Prep top 10 countdown: Fresh off a state football title, Waipahu continues to ascend

Waipahu could be standing on the precipice of true football greatness. Or the Marauders could level out or, worse, begin sinking.

Those last two possibilities are nowhere near the thinking of coach Bryson Carvalho. Fresh off its first-ever Division I state championship, the team’s arrow is pointing upward. But where can it go? A repeat? An eventual move up to the Open Division?

Those questions will be answered in time, so all that truly matters to Carvalho is that his players do things the right way.

“I’m a strong believer that winning games is a byproduct of doing things right,” he said. “If you have that mind-set, regardless of the outcome, your record will be successful. I think we’ll be successful as long as the kids play to their potential, hold true to the program’s standards and treat everything with respect — drills in practice, teammates, coaches, teachers and schoolwork.”

Loaded with talent, Waipahu — No. 7 in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s preseason Top 10 — has many returning starters from a year ago, none more important than running back Alfred Failauga, who has been a gem for three years running and is the unquestioned leader on the field. Failauga, who does not have any Division I offers at the moment, is 631 yards away from becoming Hawaii’s all-time rushing leader. He already has 3,919 and is chasing Vavae Malepeai’s 4,549 for Mililani from 2013 to ’15.

But Carvalho is quick to point out that Failauga’s personal accomplishments mean very little to the young man.

“People in the media are constantly bringing it up to him and he doesn’t think about it,” the coach said. “He went up in front of the team at camp and told them that what matters is our team. That was a powerful message for the kids.”

At quarterback, Cody Marques begins his second year as the starter.

“He’s picking up the offense really well,” Carvalho said.

Logan Lauti, who starred at Damien a year ago, has joined Waipahu, giving the Marauders another threat at receiver.

“We’re glad to have him on our side,” the coach said. “He should do good things.”

Jovan Gooman and Branden Tsuchiyama are among the other capable receivers. Timothy Ata, a junior, will be an anchor of the offensive line along with Ronaldo Huihui, the group’s lone returning starter.

Defensively, Fiva Tulafale is the closest thing to the unit’s heart and soul. He can play anywhere, but his primary position is linebacker. He’ll also line up at corner, safety and defensive end. Manuele Pulusila, whom Carvalho calls “feisty,” is a three-year starter at linebacker.

Kealii Barrett and Mathius Aleaga are primed for big years on the defensive line, according to the coach.

“Our offensive line has a hard time blocking them,” Carvalho added.

Tarynce Antolin, who can play safety and cornerback, and safety Austin Pola are among the key players in the defensive backfield. Pola will also be a backup to Failauga on offense.

A rocky middle part of the season nearly derailed the Marauders a year ago, but they ended up 10-4 with an OIA title to go along with the state’s koa trophy.

Carvalho, naturally, is concerned that players might be satisfied and not push for more. There has been no evidence of that in practice, but it’s impossible to know for sure until regular-season games are played.

“For a long time, we were motivated by proving ourselves,” he said. “That was the kind of approach every year — we gotta do this, we gotta do that. It’s ironic, once you accomplish it (the title), now comes the hard part. We thought the hard part was climbing the mountain. Now, we are dealing with making sure the kids don’t plateau or become stagnated and content with last year. We’ve gotta remember how hard it was to get there.

“Looking at the big picture, we ask the kids what will their legacy be when their playing time is done. We want to make sure that the legacy they leave behind is outstanding. 2018 is done, and that team can be proud of that legacy. The only way we can do it in 2019 is to be committed, make great decisions, be a champion in life. That, to me, is the key to all of our success. We’re trying to build life champions who are good leaders, respectable people.”