FILE / DECEMBER 2004 The Kamehameha football team celebrated after beating Leilehua in the state title game at Aloha Stadium last year.

Once more,
Warriors?

Kamehameha opens its state
title defense with a tough
nonconference game
against Kahuku

Mana Lolotai does it every morning, this trek across Oahu.

Up at 5:30 a.m. in his Kahuku home, on the school bus soon after, arriving at Kapalama Heights in time for opening period. In the span of 1 hour, he leaves Red Raider country and steps onto the land of blue Warriors.

It's been a way of life for quite some time. Occasionally, the 6-foot, 215-pound linebacker catches a ride with teammate Bryson Vivas. The rest of the time, Lolotai sits in the front of the bus, rarely distracted by elementary-school kids on a 33-mile ride. He's had time to think about tomorrow's nonconference clash between the powerhouse from his hometown and the defending state champions he represents.

"They'll come out hard. That's all I know," he said.

Kickoff at Aloha Stadium is set for 7 p.m.

Outwardly, the matchup is just another game, players say. No rivalry, not even friendly trash talking with neighborhood friends who play on the other side.

But there is little doubt that the winner of tomorrow's game will garner a vast amount of momentum for the first Star-Bulletin Football Top Ten poll to be published Monday.

That's another aspect that means quite little to the Warriors. After all, they were in the shadows of powerhouses for much of last year, even in their own league.

"It's not like we were on top most of last year," returning starting lineman Kawika Shook noted.

On a sunny Monday afternoon at Kamehameha, there's a certain air of confidence -- perhaps a swagger, but more than that, the atmosphere is light. New coach Doss Tannehill laid down the standards and the rules early on, but when it's media day, the kids certainly play.

"Eh, Coach Doss," one Warrior chirped during team pictures. "You should take a picture with your mo-ped."

It was one of the rare chances for the Warriors to share a laugh with their stern taskmaster.

"Coach Doss is more strict with conditioning," Lolotai said. When it comes to comparing Tannehill, the longtime Kamehameha assistant, with Kanani Souza, the verdict is split. Some players say Tannehill yells more.

Lolotai disagrees.

"They're pretty much even with yelling," the senior said.

Most importantly, the Warriors seem to be in rhythm despite the loss of Souza, who is a graduate assistant at Oregon State this fall. He is expected back as Kamehameha's head coach next year.

The Warriors return the bulk of a hearty defense. Defensive ends Kapono Rawlins-Crivello and Kaipo Sarkisian will give Kahuku's perimeter running game a serious challenge.

Defensive tackle Shook, at 6-3, 265 pounds, is one of three returning starters to the D-line. Offensively, Kamehameha lost some key performers on the line. With rifle-armed, first-year starter George Kaai at quarterback, the defense may have to carry the load early in the season.

Star-Bulletin Offensive Player of the Year Jayson Rego is now suiting up for Hawaii, which leaves a gaping hole in the backfield. Vivas, Ryan Montez and Jeremiah Dela Pena are the new backs, with Dela Pena the biggest at 6-foot, 185 pounds.

"We're excited. We know (Kahuku) will come out firing," he said.

On the North Shore, the Red Raiders have downsized. Normally 90 players strong, they're down to a "smallish" 71 players due to various reasons, including academic attrition. Quarterback Jacob Kahawaii has grown to 6-4, which comes in handy since he has new receivers to look for. Gone is All-State receiver Spencer Hafoka. New targets include track standout Redmond Tutor and Jason Evans.

"We'll mix it up this year. I think Coach (Siuaki Livai) has confidence in me," Kahawaii said.

Defensively, like Kamehameha, Kahuku is stacked. Safety Afa Garrigan is one of several studs who speak softly but bring experience and talent. "We're low in numbers this year, but everyone plays with heart," he said.

Josh Wily is one of several returnees helping to anchor the unit. Wily is a third-year starter at linebacker.

Starting off nonconference play with another juggernaut may seem tough. Kahuku's option attack could prove to be the tonic to overcome Kamehameha's defense, but there are no guarantees.

"We have a lot of new guys," Kahuku lineman Ken Livai said. "Some of them are learning the system."