There aren’t a lot of head coaches who covet a No. 1 ranking this time of year.
That’s the nature of polls, even when coaches and media do the voting. There’s no nutritional value in ingesting the glory of being top dog. At best, it is whipped cream. Fun to eat. No nutrients. Consume too much, it will not go well.
In the land of Kapolei, a No. 1 ranking this week is exhilarating for most fans. A new status, never accomplished before despite decades of hanging out in Top 10 territory.
The Hurricanes have increased discipline and self control, Penalties are down. Fundamental technique makes them one of the best tackling units in the islands. The return of defensive back Hayden Hose solidified a stellar defense that carried much of the weight as the offense has developed.
As their offensive line goes, so go the ‘Canes.
At 4-1 with the top seed in the OIA Open Division (8-1 overall), Kapolei is entering a new season, the playoffs. Health is a major factor for every team. The Hurricanes have a bye as the regular season ends this week. Next week, another bye thanks to a top-two finish. Two weeks to continue growing, particularly for sophomore quarterback Jonez Nunuha and an O-line almost entirely comprised of underclassmen.
“Our offensive line has only one senior, so communication is key,” Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said. “We have two freshmen who regularly play. They went from park league to Open Division, so it is a big jump not just physically, but mentally, as well.”
This is the level of trust the staff has in their trench men. In the 25-7 win over then-No. 1 Mililani on Saturday, Chazz-Michael Kapahu was bottled up in the first half, limited to four yards on five carries. He opened the second half with a 19-yard pickup and then scored on a 12-yard run. An injury to Mililani linebacker Toa Satele factored in, and Kapolei continued to ground and pound. Kapahu had 12 carries for 103 yards after the break, finishing with 107 yards despite the rough first half.
Kapahu never goes down easily. He is a whirling, brutish and explosive ballcarrier. He is powerful enough to punish a defender who stands high and agile enough to elude every defender doesn’t wrap up. Kapahu knows his blockers by heart.
“My left tackle is Shy (Shyzen) Akiona. My left guard, it switches from Thor (Palimo‘o-Savea) and Colton (Maugaotega) and (Josiah) Pule. My center is Trytin (Ellis-Navares). My right guard is the same people, Thor, Colton and Pule. My right tackle is Angel Watson-Amaral. All of them are dogs. I love them boys. Ava (Cook), my H-back, is amazing. He put his head down and he just hits everybody.”
Kingston Yap and Kalalau Puulei-Sene are also in the rotation.
“We regularly play eight different O-linemen, so discipline is key,” said Hernandez, who was a defensive tackle at UH. “If any of them commit a ton of penalties or miss too many assignments, they know they can be replaced. Competition makes everyone better.”
The emergence of Nunuha as a decision maker is key. His awareness in the pocket, his quick release and vision from sideline to sideline are all crucial for an offense that lost playmaking wide receiver Nikko Smith to injury in preseason.
The weight remains on a veteran defensive unit, and the progress of Nunuha and the O-line pups.
“Our O-line loves the weight room. That’s where the games are on,” Hernandez said. “Our trenches spent all off-season hitting the weights to get bigger and stronger. All eight of our O-line can bench 315 pounds or more, and all can squat at least 405 pounds, so we knew they were going to be strong. Being strong isn’t the only factor. You need quickness, drive, intensity, technique and a collective commitment to be a good O-line group.”
Good trench men usually have a guru watching every move, looking for crispness and precision, picking nits over every detail.
“I credit our longtime O-line coach, Al Kaaihue, for molding these young men,” Hernandez said.
In the trenches
Kapaa: The Warriors are quietly building a fireball with one of the most dominant campaigns in KIF history. Kapaa is nearing its 13th KIF football title in a row. In the trenches, they line up Tavyn Boiser (5-9, 210) at LT, Keha Kanakaole at LG, Bobby Kaneakua (6-0, 280) at C, Kendall Gorospe (5-8, 230) at RG and Kaiona Manantan (6-0, 250) at RT.
Waianae: Maxumus Quon-Kaleiopu is one of the most relentless, sneaky-strong running backs in the state. The Seariders are always willing to line up and pound defenses at the line of scrimmage, and Quon-Kaleiopu just needs a small crease to break into the next level and beyond. He has rushed for 1,145 yards and 15 touchdowns in a tough OIA Division slate.
In last weekend’s 27-22 win over Nanakuli, Quon-Kaleiopu ran for 236 yards and three TDs on 33 carries.
The trench men are LT AJ Williams (5-8, 240), LG Josiah Keawe (5-10, 265), C Chauney Villanueva Tugaoen (5-7, 250), RG Tryvelle Sylva (5-9, 250), RT Jeromiah Endo (6-3, 260), with utility lineman/fullback Nainoa Lito (5-8, 250) in the mix.
Starting LT Ayden Renon (5-10, 250) is out with an injury, which led coach Whiston Kaleimamahu and staff to bring Williams up from the junior varsity.
“We had players leave (before the season) because they felt our line wasn’t going to be good. I think when the kids heard that, they took it as a challenge,” Kaleimamahu said. “Maxumus never wavered and looked at it as an opportunity to show that these guys can do the job and, in kind, they responded.”
Keawe, one of two seniors in the group, is verbal and provides a voice in the chaos of trench warfare.
“Josiah leads the group as far as communication, setting up pass protection and communicating with (quarterback) JJ Kaio on numbers in the box, checking into different run plays,” Kaleimamahu noted. “Sylva passes the memo on as well. (Offensive line) coach Tristan Aldeguer reps adjustments makes sure Keawe is passing along the right info.”
Waianae’s offensive coordinator, Ernest Sadamaru, counts on Aldeguer and the offensive line heavily.
“We joke that because we lost a lot of linemen with size to Kapolei, Campbell and Mililani, I told them we’ve got to be like ‘Iolani,” Kaleimamahu said. “Undersized, but ultra effective in our technique and blocking schemes.”
That doesn’t stop the Seariders from using their strengths.
“I would identify us more as a power (offensive line) than finesse. We don’t run a traditional inside or outside zone. We adjust to it if it’s there, but our line is naturally physical. They are predisposed to be defensive and aggressive. Our resiliency comes from their never-quit attitude, understanding not everything is going to be perfect,” Kaleimamahu said.
Saint Louis: The Crusaders are extremely young in the trenches. LT Shilo Kila-Miyasato (6-3, 270), LG Heneli Tonga (6-0, 300) and C Sunny Toetu‘u-Garcia (5-8, 260) are freshmen. RG Kyzer Maene-Kido (6-2, 273) is a sophomore and RT Kainoa Cummings (6-4, 283) is the elder of the group as a junior.
“Shilo is very long, athletic and possesses great technique,” interim head coach Leonard Lau said. “He has a bright future as he continues to grow and get stronger.”
Cummings is convert from the D-line.
“He has done great. He’s another long, athletic player who is adjusting quickly,” Lau said. “We transitioned him over from the defensive line to help us out and he has done great.”
Lau calls Toetu‘u-Garcia the “glue” man.
“He is the heart of our offensive line. He is intelligent, strong, tough and makes all of our line calls,” Lau said.
“Heneli and Kyzer are both young, but improve every week. They are consistent, reliable and get the job done,” Lau added.
Ushering in linemen this young in the midst of the toughest nonconference schedule in the state and, now, the stretch run of the ILH season is a whirlwind.
“Overall, every player on the line is a hard worker and a great teammate. Despite our youth, inexperience and a late coaching transition, the unit has been improving weekly,” Lau said. “St. John Bosco’s head coach mentioned that our young line looked very impressive on film.”
Kamehameha: Injuries to LG Kaiea Ballungay and RT Gabe Pahinui have been key, but the Warriors have relied on four youngsters to fill those gaps. LT Zystn-Z’Ne Pa‘akaula (6-1, 250, So.), C Joey Robledo (5-11, 280, Sr.) and RG Ale Elisara (6-0, 275) have been relatively healthy, though Robledo is dealing with an injury that could keep him out of this weekend’s matchup with Saint Louis.
“We’ve had a lot of the younger guys really step up for us,” Warriors coach Kaeo Drummondo said.
Freshman Keolanui Gonzales has started games at LG, while sophomores Kona Spencer (G/T), TJ Ulufale (C) and Hekili Castillo-Tauanuu (RT) learning on the job.
“Zystyn, Ale and Joey are so consistently available and compete very hard. Those guys have all played through pain and injuries for pretty much the whole season and just keep bouncing back,” Drummondo said. “It’s always tough when you are shuffling the O-line lineup on a weekly basis. The continuity and communication pieces are huge, especially with young and inexperienced quarterbacks. Those are things we are working on daily and weekly to clean up.”
In other words, if they can get back to full health, the arrow will remain pointing up.
“The group has made tremendous progress, especially given the circumstances so far this season,” Drummondo added. “We’re really excited with what this group can be to finish the season if we can get everyone back, as well as what the group can be moving forward.”
Aiea: It was just a few seasons back when Na Alii had a stellar senior class, with talented offensive and defensive lines, and one of their best seasons ever. Then came the heavy departures of young linemen, mostly to Waipahu, and Aiea has been replenishing ever since.
This year, coach Mika Liilii has a formidable force in the trenches led by senior RG Atamai “AJ” Siufanua (5-10, 342). He is flanked by sophomore RT Carsin Leafa (6-4, 337). Seniors Kimoh Phillik (LT, 5-10, 271) and Tuki Va‘a (LG, 6-0, 302) handle the left side, and junior Keoni Patton (5-9, 250) is their center.
Seniors Andrew Chrichton (C/G, 6-0, 270) and Eziason Olie (T/G, 5-11, 263) are in the rotation and have started games.
“AJ Is the unquestioned leader of our O-line. He’s our strongest player and the most knowledgeable of our blocking schemes,” Liilii said. “He takes command at the line of scrimmage, making calls and ensuring everyone is on the same page. The line goes as AJ goes.”
Liilii was a linebacker at UH. He will poke holes in any mental or physical gaps, and the O-line has responded. Protecting QB Caizel Jesus-Kapesi and opening lanes for RBs Legend Byrd-Tauala and Kaipo Higa-Pogia has been largely successful.
“We have a mature group that understands their responsibilities and assignments,” Liilii said. “We emphasize accountability, discipline and working together as one unit. We’re a naturally physical, power-oriented line, however, our biggest emphasis since day one has been improving footwork, leverage and technique. We’ve seen steady improvement throughout the season. These young men are excellent students who represent Aiea well. They’re respectful, responsible and committed to doing things the right way.”
No. 9 Saint Louis at No. 5 Kamehameha
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
Somehow, some way, the turbulence of the past two seasons, culminating in the removal of their head coach in mid-season, hasn’t stopped the Crusaders (1-6, 1-1). A 13-3 win over Punahou two weeks ago sets the stage for something remarkable — a chance to catch first-place Kamehameha (3-4, 2-0) in the ILH Open standings.
Senior RB Tenari Fuamatu-Ma‘afala is part of the core that remains the heart and soul of a program that won the state title just two seasons ago. Sophomore QB Luke Shigeta is shifty and swift, but the ground attack is key to keeping him healthy. That puts the onus on Saint Louis’ swarming defense and a freshmen-heavy O-line.
“We kept most of the existing offensive system to ensure a smooth transition, only tweaking a few elements,” Crusaders coach Leonard Lau said. “The players have stayed united and resilient while competing against some of the top teams in the state and nation. Their work ethic, effort and communication have been outstanding, and they remain unfazed by high-level competition. We just need to keep playing as a unit, communicate and execute our assignments.”
Kamehameha knows the path well. The Warriors rose from ILH play to reach the Open Division state final a year ago. Staying healthy might seem achievable with a schedule of seven games to date, but they’ve had some key players out early on.
Left guard Kaiea Ballungay returned last week from injury and right tackle Gabe Pahinui, who was injured against Orem (Utah), is close to returning.
Young reserves have filled in, picked up much more playing time, and that gives Kamehameha quality, seasoned depth down the stretch. That’s good news for RB Maddox Sharrer and the passing game with sophomore QB Loea Keopuhiwa.
Kailua at No. 3 Kahuku
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
Kahuku (5-4, 2-2) can move into the 3-seed slot with a win over the Surfriders. If Kahuku improves to 3-2, it will have the head-to-head tiebreaker over Campbell by virtue of last week’s 24-21 win over the Sabers.
With playmakers across the field, Kahuku’s four-wide sets are becoming more efficient, and the utilization of RB Blazyn-Brave Nunuha as a pass-catching weapon is forcing defenses to think about either line up with more than five DBs or go zero deep coverage and take their chances.
QB Lucky Suguturaga has been elusive on scrambles. If he stays healthy, Kahuku may have the hottest offensive unit in Open Division.
Farrington vs. Aiea
Saturday, 6 p.m. John Velasco Field (Radford)
Before the season, coaches were told by the OIA that Division I would have six playoff qualifiers. As of two weeks ago, that number changed to four.
That’s critical for teams that want home-field advantage, or in Aiea’s case, at least a neutral field in the first round of playoffs.
Na Alii (6-1, 4-1) have a battle ahead with the Governors (3-6, 3-3), then close the regular season at Waianae (6-1, 4-1).
Waipahu (8-1, 6-0) plays Roosevelt this weekend and even with a loss, would have home-field advantage as the top seed. That leaves the battle for the 2-seed between Aiea and Waianae.
Waianae plays at Radford on Friday, a prime opportunity for the Rams to be spoilers.
Moanalua at Nanakuli
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, Farrington (3-3), Nanakuli (3-3) and Moanalua (2-4) are in a hunt for the final two playoff berths. Destiny is truly in the hands of the Golden Hawks (4-4, 3-3), who can seal the fourth seed with a win.
A win by Moanalua (3-6, 2-4) would lift Na Menehune into a tie with Nanakuli, along with a head-to-head advantage. That would also open the door for Farrington, which would make it a three-way tie for fourth place by upsetting Aiea. Farrington beat Moanalua, 51-19, on Sept. 11, and lost to Nanakuli, 28-0, on Sept. 26. What this could mean is Farrington would have head-to-head advantage over Moanalua. However, the OIA has had various tiebreakers for three-way ties in the past, including coin flips.
A Nanakuli win, though, would end the drama.
Going back to 1974, Nanakuli has an 11-9 edge over Moanalua in their series. Moanalua has won the last two matchups. In 2024, Na Menehune won at Nanakuli, 40-22. Last year, Moanalua won at home, 49-35.
