honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, December 3, 2003

Damien, 'Aiea covet Division II trophy

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

It's not Saint Louis vs. Kahuku, but that's what makes Friday's First Hawaiian Bank Division II State Football Championships final intriguing.

First Hawaiian Bank State Football Championships

Friday at Aloha Stadium

Division II

•Who: Damien (5-5) vs. 'Aiea (9-2)

•Time: 5 p.m.

Division I

•Who: Saint Louis (9-1) vs. Kahuku (13-0)

•Time: 8 p.m.

•Tickets: $7 general, $5 students K-12.

•Parking: $2

•Radio: KWAI 1080 AM will broadcast both games live

•TV: None

O'ahu Interscholastic Association Division II champion 'Aiea (9-2) will play Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division II representative Damien (5-5) at 5 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.

Although the matchup isn't between two perennial powers like the Division I game between the Crusaders and Red Raiders, that doesn't tarnish the luster on the trophy.

"It's still a championship game," 'Aiea coach Wendell Say said. "It's a state tournament with an extra slash. The only difference is that instead of one slash, there's two. Getting this far is great for our kids."

Damien, which would earn its third winning record in 39 seasons with a victory Friday, concurs.

"Division II has brought so much positive things to us," Damien co-coach Dean Nakagawa said. "Every time I see (state director) Keith Amemiya, I thank him for sticking out his neck and his money for this great opportunity for our guys."

'Aiea and Damien appear to be a good match.

Na Ali'i use a four-receiver set for sophomore quarterback Kali Kuia, who has passed for 2,207 yards in 11 games. He spreads the ball among four receivers — Ben Ah Mook Sang, Alden DeMello, Jonathan Burgos and Jabez Armodia — as well as to running back Raymond Tauala.

Lean on the pass, Na Ali'i will run Tauala or counter with slots Burgos and Ah Mook Sang.

But it isn't as if the Monarchs haven't seen this type of attack. They've faced some of the finer offenses in the state in Saint Louis, Kamehameha and Punahou. The Monarchs allowed 289 yards per game in the ILH to 168.5 yards in two state tournament games.

Damien defensive lineman Soane Sevelo is an ILH first-team selection with linebacker mobility. His cousin, defensive back Fehi Sevelo, and linebacker Brennan Dela Cruz were second-team selections.

"Their defense has a lot of movement," Say said. "They move to the ball well."

If 'Aiea doesn't get a touchdown, Brandon Puckett has been a steady kicker. He has seven field goals, including a 49-yarder he hit last week against Lahainaluna.

While 'Aiea can strike quickly, Damien has been more methodical using multiple formations. Running back Ranson DeCosta has been a gamer, scoring four of Damien's five state tournament TDs. He leads the team with 895 yards rushing. He sprained an ankle last week against Waimea, but returned to score the go-ahead TD midway through the fourth quarter in a 17-13 win.

The Monarchs' effective running behind an offensive line led by Keoni Steinhoff has set up the passing of Tevita Williams, who has thrown for 1,344 yards and 10 TDs. Overshadowed by the fine receivers from Punahou and Saint Louis is Andrew Canoy, who leads the Monarchs with 43 catches for 772 yards. DeCosta, who also plays defensive back, serves as the emergency quarterback and punts. He also lines up as a receiver at times.

"They look like they have some of the best blockers in the state," Say said. "They do a good job of blocking their men."

'Aiea has one of the tougher linebackers to block in Lawrence Leovao, a big-time tackler in short-yardage situations.

The Division II tournament games have been close. No team has scored more than 24 points, or fewer than 13. Every mistake will be magnified Friday.

"We can't make mistakes; no penalties, no turnovers," Say said. "We have to play perfect, be strong in all phases."

For Damien, finishing with a winning record would be nice. But it's not the ultimate objective.

"More importantly, I want us to finish the season playing well," Nakagawa said. "If we play well, whatever the outcome, there's going to be satisfaction. That's how we judge success. I'm confident our guys will take up the challenge."

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8042.