When does the Manley Madness end?

All of Wahiawa hopes the Leilehua quarterback has a little more magic left for 2008.

This guy seems to take every game down to the end for a dramatic win—or at least the chance for one. And the higher the stakes, the better he performs.

His coaches and teammates know this, and it's part of why the defending state champions never give up.

After nearly four full quarters of futility against Kahuku last night, Andrew Manley led the Mules to the state final again. The late rally was reminiscent of what he did to rally Leilehua in the title game victory over Saint Louis last fall.

Those who called his heroics as a sophomore just up from the JV in 2007 a fluke should have nothing to say now, regardless of Friday's outcome.

How many 2-minute drills do you have to see? Manley is simply a clutch performer. Expect the unexpected from him.

Ask him, and he says it's all about humility. Maybe so, but that fine characteristic must be combined with confidence to achieve these results—especially when dealing with what others would consider adversity.

In the first half, it looked as though the team that could sneak the Farrington offensive linemen into their uniforms at halftime would win. Neither side could move the ball, and Kahuku was on top 10-2 because of Irwin Ah-Hoy's touchdown on a fumble recovery.

Kahuku had used its week off wisely in thoroughly scouting the Leilehua offense, and the Red Raiders' sleek yet physical defenders were a perfect match for the Mules' spread attack. Kahuku could—and did—pressure Manley without throwing linebackers and defensive backs at him.

So Manley had to be close to perfect on his passes to well-covered receivers, and while under duress.

But he wasn't as accurate as usual, dependable receiver Edieson Dumlao got hurt and the Mules had no running game.

“;It was just that their defense is great,”; Manley said.

Then, with time running out, Manley became the old Manchild, scrambling, finding open receivers, drilling the ball into spots, changing plays.

The truly special athletes can beat you when it's not their best day, when they play most of the game like they ate too much leftover turkey. You let them hang around, and they'll come back and get you.

Manley and Leilehua coach Nolan Tokuda talk a lot about how everyone believes in each other and keeps going when it looks hopeless. Otherwise, maybe Dumlao doesn't return in the second half. Perhaps the defense doesn't remain tough, keeping the Mules in it.

They thrive on defending their championship the hard way. While Kahuku had its bye, the Mules had to beat Baldwin in a first-round game.

“;I like no byes,”; Manley said. “;Play right through, get the adrenaline going.”;

According to Tokuda, “;You can look at it either way. We looked at it as we got to play some more football.”;

  “;The Redeem Team,”; as Leilehua calls itself, is on a mission. And the Mules know accomplishment is far from impossible with Manley at quarterback.