There is a special kind of student-athlete, Wendell Look says, who wants to become an ‘Iolani Raider.
“It takes a special kind of kid to play at ‘Iolani School. There are certain kinds of kids who are willing to make that kind of sacrifice. Forty-three of them this year have made that commitment to represent ‘Iolani School on the football field. For that, I give those 43 kids so much respect and admiration,” Look said. “I can’t say enough about their attitude, their work ethic and their pride in their school. That’s what makes us as coaches work that much harder.”
‘Iolani, once the dynastic program of Division II, was 8-3 overall and 7-1 in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (D-I) last fall. ‘Iolani edged Damien for a state-tournament berth before losing at eventual state champion Waipahu 20-19 in the opening round. The Raiders begin nonleague play this year with a game at Kamehameha-Hawaii on Aug. 3.
“We’re camping at Pahoa for the week, practicing with them,” Look said. “We want to get our guys some experience and come out healthy.”
A week later, ‘Iolani meets Moanalua to open the regular season. It’s an incredibly short preparation time compared to the olden days.
“It’s getting earlier every year. It’s rough,” said Look, who has the benefit of some very good seniors.
The core includes returning starting quarterback Jonah Chong, wide receiver Carter Kamana, hybrid safety/linebacker Lanakila Pei and free safety Micah Camat.
All in all, it was defense that was the cornerstone of the ’18 squad. In 11 games, only one team, Leilehua, scored more than 20 points against the defensive unit. All that success even though ‘Iolani lined up one of the smallest defenses in D-I statewide.
“Defensive linemen? We don’t have any,” Look joked.
The reality is, Shayden Molina and Lima Harbottle may be the only two Raiders listed as DLs when rosters are released. The maximum is likely five DLs, Look said. Much of the time, the Raiders offer a variety of looks with stand-up run-stoppers.
Pei is often explosive from all points and angles, and his role will sometimes be unpredictable to opposing quarterbacks trying to locate the shifty playmaker. Other key defenders in the box include Isaac Ignacio and Sterling Sakashita, as well as nickel backs K.C. Bell and Jase Arakaki.
“Defensively, it’s all about our communication,” Look noted.
The Raiders also have experience at cornerback with Micah Shikada, Max Miyashiro and Trevor Kan.
“Hopefully, the experience offsets being undersized,” Look added.
Chong is now 6 feet, 165 pounds — roughly an inch taller and 15 pounds heavier than last season. He is the beneficiary of all these years under the guidance of Look and quarterbacks coach Joel Lane. He passed for 2,162 yards and 21 touchdowns with 11 picks in 326 pass attempts as a junior.
“This year, offensively, we’re a little bit inexperienced other than Carter,” Chong said. “All our receivers are working really hard, getting extra reps after practice.”
Kamana, at 6-2, is taller than most of ‘Iolani’s linemen. He figures to see plenty of bracketed coverage from defensive coordinators.
“The main goal is winning, getting to the koa trophy,” Kamana said. “It’s a little different because I was the young guy for three years and I had good mentors. I’m trying to take everything I remember and help our younger guys.”
Kamana’s playmaking ability will give his fellow receivers opportunities. Senior Cole Ichikawa, and juniors Wailoa Manuel and Rexton Suzuki are ready. So is promising junior Noah Gaudi.
“It’s a big learning curve for him,” Look said of Gaudi. “But he’s got the tools.”
Pei will be a vital piece in the toolbox of defensive coordinator Delbert Tengan. Sometimes he will roam sideline to sideline in coverage as a nickel back. Sometimes he will stay in the box to stop the run.
“It’s all technique. People always say our defense is built on speed. If we keep using our technique against those linemen, we’ll be fine,” said Pei, whose father, Meki, also played at ‘Iolani.
Camat, at 6 feet, 180 pounds, brings some rare heft to go with his vision from the secondary. Like Pei, Camat’s father (Michael) played at ‘Iolani.
Offensively, the line has three key returnees: center Micah Anduha, left tackle Kilo Scanlan and right tackle Brandon Chin.
“They are probably the most undersized, underrated and under-appreciated group on the team,” Look said. “But I love ’em. Without them, our team has no success.”
A big question is, will the Raiders be able to produce out of the backfield now that Kaua Nishigaya has graduated? With 1,081 combined yards (and 18 TDs) from scrimmage, he accounted for 32 percent of the total offense last season. His 983 rushing yards comprised 92 percent of ‘Iolani’s total on the ground. ‘Iolani will look to a committee of rushers, at least in the early stage of the season.
Jake Lee (17 attempts, 74 yards in ’18), Brody Bantolino and Brock Hedani are leading that pack. Bantolino has a long frame reminiscent of former Raiders standout RB Rey Stowers. Hedani is a converted linebacker.
The passing attack, with the experience of Chong and the big-play capability of Kamana, will only go as far as the youngsters stepping into starting roles. Kamana was electrifying at times last year, with 84 receptions for 959 yards and eight TDs.
The kicking game is in good shape, Look said, despite the graduation of second-team All-State kicker Mika Makekau. She set a state mark for longest field goal by a girl last year, 44 yards. More so, she was consistent on 3-pointers and gave ‘Iolani plenty of depth on kickoffs.
Manuel, the pass catcher, doubles up as place-kicker and punter.
‘IOLANI RAIDERS
>> Head coach: Wendell Look, 29th season, 196-123-3 (.597)
>> Last year: 8-3 overall, 7-1 ILH Division I
>> Star-Advertiser All-State selections returning: Carter Kamana (third-team WR)
>> Star-Advertiser All-State selections lost to graduation: Kaua Nishigaya (second-team RB); Mika Makekau (second-team PK).
Schedule
Date Opponent, Time
8/3 @ KS-Hawaii 10 a.m.
8/10 @ Moanalua 6:30 p.m.
8/16 @ Aiea 6 p.m.
8/24 Kaimuki 3 p.m.
9/6 @ Kailua 6 p.m.
9/13 Waipahu* 7:30 p.m.
9/20 Damien* 4:45 p.m.
9/27 Radford 3:15 p.m.
10/5 Leilehua* 4:45 p.m.
10/11 @ Castle 7:30 p.m.
* — @ Aloha Stadium
