Mules have the right stuff

Over in Wahiawa, the Mules are being given daily instructions on becoming men.

And that is really the bottom line for coach Nolan Tokuda and the staff of one of Hawaii’s top programs as they prepare for another season of football and character building.

Wins? Sure. But that’s just the gravy.

"All of our coaches sat down (this summer)and wrote down on a piece of paper what our coaching philosophy is," Tokuda said while the Mules went through drills at Hugh Yoshida Stadium last Friday. "We read them all to determine our one top philosophy, and it came out like this:To build better men, better fathers, better husbands, and better brothers who give back to the community and who give to the next generation.

"That way, we are in a win-win situation. It’s really nothing about winning (on the field)."

That doesn’t mean Tokuda is discounting winning. It’s just not at the tippity top of his to-do list, even though the Mules have been highly successful for more than a decade, with a state title in 2007 to go along with two runner-up finishes.

Not all players buy into Tokuda’s philosophy, and that’s when it’s time to "part ways," the coach said. He added that several Leilehua players left to play for other schools this year.

Part of the maturation process for the Mules comes during practice sessions, when the players learn how to run drills themselves.

One offensive drill in particular highlighted the philosophy at Friday’s practice.

Quarterback Kalanimoku Pauole and the offensive unit lined up for pass play after pass play without coaching input. Each throw went to one of the five eligible receivers and then the next and the next until all five touched the ball. And then they did it again. After that, they practiced the two-minute drill, without the coaches’ help.

"He is learning to spread the ball around," Tokuda said about his senior QB. "And everyone touches it. That’s what you call fun. That’s why they’re all out here, to have fun."

Tokuda quickly mentioned that people having fun without paying attention to detail wouldn’t be having fun much longer and would be getting a great view of the field from the bench.

Also, grades are not just a talking point. There are consequences. Defensive starters in the back seven each week are determined by top grade-point averages and whoever gets his grade checks in the fastest.

More fun, for sure.

Along with Pauole, Leilehua’s hybrid offense will be fueled by veteran running backs Randy Neverson and Ikaika Piceno, a co-captain. Both are dangerous pass-catchers in addition to their running skills. Tokuda believes this pair is one of the best in the state.

Co-captain Chance Maxwell, a starter at left tackle, worked his way up over the past three seasons after never having played football before. He proves what is possible for those who have the "want to" attitude.

Maxwell is going to do something he’s only done for three plays in the past — compete against Mililani.

The rival schools are not on each other’s regular-season schedule, but Tokuda and Trojans coach Rod York agreed to a scrimmage that will be run like a real game with real officials on Thursday.

"It’s time to play football," Maxwell said. "I’m excited to be a starter against them. Our team’s overall bond is good. We’re really close and I think that will take us far this year."

The Mules are coming off a 6-4 season in which they averaged 29 points per game but had a porous defense that kept the offense off the field and unable to control the outcomes.

The Leilehua offense, too, was erratic at times.

Former Saint Louis quarterback Bobby George is with the Mules as an assistant this season, and his input is greatly valued by Tokuda.

"Bobby and I will take turns calling plays, and sometimes I will call them with input from Bobby,"Tokuda said. "He’s got lots of ideas and options that will add a lot to our attack."

Among Leilehua’s other top returnees are wide receiver/tight end Toma Savea, wide receiver/defensive back Austin Molina, cornerback/safety Deshaun Osborne, offensive lineman Soakimi Hufanga and defensive linemen Soga Eli and Allan Lagaaia.

At 5 feet 9, 170 pounds, Eli is an undersized, no-nonsense defensive end.

"My goal, basically, is to come out and play with the boys," Eli said. "It’s a good feeling. We all grew up together and it’s kind of like a family … it’s playing for your family.

"We do what Coach tells us to do to the best of our abilities, and we have a high goal for all of us. Every team, everyone is looking to get that championship. That’s how you gotta play."

On the field, Tokuda and his staff will again demand what is usually asked of the Mules.

"Our attitude will determine our altitude," he said. "And no matter what, we’re proud of what they do off the field, whether it’s feeding the homeless, cleaning up Wahiawa, helping at Pop Warner clinics or averaging a 3.0 GPA.

"As usual, we will be an attacking defense and an up-tempo offense and we will be a Leilehua team that plays with discipline and are passionate for one another and are representing our community in a positive way."