Ioane shows versatility

Punahou fullback — or is it H-back? — Jacob Ioane doesn’t catch much attention on paper.

The 6-foot, 215-pound senior wears No. 86 and looks the part of a tight end or wide receiver. But his primary role is crucial as a lead blocking back for Steven Lakalaka. Ioane may not show up in the lists of statistical leaders, but he’s not lacking an identity. As far as versatile athletes go, he’s a rare breed and a perfect fit in Punahou’s pistol offense.

"He’s a dominating blocker and he’s got great hands as well," Buffanblu coach Kale Ane said. "He does a lot of the grunt work."

If Ioane seems to enjoy the hard labor of his position, it might be because he’s happy to be on the field.

"It’s a work in progress. He was a defensive lineman, then became an offensive tackle. We decided to put a tight end in, and we didn’t have one who could catch the ball, and he’s been a pleasant surprise," Ane said.

The coach visualizes Ioane, a younger brother of former Punahou standout Jeremy Ioane (Boise State), playing the same position in college.

"H-back is a great position for him — do a little of this, a little of that. He could become a linebacker. He’d have to learn it, but he’s got the genes and skill to do it," Ane said.

Lakalaka, meanwhile, has rushed for 430 yards and four touchdowns, and also has 10 receptions for 110 yards and a score.

Big game at Ticky

A rumor that Saturday’s showdown between No. 1 Kahuku and No. 2 Farrington has changed locations is not true.

Oahu Interscholastic Association football coordinator Harold Tanaka confirmed that the game will remain at Roosevelt’s Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium.

Complaints from the neighborhood led to earlier start times on Saturdays at the facility. Noise and overflow crowds that led to parking conflicts off campus have been issues for years. But the game will stay put.

"The game is at Roosevelt," Tanaka said.

The Interscholastic League of Honolulu has a doubleheader at Aloha Stadium on Saturday: Pac-Five against Damien and Kamehameha vs. Punahou. Even if Aloha Stadium were available, the rental cost is a major obstacle.

Kickoff for the JV game is at 3 p.m., followed by the varsity at approximately 5:15.