Mystique, hard
work make Kahuku
the favorite

After last year’s loss at states,
the Red Raiders have unfinished
business to take care of

The road to supremacy in the East runs through the North Shore.

Trying to beat Kahuku, the top-ranked team in the Star-Bulletin Football Top 10, is tough enough. Try winning in a sea of red at the Red Raiders' home field before several thousand fans. It may be too much to ask of any team in the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red East Conference.

"The favorite is going to be Kahuku. They're talented," Farrington coach Randall Okimoto said, adding a bit of hope. "Schools can match up if they want to if they don't get caught up in the mystique of Kahuku's program. But they're talented and in condition."

Okimoto noted the work ethic of Kahuku receiver Redmond Tutor, who didn't catch a pass in his team's 16-0 win over Kamehameha last week. "I saw him run down the field on every single play," Okimoto said.

The hunger in the hearts of Tutor and his teammates is for real. Kahuku won the OIA title last year, but fell to Leilehua in the state tournament semifinals. The bitter taste remains.

"They're very mature and self-motivated, coming off of a bad-luck season last year, a bad game at the end. That left a bitter taste in the their mouths," Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai said. "A lot of guys have been dedicated."

With Kahuku's wealth of talent, even a drop-off from the usual 90 players to a mere 71 is just a blip on the radar. So are the losses of defensive coordinator Byron Beatty and running back Malosi Te'o. Beatty resigned in the offseason, but watches his son, defensive end B.J. Beatty, work out daily. Te'o, expected to be one of the state's top backs, returned to his family on the mainland.

The Red Raiders haven't missed a beat, even without the benefit of a single scrimmage after teams canceled for various reasons. The win over defending state Division I champion Kamehameha is ominous for East squads low in numbers and smaller in size. Castle and Farrington are reeling early from academic probation, while Kaimuki and McKinley lack depth once again. Kailua has its smallest offensive line in years.

Here's a look at the teams.

Castle Knights

Coach: Nelson Maeda
2004 record: 7-4 (7-2 conference)
Total returnees: 21
Returning starters, offense: 3
Returning starters, defense: 2
On paper: Replacing a superb group of seniors (Blaze Soares, Victor Clore, Travis Paaga, Keoni Gomes and more) is difficult. This year's group of speed merchants would possibly be forgotten as title contenders if not for key returnees like Bryce Kalauokaaea and Lihikai Domingo. The Black Knights are young and numbers are low (28) until the 25 academic casualties return. Last week's 49-30 loss at Division II defending state champion Campbell raises a clear signal that Castle cannot afford more academic problems.
The skinny: Kalauokaaea was highly effective until suffering a left knee injury early last season, derailing his junior year. "Next time, I'll just run out of bounds," the left-handed quarterback said.
"Bryce returns and that's the bonus. He's rusty after losing one year of development. We're trying to find a way to get him into the groove as the season goes on," Maeda said. "He hasn't been tentative at all, but he's smarter now. It's a hard lesson. But his injured leg is stronger than his healthy leg now."
Domingo is one of the best deep threats in the state. "It's no secret that we're gonna try to get the ball in the hands of our best guys. They're both elusive and some of the fastest guys on our team," Maeda said. Domingo and lineman Clint Daniel (6-0, 255) are among many Knights pulling ironman duty on offense and defense. Blaine Kobashigawa, another solid receiver, has been hampered by injuries.
All in all, the Knights are still small overall and even smaller than usual in the trenches.
"You have to compensate lack of size with quick-hitting plays and isolating people one-on-one. We want to control the tempo," Maeda said, alluding to Castle's no-huddle philosophy.
Coach says: "We hope to be competitive. We got rolled by Kapolei (in a scrimmage). They're in a rhythm. From our perspective, I wanted us to schedule as many physical teams as we could to get ready for the East. Now they've been through the toughest competition. Now we've got Farrington, and they're big and physical."

Farrington Governors

Coach: Randall Okimoto
2004 record: 4-5 (4-3 conference)
Total returnees: 20
Returning starters, offense: 5
Returning starters, defense: 6
On paper: Size is there, but depth isn't. Lineman Whitley Fehoko is already an early commit to Utah, while Tanner Fetui, James Sagapolutele, Kenneth Faumui and Hercules Sula are being counted on for major contributions.
Sagapolutele is one of the anchors on defense at end and outside linebacker.
Offensively, Faumui has prepared well for his senior season. The 5-9, 165-pound running back has built up endurance. "He worked hard in the offseason. He's shifty. He went out for track to improve his speed and conditioning. So now he's more reliable. Last year, it was five carries and that's it. Now we could give him 15 and he'll just laugh," Okimoto said.
Sula is another running back with potential. "He's growing as a person," Okimoto said.
Fetui, a tight end, can step in at wide receiver and quarterback. He played on the defensive line two years ago as a sophomore. The quarterback situation is manageable, but the Govs' starter is out on academic probation for now.
The skinny: With only six league games, every outing counts. Yet every year, nearly half of Farrington's players lack commitment in the classroom, costing the team early in the regular season.
Coach says: "We have to work hard on our overall team conditioning. In practice, we're trying to get in shape."

Kahuku Red Raiders

Coach: Siuaki Livai
2004 record: 12-1 (8-0 conference)
Total returnees: 40
Returning starters, offense: 6
Returning starters, defense: 6
On paper: Clearly the dominant team of the East, and possibly the OIA. From Kamuela Alisa in the backfield to an immensely talented defense, no team in the league matches up.
The skinny: Even after a win over Kamehameha, Livai sees plenty of room for improvement. The Red Raiders committed 10 penalties, mostly illegal-procedure calls.
"It's the same usual offensive things we have to work on. Timing, executing the plays," Livai said. Fortunately for Kahuku, there are two quarterbacks with the skills to run the offense efficiently. Jacob Kahawaii has the stronger arm and more size at 6-4, but backup Kaulin Krebbs was more fluid when he got playing time against Kamehameha.
"The two quarterbacks don't have much experience and we have a lot of guys in the line not playing yet for different reasons," Livai said of his concerns. The defense is stocked, though, with outstanding linebackers. Micah Wily, Josh Wily and Kevin Unga are just three of the talented Red Raiders.
Offensively, tight end Devin Unga is a reliable target. Alisa showed stamina and skill by rushing for 100 yards against Kamehameha. "Alisa is a hard-working kid. He's put in his time and has good vision in the open field. You have to be able to adjust to the kinds of different defenses people have," Livai said.
Coach says: "For us, it's McKinley, because it's our next game. After last year, we don't want to look seriously past anybody because when we messed up, we really messed up."

Kailua Surfriders

Coach: Gary Rosolowich
2004 record: 4-4-1 (2-3-1 conference)
Total returnees: 35
Returning starters, offense: 2
Returning starters, defense: 3
On paper: Traditionally, the Surfriders are stocked with great size on the offensive line. However, they are much smaller than usual this season, which means adjustments are in store for a team used to playing power football.
The arrival of Kenny Gibson is a welcome surprise for Rosolowich. The 5-11, 180-pound senior transferred from Utah and gives Kailua an extremely mobile quarterback. Gibson ran for more than 80 yards in the loss at Kapolei.
Middle linebacker Makana Atisanoe is missed. The 5-11, 200-pound senior suffered a chipped bone in his ankle two weeks ago in Kailua's first scrimmage of the year. He is scheduled to return in another two weeks.
Defensive end Tanu Paleafei, younger brother of former linebacker Hogan, is a promising college prospect. Paleafei is 6-1 and 220 pounds. "He's very quick with great range," Rosolowich said.
The skinny: The Kailua playbook includes packages for a scrambling quarterback, Rosolowich said, but this will be the first time they open that chapter.
Coach says: "Oh yeah, it's a rebuilding year, but we'll be surprisingly competitive, especially if our defense plays to its potential."

Kaimuki Bulldogs

Coach: Daniel Mafua
2004 record: 0-8 (0-6 conference)
Total returnees: 12
Returning starters, offense: 4
Returning starters, defense: 4
On paper: Low enrollment and low turnouts have made times tough for the Bulldogs. This week, with six players on AP and three injured, they'll suit up 23 players. Most of them will play both ways and put major time in for special teams.
Senior Michael Vierra is a Mack truck at 5-7, 205 pounds. He will line up at running back and linebacker. "He's pretty much our heart and soul," Mafua said.
Shaun Dela Cruz has worked extremely hard in the weight room. The 6-2, 225-pound senior plays offensive tackle and defensive end. "He's a really physical kid," Mafua said.
The skinny: The Bulldogs saw a boost in JV turnout, but that won't help the varsity just yet. One consolation for Kaimuki is that several other schools in the Red East are struggling with numbers for different reasons.
Running a veer option will help keep the clock moving and neutralize the advantage other teams have in depth.
Coach says: "That's what we're dealt, but these kids just say, 'Let's go, man!' They have the heart to play. I really like these kids."

McKinley Tigers

Coach: William Moeava
2004 record: 1-6-1 (1-4-1 conference)
Total returnees: 14
Returning starters, offense: 3
Returning starters, defense: 3
On paper: McKinley's enrollment is healthy, but getting numbers up for football has been difficult. Moeava is content with the players he has, hoping that his young team will grow up quickly.
Offensive tackle Vuni Funaki is a tremendous anchor up front. "He's a very good kid, very coachable. He leads with his actions on the field. He runs very well and is very dependable," Moeava said of the 6-3, 280-pound senior. Funaki is a co-captain.
Quarterback Tilton Kaluna has grown in many ways. He is now 6-foot and 160 pounds, bigger and wiser since sharing starting duties last year. "He still has to get used to running the show full time. But he's matured big time this year physically and mentally," Moeava noted.
Senior defensive tackles Junior Aiko (5-11, 260) and Sione Liufau (6-3, 200) are vital to the line. Liufau is sidelined, however, with back and shoulder injuries. Aiko is another co-captain.
The skinny: Staying healthy is a huge factor for the Tigers. With Liufau already ailing, they can ill afford any more visits to the trainer.
Coach says: "We just don't have the numbers, but I think athletically, size-wise, we're well off in the Red division. Overall, we're still young. A lot of the kids from JV have to learn the speed of the game at the varsity level. We're very excited with what we have. We have some talent and barring injury, we can be successful this year."

Roosevelt Rough Riders

Coach: Les Parrilla
2004 record: 2-7 (2-4 conference)
Total returnees: 9
Returning starters, offense: 4
Returning starters, defense: 3
On paper: The Rough Riders normally lack size, but never desire. One way or another, Parrilla and his staff find ways to keep their team competitive. The Rough Riders haven't re-introduced their package of odd formations just yet, though. In the meantime, they're counting on a core of returnees to lead the way.
Koloa Kahalenui missed nearly all of his junior season to tend to his father, Dane, who battled cancer. With his father now healthier, Kahalenui is back on the gridiron. The 205-pound senior runs with power.
"I missed practicing. I love football," Kahalenui said.
Several Rough Riders are going to play both ways, including Keenan Loo (DB-WR), Robby Fukuhara (CB-WR), Kahai Freitas (WR-OLB), Shannon Fukata (WR-DB), Makena Artuyo (OLB-RB) and Kahalenui (RB-LB).
Noa Coelho is another key player on defense. "He's a very aggressive kid," Parilla said. "A hard-nosed player."
The skinny: Parilla always seems to find the right recipe for his smallish teams.
"I like the way he coaches," Kahalenui said. "He's a good guy. I never did see him yell yet, but you can tell what he means by his face."
Jordan Bush, a junior, steps in at quarterback with the graduation of scrambling Rudy Artuyo, who is now playing junior-college football.

Coach says: "For us, it's a matter of staying in the ballgame. Being in the Red Conference this long, it's a credit to the kids. We have some 6-foot, 220-pound kids on campus, but they can't make the commitment. Chad Owens was a kid who definitely made the commitment. He's the poster child for dedication."