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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Sunday, March 21, 2010

Pearl City’s Dela Cruz, Mililani’s Akiu ruled


Advertiser Staff

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Gavin Dela Cruz was a “fierce competitor.”

RICHARD AMBO | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Ryan Akiu was a “coach on the field.”

REBECCA BREYER | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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Midfielders Gavin Dela Cruz of Pearl City and Ryan Akiu of Mililani were the playmakers of the team, "the ones the ball would have to go through to create opportunities for their teams," said Kapolei coach Bryce Kaneshiro.

They were named the co-O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red West Division Players of the Year.

"Gavin is a fierce competitor," Kaneshiro said. "He's a playmaker. We had to make sure he didn't touch the ball as much."

Kaneshiro called Akiu "the thorn in our side."

"He's like a coach on the field; he's constantly talking to his players. He's their leader and their energy."

Pearl City's Nicolas Kapua, 'Aiea's Sean Chang (6 goals) and Campbell's Caleb Gouveia (4) are the forwards on the first team. Dela Cruz, Akiu, 'Aiea's Dylan Daguay and Kapolei's Richard Gallarde are the first-team midfielders.

The defenders on the first team are Mililani's Jake Sagami and Ryan Yoneda, Kapolei's Eric Morales and Campbell's Zachary Marquart. Kapolei's Cody Kamei is the first-team goalkeeper.

Mililani's Jeff Yamamoto and Kaneshiro are the co-Coaches of the Year, after their teams finished 1-2 in the division.

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