Posted on: Tuesday, September 3, 2002

Kapolei picks up first win in just its second game

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

It is hurricane season in Hawai'i, and one managed to blow through Waialua on Friday night without warning.

In their inaugural varsity football season, the Kapolei Hurricanes didn't wait long to notch their first victory, 44-6, against the Waialua Bulldogs in an O'ahu Interscholastic Association White Conference game.

"It was a great feeling for our program," Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said.

But young as they are — the varsity is composed of juniors and sophomores as the school does not have a senior class yet — the Hurricanes (1-1) have kept their perspective. They play Nanakuli on Saturday.

"They enjoyed (the win)," Hernandez said. "But they didn't get carried away. They know Nanakuli is one of our toughest games. They know what's in store for them. Their running back (Ikaika) Asinsin (6 foot 2, 245 pounds), he's a man. He's like The Bus (Pittsburgh's Jerome Bettis)."

The Hurricanes used their huge offensive line to wear down the Bulldogs with the run. Waialua had a number of players playing offense and defense, while the Hurricanes had the luxury of platooning because of their depth.

Kapolei's John Delarama rushed for 140 yards on 11 carries. He scored on runs of 58 and five yards. The running back had sustained a concussion during the Wai'anae game two weeks ago while trying to block a defensive end.

Hernandez was pleased with the play of running back Gilbert Brown, who had 10 carries for 46 yards, including a 5-yard TD. That the sophomore has been able to play is a miracle in itself. Brown had his left big toe amputated early in the summer after an accident in his backyard.

"The doctor said he was out for the season, but this kid has a lot of moxie," Hernandez said. "He said, 'Coach, I'm coming back.' He's only a sophomore. He'll be a good one for us. He's already our most inspirational player."

Brown does have a limp, which makes his ability to play even more amazing, Hernandez said.

"To play running back, you cut off that toe," Hernandez said. "That big toe is used for balance."

Brown, the younger brother of former St. Louis School running back Prince Brown, hasn't let the hardship bother him.

"He's such a good kid," Hernandez said. "He has a great sense of humor. I call him 'Aji' as in Ajinomoto."