Castle might forfeit opener

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Castle High School football team still may have to forfeit tomorrow night's O'ahu Interscholastic Association opener against Mililani, due in large part to the suspension of 19 returnees who were ejected from last year's state championship game loss to Saint Louis.

After last night's practice, Castle coach Nelson Maeda said he may have only 21 players available, and that he would make a determination after today's practice whether they have enough to suit up against Mililani.

"Right now it doesn't look good," Maeda said. "There's a good possibility we may have to (forfeit)."

The 19 returnees were among 25 Knights who were ejected for entering the field of play from the sidelines after a scuffle broke out against Saint Louis with 43 seconds remaining in the game. By National Federation rule, anyone entering the field from the sideline in such a situation must be automatically ejected.

And under OIA rules, anyone who is ejected from a contest must sit out the following league game, even if the next game is in the ensuing school year.

Maeda said in addition to the 19 suspended players, "between 11 and 13" players are on academic probation and thus also ineligible, and several others are injured.

Veteran linebackers Blaze Soares, Antone Watanabe and Guy Humalon are eligible, as is quarterback Louis Mansanas Jr.

Castle has 55 players on its official roster.

But Maeda said if the game were today, he'd have only 21 players available and "if it gets down into the teens, we'd be very concerned about their safety."

Maeda added, "I understand the letter of the rule, but some of our guys just stepped onto the field and did not get involved" in the scuffle. He said some of the players "were just trying to pull their comrades away to safety.

"It's a disappointment."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456.