Posted on: Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Punahou's Morris, Saint Louis' Moss are tops in offense, defense
By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer
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| Punahou senior quarterback John Morris, above, led the league with 1,782 yards, while senior linebacker Dylan Moss, below, helped Saint Louis allow the fewest points in the ILH.
Advertiser library photos |
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Punahou School's senior quarterback went from third-string to becoming the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's Offensive Player of the Year.
Saint Louis senior linebacker Dylan Moss is the league's Defensive Player of the Year.
Damien's Rudy Alejo and Dean Nakagawa were selected as the Coaches of the Year. They led the Monarchs to the inaugural state Division II tournament.
The ILH all-stars were selected by the league's coaches.
Morris spent his first two seasons of varsity as a third-string quarterback. Never giving up, he earned the starting job this season.
"He wasn't starting at the beginning, but he continued working out every day and preparing for the season," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "That took him over the edge. He's a great example of what hard work and perseverance can do."
Morris completed 61 percent of his passes for a league-leading 1,782 yards and tied for the lead with 14 touchdowns in helping the Buffanblu win four of their final five games. He was intercepted 16 times with the bulk coming early in the season, as he tried to get a grasp of Punahou's West Coast offense. The 5-foot-10, 170-pounder threw only two interceptions in his final three games.
"Part of it was him getting comfortable with the (receivers' pass) routes," Ane said. "As the year went on, he reduced the mistakes and played fantastic."
Moss, a 5-9, 221-pound senior, led the Crusaders' defense.
"He's just a spark plug, the heart and soul of our defense," Saint Louis coach Darnell Arceneaux said. "He just gets the job done. He has a great football attitude."
Saint Louis allowed the fewest points (94) in the ILH, the only team not to allow triple-digit points.
The ILH champion Crusaders landed 10 players at 11 positions to lead all teams.
Joining Moss on the defense were linemen Tavita Thompson and Tyson Alualu, and defensive backs Keao Monteilh and Pono Vierra. Saints on offense were receivers Shaun Kauleinamoku and Desmond Hanohano, and offensive lineman Bronson Carvalho.
B.J. Batts was named as the return specialist and C.J. Santiago was named the first team's kicker and punter.
Kamehameha placed eight players on the first team. On offense were linemen Hayden Kahele and Brennan Carvalho (Bronson's brother), and receiver Waika Spencer. Picked on defense were lineman Keola Kaluhiokalani, linebackers Travis Correa, Mana Lolotai and Asti Merino, and defensive back Gabriel Spencer.
Punahou had five selections, four on its high-powered offense. Joining Morris were receiver Koa Duncan, running back Micah Strickland and lineman Trask Iosefa. The defense was represented by defensive back Chris Shiramizu.
Iolani had two first-team picks in running back Raynold Stowers and defensive back Kyle Muraoka, while Damien's two selections were utility Ranson DeCosta and defensive lineman Soane Sevelo. Pac-Five's sole representative was offensive lineman Daniel Paileulu, who recently committed to play for the University of Hawai'i.
