Posted on: Saturday, September 13, 2003

ILH opens with big test

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Saint Louis School football coach Darnell Arceneaux had emergency appendectomy surgery on Sunday, made it to practice on Monday and Tuesday, and was back in the hospital Wednesday and Thursday after complications from the procedure.

But Arceneaux said there's no doubt about where he will be tonight: on the Aloha Stadium sidelines, coaching the Crusaders in a huge Interscholastic League of Honolulu opener against Kamehameha.

"Of course I'll be there," Arceneaux said yesterday afternoon. "I don't know where people got it that I wouldn't. Even if I have only one lung and one leg, I'll be there."

So will thousands of fans eager to see right away how the ILH title chase will shape up, beginning with the Damien-Pac-Five opener at 4:45 p.m. followed by the Saint Louis-Kamehameha clash at 7:30.

The Crusaders (1-0 nonleague) have won 17 ILH championships in a row and 19 of the past 20, but with Arceneaux, 25, as a first-year coach there is much intrigue surrounding this year's team.

Arceneaux is among the curious.

"Kamehameha is a great test for us," Arceneaux said. "We needed a lot of time to bond and we've been slowly getting better, especially in the past two weeks."

Saint Louis, ranked No. 3 in The Advertiser's statewide poll of media and coaches, defeated Kaiser 34-12 in its opener on Aug. 22.

Kamehameha coach Kanani Souza was at that game and said he was impressed with Saint Louis.

"Their kids appeared enthusiastic and they were well-coached," Souza said. "Darnell has surrounded himself with a good supporting cast, and, of course, he has good players."

Longtime assistant Vince Passas is back as offensive coordinator, and former University of Hawai'i standout Eddie Klaneski is in charge of the defense. Former Crusaders all-star Jacob Yoro also helps with the defense.

And even though they no longer are on the staff, former head coaches Cal Lee and Delbert Tengan have been valuable consultants.

"They're always there to answer any questions we have," Arceneaux said.

Kamehameha (2-0) may be ranked No. 1, but the Warriors also have questions to be answered.

"We've had some injuries on the line," Souza said. "But Coach (Eric) Kane has done a good job patching up our offense, and it's a blessing we've got other guys who can help."

Kamehameha receiver Waika Spencer showed in the preseason what a big (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) threat he can be, but Arceneaux said Saint Louis will be prepared for him.

"We're lucky we have our own big target in Desmond Hanohano (6-5, 220) to practice against," Arceneaux said. "Kamehameha is a great team and they'll come to play. But our kids are hungry, and they're ready to go."