rules,
Iolani coach Wendell Look agrees with Ane: "I don't think Saint Louis will miss a beat and Kamehameha is strong as usual."
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Saint Louis Crusaders
Coach: Darnell Arceneaux
2002 record: 7-1 ILH, 11-2 overall
2002 postseason: ILH champions, state champions
Players to watch: LB Dylan Moss, DB Keao Monteilh, DE Tavita Thompson, DE Tyson Alualu, RB B.J. Batts, WR Desmond Hanohano, OL Bronson Carvalho, WR Makaala Kuewa.
Outlook: Batts, a Star-Bulletin first-team all-state running back a year ago, is back to create grief for opposing defenses who are trying to figure out the Crusaders' run-and-shoot passing game. Arceneaux is confident in the capabilities of the defense, which is led by Moss, Thompson and Monteilh. "One strength is that we're a pretty tight team and there's no glaring personality flaws," said Arceneaux. Junior Stanley Nihipali and senior Kealii Perbera are competing for the starting QB job, and two sophomores with the first name of Cameron --Higgins and Bayne -- are also showing promise at the position.
Kamehameha Warriors
Coach: Kanani Souza
2002 record: 6-2 ILH, 10-2 overall
2002 postseason: None
Players to watch: OL Brennen Carvalho, OL Elwin Freitas, RB Travis Beyer, LB Asti Merino, DE Nainoa Nuuhiwa, CB Guyton Galdeira.
Outlook: Souza is high on the potential of his offensive line to open up holes for proven running back Beyer, who will also play a lot in the defensive backfield. "We don't have a lot of experience and we've got a lot of unanswered questions, but we're closer to getting where we want to be," Souza said. Pono Kam started at quarterback in the team's preseason wins over Kealakehe and Kapaa. Receivers James Hardy, Matt Coelho and Waika Spencer should have opposing defensive backs working extra hard. The defense is led by Merino, Galdeira, Nuuhiwa, tackle Bryson Mauga and end Keola Kaluhiokalani.
Punahou Buffanblu
Coach: Kale Ane
2002 record: 3-4 ILH, 6-4 overall
2002 postseason: None
Players to watch: QB John Morris, WR Koa Duncan, WR Reyn Wicklund, DL R.J. Brown, DB Chris Shiramizu, OL Travis Tamura.
Outlook: Morris doesn't have much experience calling the signals at the varsity level, but Ane is excited about the senior's potential throwing to Duncan, Wicklund and several other talented receivers. The line is anchored by Tamura and Jon Fleming, who will concentrate on opening holes for running back Micah Strickland. The coach feels the Buffanblu will be a competitive team, but he hopes the players, especially the offense, can play with patience. "Defensively, we'll be aggressive and run to the ball, and offensively we'll take what the defense gives us," said Ane. Brown and Shiramizu key the Punahou defense along with linebacker Derek Hinkley.(Note: The team's disciplinary problems hadn't cropped up yet when information was being gathered for this capsule, and it's still unknown which players will be affected).
Iolani Raiders
Coach: Wendell Look
2002 record: 4-3 ILH, 6-4 overall
2002 postseason: None
Players to watch: RB Raynold Stowers, OL Alex Why, OL Jayson Quon, WR Karl Motoyama, DL Keone Nakoa, LB Brian Wallace.
Outlook: At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Stowers is the main man in the Iolani offense. He is considered one of the top running backs in the state, and Look loves his versatility. Why and Quon are his guides. Nakoa, Wallace and lineman Samson Shigetomi are among the defensive leaders along with experienced defensive backs Shaun Agustin and Kyle Muraoka. "We've been competitive throughout the years and I'm proud of what we've accomplished. But the competitiveness hasn't reaped any rewards. The kids are excited about vying for some kind of reward," Look said, referring to the new Division II state tournament.
Pac-Five Wolfpack
Coach: Joe Onosai
2002 record: 2-5 ILH, 3-7 overall
2002 postseason: None
Players to watch: FB Gyles Lawrence, OL Daniel Paileulu, OL Dustin Pilialoha, LB Keala Kaehuaea, LB Brashton Satele, DB Shane Lawrence.
Outlook: The up-the-middle dominance of Gyles Lawrence and the shiftiness of Andrew Rutherford led to two nonleague wins by the Wolfpack. Jordan Tani has proven to be an efficient quarterback and he has a slew of capable receivers, including Brent Umehira, Cody Walker and Paul Kaohu-Nishimura. "It's been a long time since we've won our first two games," Onosai said. "Our weakness is probably our depth, but we do have about 27 guys among the players on our roster who can compete with anyone." Satele leads a hard-hitting defensive crew, and Shane Lawrence is a key two-way player.
Damien Monarchs
Co-coaches: Rudy Alejo and Dean Nakagawa
2002 record: 0-7 ILH, 1-7 overall
2002 postseason: None
Players to watch: WR Andrew Canoy, RB Ranson DeCosta, QB Tevita Williams, OL Keoni Steinhoff, DE Soane Sevello, DB Fehi Sevello.
Outlook: Nakagawa said he and Alejo are trying to start a "little Damien revolution," and Nakagawa believes things are pointed in the right direction. "We'd like to get there to the new Division II tournament," said Nakagawa. "It will really be exciting for us, Pac-Five and Iolani." The Monarchs return 14 seniors, marking the first time in three years that they have more than eight. The team should get a lot of mileage from multi-sport standout DeCosta at running back. Nakagawa said the team did a "nice job" in scrimmages, but he and Alejo are looking for more consistency. "One day, the offense (or the defense) will do good and the next day, they'll look like they've never been coached before," Nakagawa said.
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Honor Roll
Athlete of the Week
>> Kekoa Sua, Kailua football: Rushed for 154 yards and six touchdowns in a 61-0 shutout of Kaimuki.
Football
>> Carlo Raneses, Mililani: Rushed for 159 yards on seven carries and scored on TD runs of 55 and 52 yards in a 41-6 win over Waipahu.
>> Sandy Bishop, Waipahu: Gained 119 yards on the ground in the loss to Mililani.
>> Jacobe Akiu, Kalaheo: Rushed for 103 yards as the Mustangs earned their first win, 35-0 over Moanalua.
>> Kekoa Crowell and Cody Kimura, Kauai: Crowell threw for 359 yards as the Red Raiders rolled to a 30-6 win over Kapaa. Kimura kicked field goals of 26, 43 and 32 yards and three extra points.
>> Ikaika Ho and Jarred Suzui, Castle: Combined for five touchdowns to lead the Knights to a 34-14 comeback win over Farrington.
>> Jensen Cabanero, Pearl City: Passed for 200 yards and four touchdowns in a 33-6 victory over Campbell.
>> Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, Kapolei: Scored three TDs, one passing, one rushing and one receiving in a 40-20 win over Waialua.
>> Kali Kuia and Brandon Puckett, Aiea: Kuia passed for 203 yards in a 35-14 win over Kaiser. Puckett kicked five extra points.
>> Jordon Dizon, Waimea: Rushed for 341 yards in a win over Woodbridge, Calif. He also had scoring runs of 25, 55 and 80 yards.
>> Mike Hirokawa, Iolani: Rushed for 115 yards and three TDs in a 41-0 win over Keaau.
>> Waika Carvalho, Kahuku: Passed for 223 yards and three TDs in a 45-0 shutout of Roosevelt.
>> James Robinson, Waianae: Caught five passes for 124 yards in the first half of a 39-8 victory over rival Nanakuli.
>> Eric Venglar, Radford: Booted a 35-yard field goal and four extra points in a 31-0 victory over Kalani.
High School Football
ILH
Division I League Overall Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA Kamehameha 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 69 6 Saint Louis 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 34 12 Punahou 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 39 29 Division II League Overall Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA Pac-Five 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 48 29 Iolani 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 94 32 Damien 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 19 37 OIA
Red East Conference Overall Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA Kahuku 2 0 0 81 0 3 0 0 115 0 Kailua 2 0 0 108 8 3 0 0 130 15 McKinley 1 0 0 21 14 2 0 0 46 26 Castle 1 1 0 48 52 2 1 0 104 53 Farrington 1 1 0 51 57 1 2 0 51 60 Roosevelt 0 2 0 6 72 1 2 0 16 79 Kaimuki 0 2 0 0 109 0 3 0 7 130 Red West Conference Overall Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA Pearl City 2 0 0 81 6 3 0 0 122 6 Mililani 2 0 0 69 20 2 0 0 83 27 Waianae 1 1 0 39 44 1 2 0 39 65 Nanakuli 1 1 0 35 45 2 1 0 72 64 Leilehua 0 1 0 14 21 1 1 0 36 21 Waipahu 0 2 0 29 78 0 3 0 40 134 Campbell 0 2 0 14 80 0 3 0 21 90 White Conference Overall Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA Kapolei 2 0 0 100 20 3 0 0 121 20 Aiea 2 0 0 76 14 2 1 0 83 28 Radford 2 0 0 41 6 2 1 0 41 28 Kaiser 1 1 0 45 38 1 2 0 57 72 Kalaheo 1 1 0 42 41 1 2 0 42 82 Moanalua 0 1 0 3 31 0 2 0 15 77 Waialua 0 2 0 26 50 0 3 0 39 69 Kalani 0 2 0 0 91 0 2 0 0 91 KIF
Conference Overall Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA Kauai 1 0 0 30 6 1 2 0 52 67 Waimea 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 51 41 Kapaa 0 1 0 6 30 1 2 0 31 71 MIL
Conference Overall Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA Baldwin 2 0 0 63 13 3 0 0 66 13 Maui 1 0 0 14 0 3 0 0 58 6 Pac-Three 1 1 0 14 21 2 1 0 41 29 King Kekaulike 0 1 0 13 21 1 1 0 41 28 Lahainaluna 0 2 0 7 56 0 3 0 7 90 BIIF
Conference Overall Team W L T PF PA W L T PF PA Waiakea 1 0 0 21 14 2 0 0 67 26 Hilo 1 0 0 7 0 1 0 0 7 0 Kohala 1 0 0 43 6 1 1 0 45 13 Kealakehe 1 0 0 34 13 1 1 0 34 54 Keaau 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 7 43 Ka'u 0 1 0 6 43 0 1 0 6 43 Konawaena 0 1 0 13 34 0 2 0 13 71 Honokaa 0 1 0 14 21 0 3 0 29 75 Hawaii Prep 0 1 0 0 7 0 3 0 28 74 Last week's scores
Thursday, Sept. 4
Maui 7, Horizon (Calif.) 6Friday, Sept. 5
Pearl City 33, Campbell 6
Castle 34, Farrington 14
Kailua 61, Kaimuki 0
Mililani 41, Waipahu 6
Aiea 35, Kaiser 14
Kalaheo 42, Moanalua 0
Waiakea 21, Honokaa 14
Kauai 30, Kapaa 6
Pac-Three 14, Lahainaluna 7
Kealakehe 34, Konawaena 13Saturday, Sept. 6
Kahuku 45, Roosevelt 0
Waianae 39, Nanakuli 8
Kapolei 40, Waialua 20
Radford 31, Kalani 0
Hilo 7, Hawaii Prep 0
Kohala 43, Kau 6
Baldwin 21, King Kekaulike 13
Iolani 41, Keaau 0
Waimea 25, Woodbridge (Calif.) 20
