LIHUE — As voted for by the coaches, this year’s Kauai Interscholastic Federation Football All-Stars have been announced.
The list of standouts were released by the league Monday.
Kauai High School, this year’s KIF champion, makes up a majority of the list.
“The first thing that comes to mind is that they’re being rewarded for their dedication and all the time they invested into the program,” said Kauai head coach Derek Borrero on Tuesday. “Very deserving. Just feel proud that the other coaches from Kapaa and Waimea felt that our guys were worthy of those awards, because we all vote.”
Also, both the Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year come from Kauai (5-4, 4-2 KIF).
Red Raiders senior quarterback Christian Manera won the offensive award.
“It’s an honor,” Manera said. “Just going day in and day out, practicing on the field with all my boys. Being able to get such a big award, it really means a lot.”
He added about being voted by the other coaches: “It’s pretty special knowing we fight against those teams every week, every other week. So knowing I got their vote, it really means a lot.”
Kauai senior linebacker Noah Tangalin won Defensive POY honors.
“It’s honestly such a special feeling to me right now,” Tangalin said. “I know there’s a lot of good people from Kauai that have been named Defensive Player of the Year. It’s just an honor. … I honestly was not expecting it at all. I’m just so grateful for it.”
Borrero said of his two Players of the Year: “First of all, Noah Tangalin, he was exactly that in Pop Warner when we coached him. He took a real serious approach to this season’s offseason program. He was here every single day when we had these weight room doors open. Every workout opportunity we provided, he was there. Not only working out, but he was a great verbal leader and led by example.”
“Christian Manera, he’s one of those guys that leads through example. The rest of the guys follow him because he walks the talk. He was a big key to our offense. Without him, I don’t think we get this far. Not to take anything away from the rest of the guys. But Christian, the playmaker he is, he made it happen for us on the field.”
A couple of Red Raiders were recognized both offensively and defensively — seniors Jaykob Nakaahiki-Young and Noah Hoopii.
In addition, Kauai junior Hoku Parbo was named twice on this list of defensive standouts as a linebacker and as a punter.
Borrero was named Coach of the Year.
Waimea (4-3, 3-3 KIF) has five all-stars this year, one of whom was also acknowledged for his play on both sides.
Menehune senior Avery Miguel was named an all-star as both a running back on offense and as a utility player on defense.
“Avery’s an outstanding student. He’s a hard worker, and he’s very self-motivating,” said Waimea head coach Jason Caldeira. “He’s very determined. He’s a good leader. All those accolades he received, he deserves it all.”
Caldeira added of all his all-stars: “Those are all hard workers. They earned all of those spots all on their own.”
Kapaa (4-4, 2-4 KIF) has four all-stars this year.
“They’re all good kids. That’s for sure,” said Kapaa head coach Philip Rapozo. “Kalena Harder, great leader and works hard. Awesome athlete. Chyson, it speaks for itself, his leg. He had a great year as a kicker, I think. … They’re all good kids. They all deserve it.”
Kauai Interscholastic Federation Football
All-Stars
Offense
Lineman: Elijah Unutoa, Kapaa, junior
Lineman: Cody Artaho, Waimea, senior
Lineman: Damon Ferreira-Kashima, Kauai, sophomore
Lineman: Quinn Hoover, Kauai, junior
Lineman: Micah Cardinez, Kauai, senior
Receiver: Noah Ruiz, Kauai, senior
Receiver: Kalena Harder, Kapaa, senior
Receiver: Jaykob Nakaahiki-Young, Kauai, senior
Receiver: William Kamaka-Riley, Waimea, senior
Running back: Avery Miguel, Waimea, senior
Quarterback: Christian Manera: Kauai, senior
Kicker: Chysen Lagunes-Rapozo, Kapaa, junior
Special team: Adonis Llego-Pelletier, Kauai, senior
Utility: Noah Hoopii, Kauai, senior
Player of the Year: Christian Manera, Kauai, senior
Defense
Lineman: Matthew Passi, Kauai, junior
Lineman: Zachary Hee, Kauai, senior
Lineman: Noah Simao-Raposas, Waimea, senior
Lineman: Patrick Peters, Kapaa, junior
Linebacker: Noah Tangalin, Kauai, senior
Linebacker: Hoku Parbo, Kauai, senior
Linebacker: Skyler Sadora, Kauai, senior
Defensive back: Alika Huddy, Waimea, senior
Defensive back: Kyle Bisarra, Kauai, junior
Defensive back: Noah Hoopii, Kauai, senior
Defensive back: Jaykob Nakaahiki-Young, Kauai, senior
Punter: Hoku Parbo, Kauai, junior
Utility: Avery Miguel, Waimea, senior
Player of the Year: Noah Tangalin, Kauai, senior
Coach
Coach of the Year: Derek Borrero, Kauai
