Memorial Day weekend is typically a time for looking back, but for the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation, it is also a time to look ahead at the upcoming football season with each school’s intrasquad spring game. Waimea, Kapa‘a and Kaua‘i High
Memorial Day weekend is typically a time for looking back, but for the Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation, it is also a time to look ahead at the upcoming football season with each school’s intrasquad spring game. Waimea, Kapa‘a and Kaua‘i High Schools each showed a preview of what is to come for the 2010 season.
Waimea displays vintage style in spring deadlock
HANAPEPE — Their ground attack has historically been their calling card and the Waimea Menehune gave their fans a heavy dose of the running game in Friday night’s Blue-White spring football game at Hanapepe Stadium.
In the run-heavy game, two of the standouts in the backfield were Devan Banasihan-Kenney, playing for the white team, and Paul Oligo, carrying for the blue.
Banasihan-Kenney had a great burst once taking the handoff and was able to exploit small holes created by his offensive line. He also appeared to be a reliable receiver in the red zone, hauling in an 11-yard pass to bring up a 1st and Goal situation late in the game.
Oligo is another shifty back who shows no hesitation once he gets the ball in his hands. He pounded away for good chunks of yardage in the second half and scored the only touchdown for the white team with a one-yard plunge in the first half.
The game ended a 6-6 tie after Nikko Delos Reyes scored on a one-yard quarterback keeper late in the fourth quarter.
Delos Reyes was given the opportunity to open up the playbook a bit in the second half and connected with wide receiver Kalani Kapuniai. He looked comfortable moving out of the pocket and throwing on the run.
Cliffton Callejo also saw time under center for the blue squad, mostly in the first half. He let his running backs do most of the work, though he also showed the ability to effectively move the pocket. On one bootleg, Callejo broke two tackles, reversed his field, ran a good 20 yards parallel to the line of scrimmage, then busted upfield and cut through the defense for a first down.
Quarterback James Dupree took most of the snaps for the white team. He set up the game’s first touchdown when he hit Tylen Remata with a 10-yard strike to the 1-yard line. Oligo scored on the next play.
Defensively, defensive lineman Vinda Carineo stood out for the white team, showing good instincts and tackling. Avery Delacruz also came up with a fourth-down sack for the white.
Defensive back Jon Tangalin came up with an interception for the white on the first half’s final play. Cy Corona and Esaias Mose were constantly making stops for the blue defensive unit.
It was a mostly injury-free game, though Mark Saniatan took a vicious hit from Oni Ana blocking downfield. He came off the field and collected his bearings on the sideline after briefly appearing dazed.
Lineman Jarren Quibilan suffered what appeared to be a stinger early in the game, but he quickly shook it off and was back on the field just a few plays later.
Waimea will need many of these contributors to step up following this year’s graduation of Kaulana Waalani-Arroyo, who saw time last season at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, on the defensive side and as a special teams returner.
The program will expect some of the players from last year’s 6-0 junior varsity team to successfully make the transition and have an impact on the varsity squad.
The Menehune varsity ended the 2009 season on a high note, notching a 23-20 win over the Kapa‘a Warriors in maybe the season’s most exciting game.
Warriors bringing back plenty of talent
KAPA‘A — There will be many familiar faces for the Kapa‘a Warriors once the season rolls around, as they will transition from a young team to a veteran team with plenty of senior leadership.
Many of the featured performers in Saturday night’s Green-White scrimmage at the Kapa‘a New Town Park will be seniors in the fall.
Running back Darren Taylor was one of the most explosive backs in the KIF for the 2009 season, as he was liable to break off a big run on any given play.
He didn’t wait long to show off that ability Saturday, breaking a run on the first series to the left sideline and taking it for 50 yards, just barely getting nudged out of bounds to prevent a touchdown.
His long run set up a short field for the offense and the senior (to-be) duo of quarterback Brentten Rapozo and receiver Marshall Adkisson connected for a touchdown on a screen pass.
Rapozo was one of the featured signal-callers last season, so he will be familiar with the system from the get-go.
Adkisson appears to be headed for a big season as one of the biggest targets the KIF will showcase. He also did the punting on Saturday, showing a good boot, which will be important for a Kapa‘a team that loves to play the field position game.
Defensively, the linebacking unit was the team’s strength in 2009 and should be formidable again. Kaulana Kaui displayed strong anticipation and timing, making his way into the backfield on more than one occasion to greet his teammates for losses.
Tamua Masaniai also got a good push past the offensive line and created opportunities for his defensive unit to make plays.
Running back Kalani Kahaunaele showed off shifty ability out of the backfield. The back broke out for a 30-yard run and then continued to maneuver through the defense, breaking tackles and finding holes.
Quarterback Daniel Reis also showed promise, eluding defenders for an early scramble down the right sideline for a first down, then later hitting Reece Hickse-Whetsel with a nice pass down the left sideline.
Chaz Dabin, who filled in nicely last season at a number of spots, including running back, saw more action in the backfield Saturday, sometimes pairing with Taylor for a two-back set.
The Warriors finished the 2009 season with a 2-4 KIF record, though they battled with Kaua‘i and kept those losses close for at least the first half. Some more time working together is likely to yield a more competitive season in 2010.
Raiders are question mark entering season
LIHU‘E — Coming off a perfect regular season, including a 6-0 KIF record, the Kaua‘i Red Raiders don’t appear to be changing up their style just because they have lost some key players.
With the graduations of KIF Offensive Player of the Year, Trey Shimabukuro, as well as Defensive Player of the Year, Cameron Largusa, other players will need to fill those roles if Kaua‘i hopes to repeat once again and get back to the state title game.
But if the playcalling at Saturday’s Red-White game was any indication, head coach Derek Borrero is sticking with the same formula he utilized with great success in 2009. While the Raiders mixed in the run for some stretches, it was the aerial attack that, once again, got the most attention.
A potential replacement for Shimabukuro appears to be quarterback Trey Aguano. Listed at 5 feet, 5 inches tall and 115 pounds, Aguano is not exactly in the same mold as the previous captain, but he showed off a strong arm and fearlessness that Raider fans should love.
Last season, the Raiders utilized many different players at the skill positions and continued that trend Saturday. They could be eyeing a running back by committee system, though Kele Hanohano could wind up being a workhorse in the backfield.
Hanohano, also a defensive back, ran hard on his reps and didn’t dance in the backfield. He found the holes and fell forward reliably.
Hanohano was on the receiving end of one of Aguano’s five touchdown passes on the night, taking a screen in the flat and maneuvering through the secondary for the score.
Shea Shimabukuro will be looked upon to be a leader in the secondary, in Largusa’s absence. He also could be used offensively at quarterback, along with Royce Allianic.
Kicker Caitlyn Rapozo showed off an accurate right foot — hidden beneath some flourescent green cleats — and nailed five of six field-goal attempts, the longest coming from 30 yards out.
Kaua‘i may have the largest spectrum as far as mystery heading into 2010, though the team was facing the same type of turnover going into its 2009 campaign and wound up with a Division II runner-up performance.
