Balance of power
shifting to West

Mililani faces tough road
to retain its conference crown

Better that coaches say it than anyone in the media, especially since the truth is out there.

This could be the year the Red West Conference of the Oahu Interscholastic Association has better football teams from top to bottom. Arguably, that hasn't happened since a generation ago, when Waianae, Radford and Leilehua ruled the OIA roost more often than not.

However, with growing populations in West Oahu, numbers have gone up for football programs. There are also several longtime coaching staffs in place, providing continuity, which often results in success.

"It looks like the West is inching closer to the East in terms of parity," Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said. In the only matchup over the weekend between West and East teams, the West came out ahead. Kapolei opened its new stadium with a 33-7 win over perennial power Kailua. Campbell, which will likely move up to the Red West next year with more success in the White, toppled East contender Castle 49-30.

Mililani has been unbeaten in the Red West for two years, but it was Leilehua that reached last season's state title game. As a whole, West coaches aren't ruling out other teams as dark-horse contenders.

"The favorites are Leilehua and Waianae," Nanakuli coach Al Beaver said. "Waianae's mentality is that they're gonna come back hard, because if they don't, they're going down to the White."

Beaver looks at Mililani and Kapolei as the sleepers.

"I think Leilehua and Mililani both had outstanding years last year and we gotta be wary of them," said Hernandez, who may have the West's second-best passing offense behind Leilehua.

"(Mililani coach James) Millwood has had a solid program for years, and now with (Nolan) Tokuda there at Leilehua, they're a factor, as well. They're gonna be good, and you can't count out Aiea," Hernandez said. "They're returning a three-year starter at quarterback (Kali Kuia), a kid who's won a state (Division II) championship as a sophomore.

Like Beaver, Hernandez won't rule out Waianae.

"Their JV was outstanding last year," he noted.

Millwood's Trojans are filling in major gaps at quarterback, wide receiver and offensive line.

So who's right? It may not matter, not this early in the season. Injuries are already playing a key factor. Mililani lost offensive lineman Micah Kia to a leg injury. The wild West may come down to a shootout among the teams that are still standing -- and healthy -- come playoff time.

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Here's a look at the Red West teams:

Aiea Na Alii

Coach: Wendell Say
2004 record: 5-4 (3-3 conference)
Total returnees: 24
Returning starters, offense: 4
Returning starters, defense: 4
On paper: The work is just beginning, Say says, but Na Alii have perhaps the best quarterback in the conference. Kali Kuia gives Aiea a mobile, accurate passer out of the shotgun.
The skinny: Keeping Kuia healthy is a big issue. The third-year starter led Aiea to the Division II state title as a sophomore, but lost a major chunk of his junior season after a concussion.
Other than that, he completed 74 percent of his attempts and gave Aiea a potent 1-2 punch alongside running back Donny Mapusaga.
Mapusaga, however, has graduated, and with the running back and O-line situations unsettled, there is a lot of weight on Kuia's shoulders.
His main targets will be Lofa Liilii (5-9, 160) and Josh Blakemore (6-0, 190). Liilii is a tremendous deep threat who sustained a broken collarbone last year as a junior. Blakemore has plenty of potential.
Leading the defensive unit, which uses a 4-2 scheme, are middle linebacker Kapena Fonseca and defensive end Justin Hunt. Fonseca (5-10, 215) was a Red West second-team selection. Hunt, at 6-1, 220 pounds, is a third-year starter.
Junior Quinton Petersen (6-0, 230) is another returning starter at linebacker. Roland Foumai (6-3, 235) also returns at defensive end. "He could play inside or outside."
Coach says: "Kali brings a lot of leadership, he brings a cool head. With a healthy Kali, a lot of things are possible."

Kapolei Hurricanes

Coach: Darren Hernandez
2004 record: 4-4 (4-2 conference)
Total returnees: 42
Returning starters, offense: 4
Returning starters, defense: 8
On paper: The Hurricanes have been competitive, but getting over the hump has been tough. A stint in the White Conference led to success, but not necessarily big improvement, Hernandez said. Still, they were up with the Red West's best teams, Mililani and Leilehua, last season. The 'Canes' option attack has limitations in a conference with athleticism across the board.
The skinny: What could push Kapolei to the next level is more versatility on offense. Hernandez's early teams employed a hybrid of run-and-shoot principles alongside the spread option. He intends to return to those roots this fall, even though the 'Canes lost a talented group of graduates.
"Last year, we had a huge line, but fumbles derailed us. We've gone back to our roots. We have more multiple threats," Hernandez said.
Returnee Brad Padayao saw significant playing time last year. Though he went down with an injury last week, Aaron Santiago stepped in with 114 passing yards and 62 rushing yards against Kailua.
Jon Santiago, who was injured for most of last season, could be a Chad Owens-type, Hernandez said. The shifty slotback, who runs a 4.47 40, rushed for more than 100 yards and tallied more than 100 yards in receiving against Kailua. He also ran back a punt 55 yards.
"I really think this boy has the potential to be an all-state player. We just try to get him out in the open," Hernandez said.
The foundation of the program, though, is defense. The 'Canes are stocked with talent at linebacker. Coupled with low numbers at defensive line, Hernandez likes to employ a 3-4 set. The line is anchored by nose tackle Kaimana Costales (6-2, 255). "He's very active and strong," Hernandez said.
Outside linebacker Po'okela Ahmad had nine sacks last season. At 6-2, 210 pounds, he runs a 4.6 40. He amassed five tackles for loss against Kailua.
Cornerback Shannon Arnold (5-10, 175) is a D-I prospect in Hernandez's eyes.
"He came in as a sophomore (last season) and didn't miss a beat. A lot of the academy schools are looking at him," the coach said of Arnold, who has a 3.55 grade-point average.
Coach says: "The expectations are always high and I put that on myself. We have the greatest fans in the world, and they fill up the new stadium. The facility is beautiful. I tell the guys, whenever we play somebody, there's a bull's-eye on our back. Nobody wants to lose to the new kid on the block. They see us with all the fancy-schmancy weight room and facilities, and they want to beat us. I don't blame them. We have to be mentally prepared to play. We have a deep, talented Punahou team to face this week."

Leilehua Mules

Coach: Nolan Tokuda
2004 record: 11-3 (8-2 conference)
Total returnees: 27
Returning starters, offense: 4
Returning starters, defense: 3
On paper: The Mules stunned a lot of teams -- and fans -- last season by reaching the state championship final. More than that, their hybrid offense silenced doubters with lethal passing schemes. However, the element of surprise is long gone.
The skinny: All-State second-team passer Bryant Moniz returns. Chustin Senas, first-team all-state receiver, is also back. The rest of the receiver crew is young, however. While Senas amassed four receptions for 108 yards against Radford, Mule running backs tallied 102 yards on a whopping 25 carries.
Leilehua's option is a new wrinkle, to say the least. "With our inexperience at wide receiver, we're going more to that Utah-style offense. Inside zone and shovel passes," Tokuda said. "Bryant adjusts well to anything. We implemented it in spring ball."
The D-line is a mix of young talent and new faces, including 6-3, 220-pound end Dante Scott. He's only a sophomore. Co-captain Jordan Lindborg, another end, is a key factor in the unit.
Coach says: Tokuda voted his team No. 10 on his ballot for the Star-Bulletin poll. "We're not playing like a Top 5 team. Through the season, hopefully, we move up," he said.

Mililani Trojans

Coach: James Millwood
2004 record: 10-2 (9-1 conference)
Total returnees: 25
Returning starters, offense: 5
Returning starters, defense: 5
On paper: The '04 season was filled with highs and lows. Defensive injuries, though, proved crucial, especially when safety Aaron Po'oloa went down early in the state-tournament quarterfinal game against Lahainaluna. Rebounding from a disappointing finish is on the minds of the Trojans, who aren't as explosive offensively, but have enough talent to possibly go unbeaten in the Red West again.
The skinny: The new season has already been soured by senior offensive lineman Micah Kia's broken tibia. That leaves Millwood and his staff with a starting O-line that has no seniors. Still, Kia will likely return in about six weeks, Millwood said.
In addition, the pieces for success are there. The entire offensive backfield returns. Kekoa Perbera is possibly the best dual threat in the state. "Kekoa is a weapon catching and running the ball. He can break you down and score. He can take it all the way when he gets in the open field," Millwood said.
Jordan Torres and Jordan Apduhan provide a mix of perimeter and inside running.
"They're all excellent runners. We feel all three of them can do the job," Millwood added.
Defensively, Josh Andrews (6-0, 210) returns after a standout junior season at middle linebacker. Gabe Montero, Millwood said, is their quickest 'backer. Matt Pupu, at 6-1, 230, is the anchor of the defensive line.
Chris Dickerson, now a senior, is the Trojans' fearless cornerback.
"He's one of the best corners in the state. He's a tough kid and very energetic," Millwood said. "He picks the defense up with his leadership."
Coach says: "In the West, I think everyone's gunning for us," the former Mililani lineman said.

Nanakuli Golden Hawks

Coach: Al Beaver
2004 record: 3-6 (2-4 conference)
Total returnees: 18
Returning Starters, Offense: 5
Returning Starters, Defense: 9
On paper: The Golden Hawks are always physical and tough, but with an enrollment of just 800, beating the big schools has been a large task.
The skinny: Beaver and his staff implemented a new option attack this season from the shotgun formation.
So far, not so good.
"We've got fumble-itis. We may go back to the veer-type option," the longtime coach said.
Nose tackle Letu Gatoloai, a 5-11, 260-pound senior, anchors the defensive front. Nanakuli has four returnees on the D-line. Kaipo Pii (5-10, 240) and Victor Maui (6-0, 250) provide the front wall of the Hawks' 3-4 defense.
The inside linebackers are also returning starters. Vincent Maui, a junior, and Setu Lapaga and flanked by outside 'backers Mark Chong and Isaac Iuta, son of former McKinley standout Kaiser Iuta.
"Isaac is on the strongside. He's a good athlete," Beaver said.
The offensive line has fared well. Aaron Watson, brother of UH defensive lineman Keala, plays left guard, sometimes tackle. At 6-2 and 290 pounds with mobility, he's the rock of the O-line. Zachary Tolentino, Kama Werner and sophomore Kanika Kaimi are also key cogs in the trenches.
Coach says: "These kids are tough kids, but the thing is, they need to learn how to be tough under pressure. That's the toughest challenge for me to teach."

Pearl City Chargers

Coach: Watson Tanuvasa
2004 record: 1-7 (0-6 conference)
Total returnees: 23
Returning starters, offense: 9
Returning starters, defense: 5
On paper: The Chargers aren't deep with size, but there are enough parts to make a run for the playoffs.
The skinny: Andrew Blue isn't the classic, golden-armed quarterback. However, when he was on the field, he was effective more often than not, using instincts and guts to make plays as much as anything. He still wears No. 42, a goofy number for a quarterback, but with nine total starters returning on offense, goofy numbers could go well with touchdowns.
Like several other Chargers, Blue will likely play two ways. In fact, many Chargers are learning new positions this season, as well as some new tweaks in the offense.
A potentially big addition to the offense is running back Chris Gittens, a 6-2, 225-pound junior. He also lines up at tight end. "His style of running is like Boyd Yap," Tanuvasa said. "Boyd only ran a 5.1 40, but (Chris) is smooth and can move laterally."
Third-year offensive line starter Chris Maake says his unit is up to new challenge. "The O-line has to be the most in shape," he said.
Defensively, Kevin Costas is the middle man in Pearl City's 4-3 scheme.
Coach says: "The key thing is the kids are closer and more disciplined. They took hold of the team philosophy in offseason workouts. Everything is based on percentages with workouts, strength and speed (tests)."

Waianae Seariders

Coach: Daniel Matsumoto
2004 record: 2-6 (1-5 conference)
Total returnees: 31
Returning starters, offense: 9
Returning starters, defense: 8
On paper: The massive number of returning starters is a big plus for the Seariders. There is experience at the skill positions and just about everywhere else.
The skinny: Matsumoto is loathe to make any assumptions simply because of numbers and experience, but Waianae's junior-varsity program was highly successful last year.
The underclassmen are pushing for starting positions, which could make the varsity better simply through competition.
Another concern is deciding what formation the Seariders will operate out of offensively. Whatever they decide on, the Seariders have talent in running back Darius Fuller (5-6, 140) and wide receiver Doug Newman (5-11, 160). Newman is a formidable deep threat. "(Fuller) is a pretty good runner, reads off the blocks pretty well," Matsumoto said.
Defensively, George Kauvalu (6-0, 195) and Chad Duran (5-10, 180) give Waianae two quick linebackers in the middle. Defensive line is an unresolved place, but there's no question about the cornerbacks.
Preston Ayala (5-9, 155) is a nice addition. "He sees the ball pretty well and has good footwork," Matsumoto said. Chad Paaluhi is at the other corner. The 5-7, 150-pound senior started last season.
Coach says: "There's a lot of work to do, still yet."