Red Conference team profiles
Compiled by Stacy Kaneshiro (525-8042) and Wes Nakama (535-2456)
CAMPBELL SABERS
2000: 8-2 overall, 7-1 White tri-champion; eliminated in OIA quarterfinal
Coach: Tumoana Kenessey, 2nd year, 8-2
Top players:
- SS Satia Ioane (5-11, 200, Sr.)
- MLB Aaron Lane (5-11, 240, Sr.)
- DE Tino Solo (6-1, 280, Sr.)
- C Kawika Ishikawa (5-11, 265, Sr.)
- LT Chris Kolone (6-4, 260, So.)
- WR Aliikea Basham (6-1, 190, Jr.)
- RB Shauncey Saito (5-8, 170, Jr.)
Outlook: Promoted to the Red after sharing White title with Castle and McKinley. But the Sabers are composed mostly of underclassmen.
"We're very young, but we have the talent and skills to compete," Kenessey said.
But the Sabers lose the home field advantage in their first two games of the season. Work on installing a water sprinkler system on the football field got off to a late start, so the stadium is not ready for use. The Sabers had a scheduled non-conference game against Roosevelt last Friday switched to Roosevelt. Campbell was scheduled to play their first two regular season games at Campbell, but those will be played at Kailua (Friday) and Mililani (Aug. 31).
Fun fact: UH football broadcaster Jim Leahey once taught at Campbell.
CASTLE KNIGHTS
2000: 9-2 overall, 7-1 White tri-champions, eliminated in state quarterfinal
Coach: Nelson Maeda, 7th year, 23-33-3 (5th year at Castle, 19-19-1)
Top players:
- QB Joel Botelho (5-8, 155, Sr.)
- LB Maku Collins (5-8, 170, Sr.)
- SB/DB Ikaika Ho (5-8, 152, So.)
- LB Joe McKeague (5-8, 170, Sr.)
- OL/DL Ernest Navarro (5-11, 275, Jr.)
- OL/DL Jonah Navarro (6-2, 300, Jr.)
- DB Jared Prestidge (6-0, 180, Sr.)
- DB Jonah Ramos (5-6, 140, Sr.)
- OL/DL Aaron Sasaki (5-9, 235, Jr.)
- OL/DL Byron Young (5-10, 225, Sr.)
Outlook: "It's a big jump for us into the Red," Maeda said. "We're small in numbers and don't have much depth, so we need to stay healthy and eliminate mistakes. But we're looking forward to the challenge."
Botelho passed for 1,529 yards and 20 touchdowns last year, with only three interceptions. He was named Most Valuable Player of the White Conference.
"He has a great understanding of what we're trying to accomplish," Maeda said.
McKeague was a second-team all-conference selection last year.
Fun fact: Former Castle lineman Ace Yonamine had a role in the movie "The Replacements."
FARRINGTON GOVERNORS
2000: 5-5, 4-4 Red, eliminated in OIA quarterfinal
Coach: David Pila, 1st year
Top players:
- RB Limoni Anurar (5-5, 180, Sr.)
- DL Paul Feagai (5-11, 200, Jr.)
- OL Michael Lafaele (6-1, 270, Jr.)
- DL Justin Luafalemana (6-1, 220, Sr.)
- RB Paul Laga (5-6, 164, Sr.)
- WR Chad Mock (5-11, 145, Sr.)
- LB Falaniko Noga (5-8, 173, Sr.)
- RB Calvin Rilveria (5-8, 172, Jr.)
- QB Gilbert Sa (5-10, 165, Sr.)
- DL Lawrence Wilson (6-1, 268, Sr.)
Outlook: The Governors' biggest problem is academic ineligibility, with about 20 casualties who will have to sit out at least two regular-season games. But Farrington has 64 players on its roster.
Sa was second in the Red Conference in passing last season with 1,312 yards.
But Pila, who played for the Govs in the mid-1980s, wants to return to the ground-oriented attack that was a trademark of the program for generations. That should mean plenty of carries for Anurar, Laga and Rilveria.
"It's going to be very difficult to do well in the conference, because the Red will always be tough," Pila said. "But hopefully, we'll be in that mix."
Fun fact: Linebacker Falaniko Noga is the son of Falaniko Noga, the former Farrington great and All-Western Athletic Conference nose guard for the University of Hawai'i.
KAHUKU RED RAIDERS
2000: 13-2, 7-1 Red, OIA champions, state champions
Coach: Siuaki Livai, 6th year, 44-14
Top players:
- FB Earvin Atuaia (5-11, 250, Sr.)
- WR Loga Fonoimoana (5-8, 165, Sr.)
- QB Inoke Funaki (6-0, 180, Sr.)
- WR Moana Hafoka (5-11, 180, Sr.)
- WR James Kamerer (6-3, 184, Sr.)
- DL Jonathan Mapu (6-3, 250, Sr.)
- DB Trumaine Oto (5-10, 170, Jr.)
- RB Mulivai Pula (5-11, 215, Sr.)
- DL Darrell Tachibana (6-2, 200, Sr.)
Outlook: This could be one of Kahuku's best teams ever, and that's saying something.
The Red Raiders have eight starters back on offense, including two all-state players in quarterback Funaki and running back Pula. Four starters return on the line, which averages 293 pounds.
Hafoka, Kamerer and Fonoimoana all are talented receivers, but Livai said Atuaia could be the key to the offense. "He's the heart and soul of what we do," Livai said. "He carries such a load. If nothing else works, we can give the ball to him."
The defense is led by all-state end Mapu, who is regarded by many as Hawai'i's top college prospect. The big question mark is in the secondary.
Fun fact: Atuaia's cousin Mark, a 1991 Kahuku graduate, is the OIA's career rushing leader with 3,415 yards. Mark Atuaia also holds the state single-season rushing mark with 2,025 yards in 1990.
KAILUA SURFRIDERS
2000: 6-4 overall, 5-3 Red, eliminated in OIA quaterfinal
Coach: Darren Johnson, 6th year, 31-20
Top players:
- DB Jeff Cummings (6-1, 193, Sr.)
- OL Marques Kaonohi (6-2, 250, Sr.)
- DB Kepa Kailio (5-11, 180, Sr.)
- OL Kahai LaCount (6-3, 300, Sr.)
- WR Ryan Lum (5-9, 160, Sr.)
- QB Taleki Mailau (5-10, 190, Sr.)
- LB/DE Levi Manutai (6-2, 264, Sr.)
- OL Sam Satele (6-4, 290, Sr.)
- LB Koa Sniffen (6-1, 230, Jr.)
- DB Cody Texeira-Vickery (5-10, 183, Jr.)
Outlook: Mailau was a first-team All-Red Conference quarterback last season, after passing for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns with only four interceptions.
Lum also garnered first-team All-Red honors, while Satele and LaCount were named to the second team.
Johnson said depth could be a concern.
"We've got to stay injury-free and keep guys healthy," he said.
Fun fact: Assistant coach Marcus Malepeai, a former standout at Kailua and UH, is a member of the popular musical group, Three Plus.
KAIMUKI BULLDOGS
2000: 10-4, 6-2 Red, OIA third, eliminated in state semifinal
Coach: Ronald Oyama, 3rd year, 19-5
Top players:
- QB Jordan Caires (5-10, 210, Sr.)
- RB/DB Darin Fujimoto (5-7, 150, Jr.)
- OL/DL Michael Ishoda (5-11, 260, Sr.)
- RB/LB Chanceton Mirafuentes (5-2, 165, Sr.)
- RB/LB Leland Ohelo (5-11, 185, Sr.)
- OL/DL Glen Pelupelu (6-3, 270, Sr.)
- OL/DL Kaulana Kaluna (5-11, 285, Sr.)
- WR/DB Wallace Simanu (6-1, 185, Sr.)
- RB/DL Soloni Taumalolo (5-11, 240, Sr.)
- OL/DL Raymond Taumalolo (6-1, 250, Jr.)
- OL/DL James Wells (5-11, 295, Sr.)
Outlook: The Bulldogs' program made major strides last year, and Kaimuki returns seven starters on offense and six on defense.
Mirafuentes was a second-team All-Red Conference running back in 2000. Kaluna was a second-team selection at defensive line.
"We lost some speed and skills, but this is one of the strongest teams we've had in a while," Oyama said. "We had a real good offseason in the weight room — 90 percent attendance since February. A lot of our guys play two ways."
Fun fact: The Bulldogs' 10-win season last year was the first since Kaimuki began playing varsity football in 1944.
LEILEHUA MULES
2000: 2-7 overall, 2-6 Red
Coach: Cass Ishitani, 7th year, 22-33-2
Top players:
- QB Spencer Omalza (6-1, 170, So.)
- SS Jon Connelly (5-10, 195, Sr.)
- FS Steve Dumlao (6-0, 190, Sr.)
- OL Junior Pakau (6-0, 230, Sr.)
- OL/DL Leevye Paparillo (5-10, 245, Sr.)
- DL Patrick Vito (6-1, 265, Sr.)
Outlook: Despite finishing tied for seventh with 'Aiea and Waipahu, the Mules won the tie-breaker that allowed them to remain in the Red. But whether that's good or bad remains to be seen.
"We're small by standards of the Red Division," Ishitani said.
The Mules dropped their non-conference game against the Marauders on Saturday. Six turnovers proved costly, as two were recycled into touchdowns in a 20-12 loss.
Omalza, who started as a freshman last year, returns as starting quarterback.
Ishitani is hoping some Mainland transfers pan out.
Fun fact: Leilehua was the last OIA team to win the now-defunct O'ahu Prep Bowl in 1984. The Mules' coach then was Hugh Yoshida, athletic director at the University of Hawai'i.
McKINLEY TIGERS
2000: 8-2 overall, 7-1 White tri-champion, eliminated in OIA quarterfinal
Coach: David Tanuvasa, 9th year, 46-31-1
Top players:
- LB Anthony Albarado (5-8, 165, Sr.)
- QB Anapuni Coleman (6-2, 170, Jr.)
- DL Randy Faletoi (6-2, 285, So.)
- OL Salesi Fifita-Atkins (6-2, 240, Sr.)
- WR Isaiah Iaea (5-10, 150, Jr.)
- OL Taase Jennings (6-3, 335, Jr.)
- SB Lorgan Pau (5-9, 190, Sr.)
- LB Semise Taufa (5-10, 210, Sr.)
- RB Kimo Terry (5-8, 190, Sr.)
- DB Michael Tui (5-8, 170, Sr.)
- LB Chris Williams (6-2, 220, Sr.)
Outlook: The Tigers have four starters back on offense and seven on defense.
"We'll be competitive," Tanuvasa said. "Our goal is to win the Red Conference. But for us to be successful, we need to stay healthy."
Tanuvasa said his run-and-shoot offense will look to pass 60 percent of the time.
"We're going to swarm on defense," he said. "We've got some speed."
Defensive linemen Willie Talamoa (5-11, 235, Sr.) and Levale Lauofo (6-0, 265, Sr.) are coming off knee injuries. Faletoi was on the varsity as a freshman last year.
Fun fact: Tanuvasa said this is one of his strongest teams — five players bench press over 300 pounds.
MILILANI TROJANS
2000: 4-5 overall, 4-4 Red
Coach: James Millwood, 8th year, 40-26-4
Top players:
- MLB Braddah Kalahiki (5-10, 215, Sr.)
- OLB Kaipo Patoc (6-2, 230, Sr.)
- OLB Justin Molina (6-0, 200, Sr.)
- S Jose Santos (6-0, 190, Jr.)
- C C.J. Lumauag (6-0, 280, Sr.)
- G Devin Achime (5-11, 235, Sr.)
- WR Trey Brown (6-5, 200, Sr.)
- RB Kepa Morris (5-9, 170, Sr.)
Outlook: The Trojans return their linebacking corps, the strength of the defense.
"Our defense is very aggressive, they get to the ball well and don't give up the big play," Millwood said.
Most of the players on defense are in their third season as starters, Millwood added.
"We're expecting to compete and do well," he said.
Fun fact: Denver Broncos defensive tackle Ma'a Tanuvasa is a graduate of Mililani. He had to sneak on the team because his mother didn't want him to play for fear of injury.
WAI'ANAE SEARIDERS
2000: 12-2 overall, 8-0, OIA Red champion, runner-up OIA, eliminated in state semifinal
Coach: Dan Matsumoto, 2nd year, 12-2
Top players:
- QB Kekoa Reyes (6-1, 200, Sr.)
- RB Kawena Rosario 5-9, 185, Sr.)
- DB Salvador Paragas (5-8, 175, Sr.)
- LB Russell Bell (6-2, 240, Sr.)
- RB Sautia Lave (5-11, 225, Jr.)
- DL Fuivai Togia (6-0, 295, Sr.)
- C Lionel Lindley-Molina (6-1, 260, Jr.)
- T Mark Tuinei (6-3, 430, Sr.)
- WR Nathaniel Russell (6-3, 200, Jr.)
- WR Teacel Hines (6-0, 160, Sr.)
Outlook: The Seariders are moving all-state defensive back Reyes to quarterback. Reyes was quarterback in JV.
"He's one of our better athletes," Matsumoto said. "It's a big loss (on defense), but hopefully the other guys will fill in." It's not likely Reyes will see action on defense.
Wai'anae's offensive line has literally gotten bigger. Tuinei, son of former Wai'anae and UH star Tom, is listed at 430 pounds, up 85 pounds from last year.
Fun fact: Yokozuna Musashimaru (Fiamalu Penitani) was an all-star lineman for the Seariders ... Wai'anae's oceanfront stadium is named after its first principal, the late Raymond Torii, a staunch supporter of athletics.
