NAWILIWILI — There are five more positions available for the Kaua‘i Youth Football 15 and Under squad before the team meets Samoa next Friday. Brad Hiranaka, the offensive coordinator for the all star KYF squad and KYF president, said he
NAWILIWILI — There are five more positions available for the Kaua‘i Youth Football 15 and Under squad before the team meets Samoa next Friday.
Brad Hiranaka, the offensive coordinator for the all star KYF squad and KYF president, said he just confirmed the flight arrangements for the team’s trip to O‘ahu next weekend.
“Kaua‘i Youth Football is invited to play in an All-Star Football Tournament at the Aloha Stadium,” Hiranaka said. “We have 20 players registered, but I just made accomodations for five more players.”
Hiranaka said the KYF all stars will represent the island of Kaua‘i with the players coming from as far away as Kekaha through the Eastside.
“The players will have the opportunity to play against teams from Samoa, Washington as well as East and West O‘ahu,” Hiranaka said. “This will be a good experience for the boys, especially because they will face teams from Samoa and Washington state. We leave Friday, and as soon as we land, we face Samoa starting at 5 p.m.”
Kalani Apilado, a former Waimea High School player, fills the head coach position for the all-star team with assistance from Johnny Kaohelauli‘i and Hiranaka. Also joining the coaching staff are Mario Longboy and Siasau Matagiese, a player with the University of Hawai‘i Rainbow Warriors.
“The boys have been getting along real well,” Apilado said. “We pick up the boys from the Westside so they can make practice, and overall, the boys are very respectful of each other.”
Apilado said one of the facets they try to instill in the boys is to stay humble.
“Most of these boys are athletes,” Apilado said. “Our job is to teach them and place them in the right positions.”
Hiranaka said the off-island tournament will be good experience for the student athletes because there will be a college scouts in attendance.
“They don’t think Kaua‘i has anything, so it’s our job to show them what kind of talent the Garden Island has to offer,” Hiranaka said. “Right now, we have Kamuela Numazawa and Bulla Rapacon in the quarterback spots and we brought up two sixth grade students because they can benefit from the experience.”
In anticipation of the trip, Hiranaka said KYF is hosting a lunch fundraiser Sunday with pickup at Richie’s, located at 2978 Umi Street, in Lihu‘e from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Lunch of hamburger stew, corn and rice is available for a $10 donation at Richie’s.
Donations can also be made by visiting www.kauaiyouthfootball.com or by calling Hiranaka at 652-9962.
While at the website, Hiranaka said registration is currently being accepted for the fall season in any of the three areas — the Westside, Lihu‘e and the Eastside.
There will be two divisions, elementary, or students in grades 4 through 6, and intermediate, or students in grades 7 and 8.
Kaua‘i Youth Football was established in August 2009 with a mission to promote the wholesome development of youth through their association with adult leaders in the sport of American football.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
