Manley, Wilson top West
Advertiser Staff
| |||
| |||
| |||
Two highly productive "family leaders," Leilehua quarterback Andrew Manley and Wai'anae nose guard/defensive tackle Eleu Wilson, earned top postseason honors in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference Western Division football all-star voting by league coaches.
Manley, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound senior, repeated as Offensive Player of the Year and Wilson, a 6-1, 315-pound senior, was voted as Defensive Player of the Year.
Manley wrapped up a brilliant three-year career with another fantastic season, despite being surrounded by many new skill position players and linemen.
In six West games, Manley completed 111 of 178 passes (62.4 percent) for 1,593 yards (265.5 yards per game) and 14 touchdowns, with only three interceptions. After a 21-18 loss at Mililani to open the regular season, the Mules won five straight games to capture a share of the division title and the West's No. 1 seed for the OIA playoffs.
Leilehua's team philosophy emphasizes "brotherhood" and "family," and with Manley at the controls the Mules manufactured dramatic comeback victories against Kapolei and Campbell.
Wilson — whose younger brothers Puletua and James played quarterback and receiver, respectively — anchored a defense that helped the Seariders finish 5-1 for a share of the West title. Wilson had the size and strength to be an effective run-stopper and also the agility and quickness to rush the passer.
Leilehua led the way with eight players selected to the West All-Star first team, including five on offense: Manley, receivers Kamana Akagi and Blaine Furtado, and linemen Bronson Smithe and Jiniki Timoteo.
Wai'anae was next with three first-team all-stars on offense: running back Keoni Napierala-Rose and offensive linemen Aaron Makue and Sean Silva.
Waipahu placed two all-stars on offense: running back Victor Moananu and offensive lineman Michael Ansagay.
Campbell's Samson Anguay was selected as both a receiver and utility player.
Leilehua, Mililani and Wai'anae each placed three players on the first-team defense.
Leilehua was represented by defensive linemen Frazer Taua and Charlie Tua'au and defensive back Dillon Pau'u. Mililani placed linebacker Zachary Quines, defensive back Kristopher Ornellas and utility player Taz Stevenson.
Wai'anae was represented by Wilson, linebacker Chivas Paris and defensive back Guyson Amina.
Campbell placed linebacker Tyson Tynanes-Perez and defensive back Michael Sellers, and Waipahu defensive lineman Nathan Bartley rounds out the first team.
Leilehua's Nolan Tokuda was named Coach of the Year.