Posted on: Thursday, December 16, 2004
Mililani, 'Aiea players top list
| • | Iolani Classic will have D-II portion |
| • | Offense and specialists |
| • | Defense and coach |
| • | Team rosters |
By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer
During the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Western Division season, Mililani had the best offense in terms of scoring and yards gained, and 'Aiea had the best defense based on yards allowed.
Advertiser library photo Trojans' quarterback Maka Kahoano was named the Offensive Player of the Year. He was one of six Trojans who dominated the 11-player first-team offense.
"Our players followed his role," Trojans coach James Millwood said of Kahoano. "He always rose to the occasion."
Kahoano, a 5-10, 160-pound senior, led the Trojans to the Western Division championship by guiding the most productive offense during the regular season. The Trojans led the West by averaging 359.2 yards per game and by scoring 188 points. He completed 33 of 80 passes for 711 yards with nine TD passes to three interceptions.
'Aiea lineman Rocky Savaiigaea was named the Defensive Player of the Year. He is one of five Na Ali'i selected on the first-team defense. The 6-foot-3, 290-pound senior is being recruited by the University of Hawai'i, San Diego State, Utah and Idaho.
Savaiigaea provided pressure up front for Na Ali'i, garnering six sacks, pressuring the quarterback with four hurries and batting down two passes. He also caused a fumble and recovered one.
"For his size, the kid was so quick off the ball," Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said of Savaiigaea. "He has so much potential, he hasn't even scratched the surface (of his abilities)."
Other Trojans selected on the first-team offense were: running back Kekoa Perbera, receiver Jon Santos and linemen Sene Ma'afala and brothers Aaron and Micah Kia. All are seniors, except for Perbera and Micah Kia, both juniors. Aaron Kia (6-4, 255) is being recruited by the University of Hawai'i.
'Aiea's division-leading defense allowed 157.2 yards per game with Savaiigaea leading the way. But he had help from other first-team selections from 'Aiea in lineman Malo Taumua, linebacker R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane and defensive backs C.J. Tausaga and Aveni Leung-Wai. Tausaga had five interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.
Other first-team offense picks were 'Aiea running back Donny Mapusaga and lineman Joe Miller; Leilehua receivers Chustin Senas and Anthony Palomares; and Kapolei offensive lineman Ikaika Moleta-Aken, who is being recruited by San Diego State.
First-team specialists were Pearl City's Steven King and Wai'anae's Joshua Woodard.
Other first-team defense selections were: Wai'anae lineman Sean Savini; Nanakuli' lineman Raymond Talona; Leilehua linebacker B.J. Fruean; Mililani linebacker Aaron Po'oloa, Kapolei defensive back Ikaika Tan; and Nanakuli defensive back John Palakiko.
Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8042.
Each team's strength is reflected in the OIA Western Division football all-stars, which were provided by the league.
Mililani's Maka Kahoano was picked Offensive Player of the Year.
