In an Interscholastic League of Honolulu season that featured more than its share of defensive stars, Kamehameha linebacker Gerritt Vincent managed to shine brightest of them all.

Although there were many worthy candidates for top postseason honors, coaches selected Vincent as the ILH Most Valuable Player on defense in a recent vote.

"He had an outstanding year; they all did at Kamehameha," said Punahou coach Kale Ane. "(Defensive coordinator) Agenhart Ellis had a good scheme for them and they played well as a group."

Vincent, a 5-foot-9, 195-pound senior, had two of his better games against Ane's league champion Buffanblu.

In their first meeting Sept. 24, he made five tackles, helped the Warriors limit Punahou to 13 yards rushing and scored on a 32-yard interception return in a 27-17 victory.

Kamehameha was ranked No. 1 in The Advertiser's statewide Top 10 poll of coaches and media at the time; Punahou was No. 2.

In the rematch Oct. 22, the Buffanblu were ranked No. 1 and the Warriors No. 3.

But Kamehameha won again, 20-7, thanks in large part to its defense. Vincent again played a big role in that win, breaking up two passes and making four solo tackles to go with three assists.

The victory clinched at least a tie for first place after the regular season, which proved crucial because there actually was a three-way tie for first when the dust cleared, forcing a playoff.

The tight race for the title is reflected in the league's all-star selections. The result is a first team that includes many of the state's top players.

Damien running back Kealoha Pilares, who ended up as the state's leading rusher (1,741 yards) and scorer (146 points), was named MVP for the offense.

"He was a threat every time he touched the ball," Ane said. "You had to be aware of him at all times."

Against Iolani on Nov. 4, Pilares carried the ball an amazing 50 times, for 300 yards and four touchdowns and also returned a kickoff 76 yards for another touchdown.

Pilares leads a power-packed ILH all-star first-team offense that also includes four players from Division II champ Iolani: quarterback Kiran Kepo'o, running back Mike Hirokawa, receiver Travis Nishioka and offensive lineman Cameron Petro-Sakuma.

The other first-team receivers are Kamehameha's Aaron Nichols, Punahou's Miah Ostrowski and Saint Louis' Cameron Bayne. Offensive linemen Cody Kekipi (Punahou), Iole Liu (Saint Louis), Ikaika Rodenhurst (Kamehameha) and Eddie Williams (Damien) round out the offense.

The first-team defense is just as impressive, with Punahou and Saint Louis represented by three players each. The Buffanblu placed lineman Jonathan Overton, linebacker Steve Dannaway and defensive back Jay Angotti.

Saint Louis landed lineman Kamalu Umu, linebacker Jared Silva and defensive back Stephen Lei on the first team.

Damien linemen Michael Sipili and Lolomana Mikaele, Iolani linebacker Jon Takamura and defensive back Landon Patoc, and Kamehameha defensive back Drew Ueno round out the defense.

Pilares also made the first team as a return specialist. The other specialists are Punahou kicker River Kim and punter Keoki Hong.

Pac-Five's Jordan Ho-Ching was selected to the first team as a utility player.

Ane was named Coach of the Year after guiding the Buffanblu to their first ILH championship since 1977.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.