Posted on: Saturday, November 1, 2003

6 Warrior players suspended for game

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Six Kamehameha School varsity football players have been suspended for tonight's game against Saint Louis School, a Kamehameha team source said last night.

The source, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said he did not know the reason for the suspensions. The source said the players involved are starters or non-starters who were to see considerable action. The players are of varying grade levels, the source said. The source did not reveal the players' names.

Football coach Kanani Souza could not be reached at his office. Athletic directors Blane Gaison and Erv Kau also could not be reached. Principal Anthony Ramos was off island.

"Anything involving disciplinary actions of our students is not something we would comment on," Kamehameha Schools spokesman Kekoa Paulsen said.

The news of the suspensions comes on the eve of the crucial Interscholastic League of Honolulu game between the Warriors and the Crusaders. Both enter tonight's regular season finale with 5-1 records. The winner will be the ILH Division I champion and earn a berth to the Division I state tournament.

The Warriors, who beat the Crusaders, 16-13, in their first meeting on Sept. 13, are looking for their first ILH crown since 1979.

The Crusaders are seeking their 18th consecutive league crown and fifth state tournament appearance. If the game ends in a tie, a playoff is scheduled for next Saturday.

Kamehameha, ranked second in The Advertiser Top 10, was the top-ranked team in the state before its 14-6 loss to Punahou last weekend. The Crusaders, whose only loss is to Kamehameha, are ranked third.

Staff writer Curtis Lum contributed to this report.

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