Bell, Nauahi are OIA East's best

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Versatility best describes the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red East Conference's Offensive Player of the Year Matt Bell and Defensive Player of the Year Viliami Nauahi.

Bell, Farrington's multi-tasking running back, and Nauahi, Kahuku's athletic safety, head the East all-star team as selected by the conference's coaches.

Bell, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound junior, led the conference in rushing with 770 yards and touchdowns with 12. He also kicked an extra-point and scored two 2-point conversions for a total of 77 points to lead the East. He also led his team in receiving with 26 catches for 264 yards and three TDs.

"He carried most of the load for Farrington, unlike some other teams that had three, four weapons," Kahuku coach Siuaki Livai said.

Farrington coach Randall Okimoto said Bell's ability to catch the football allowed the Governors to look for favorable matchups against opponents.

"We tried to move him around as much as we could so we could get some mismatches, make it easier for us to get the ball to him," Okimoto said.

Okimoto said Bell can take his talent to college.

"He's a Division I prospect," Okimoto said.

Nauahi, a 6-2, 200-pound senior, also is a Division I prospect. He is expected to follow the path of former Red Raiders defensive backs like Brigham Young's Aaron Francisco and Hawai'i's Hyrum Peters and Leonard Peters.

"He should be like Francisco and start as a true freshman," Livai said of Nauahi. "He's more filled out (than Francisco was as a senior at Kahuku)."

Meanwhile, in his first year, Okimoto was named Coach of the Year. Although the Governors finished fifth in the East, they upset Kahuku in the OIA quarterfinals to gain a state tournament berth.

East co-champion Kailua led the all-stars with eight first-team selections in quarterback Ranson Kepa, receiver David Kaihenui, offensive linemen Xavier Ho'olulu and Pat So'oalo, defensive back Derek Mailau, linebacker Eddie Campbell, defensive lineman Al Kauahi and special teams players Kealii Kalahiki.

Farrington and McKinley each had four picks.

Joining Bell for the Governors are receiver Dionte Nomaaea, offensive lineman Michael Lafaele and linebacker Paulo Feagai.

The Tigers were represented by running back Michael Vasconcellos, offensive lineman Taase Jennings, receiver Isaiah Iaea and defensive lineman Randy Faletoi.

Castle and Kahuku had three selections on the first team.

The OIA champion Knights had their three on defense in defensive backs Jacob Ramos and Ikaika Ho, and lineman Soli Lefiti.

Joining Nauahi from the Red Raiders are defensive lineman Quin Ah You and offensive lineman Joseph Napeahi.

Linebacker Liu Suiaunoa of Kalaheo and special teams player Bryson Borges of Roosevelt round out the first-team picks.

• TOMORROW: OIA white

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