New Field Turf, Mule Quarterback Options Look Promising

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For all the progress Nolan Tokuda’s football team made over the last two weeks as they went through spring practice,one development at Leilehua trumped all others.

Construction of the new state-ofthe-art field turf is nearing completion and will be available for use in late July when the Mules officially opens fall camp.

“Hopefully, we can live up to the billing,“head coach Tokuda said.“It’s beautiful. It’s a two-tone green field, much like Oregon’s (Autzen Stadium).”

Field issues have undermined the program’s momentum for years, despite Leilehua’s success, with poor drainage creating a challenging, mud-caked surface. But the Mules finally will have a facility worthy of their stature.The field will have its public unveiling Aug. 13 when Leilehua re-dedicates Hugh Yoshida Stadium prior to a pre-season game with OIA foe Waipahu.

The Mules have held their spring practices the past two weeks at nearby Wahiawa Middle School. They were to have their spring scrimmage last Wednesday afternoon.

Among the questions for Tokuda’s team was who would emerge as the front-runner for quarterback.Three-year starter Andrew Manley completed his eligibility last November and has since taken his talents to New Mexico State University.

Tokuda stopped well-short of naming a fall starter, but the news is nevertheless promising, with three talented hopefuls expected to see time at the position in senior Jordan Kalaau and juniors Kenan Fadanaga and Stan Mersburgh.

“We have a three-headed monster there (at quarterback),“said Tokuda, whose team finished 9-4 in 2009. “You’ll definitely see Jordan and Kenan,and our third guy (Stan) runs like a Tim Tebow (University of Florida Heisman Trophy winner).

The Mules have been more pass-oriented in recent years with the talented Manley, and before him, Bryant Moniz, directing the offense. While the run-and-shoot will still be the base set, the run-versus-pass ratio figures to be different in 2010, according to the coach.

“We’ll have more option aspects, a little more running than you’ve seen from us,“he said.“That’s why we have three (quarterbacks).”

All three had a productive spring, too, he noted.“Jordan has definitely built some confidence since coming up and playing behind Andrew,” Tokuda said of Kalaau. “He’s like a sponge that soaks up everything and continues to learn. He has a good arm, he throws a catchable ball, and he can run. He even works out on Sundays at Saint Louis School. He’s a kid who goes the extra to get better.”

Fadanaga was a two-time starter at the JV level and led the Mules to an OIA title as a freshman.“He brings athleticism and poise,“Tokuda said. “His arm’s not as strong (as Kalaau), but he’s a great decision-maker, which is what you want.”

The Mules will next prepare for 7-on-7 pass league action, which should give the trio the needed repetitions heading into fall camp next month. Leilehua will compete with Kalani, Anuenue, McKinley, Kaimuki, Kamehameha, Castle, Kapolei, Aiea and Campbell this summer.

“They’ll be able to work on their reads and their timing, and the receivers will get to their proper landmarks,” Tokuda said.

Tokuda also announced that he had made cuts already, and a total of 68 players are expected to be on the varsity team.As in past years, the Mules are coming off a good off-season of conditioning and weight training.

“The kids have been very dedicated, and they’ve found a way to get better,” he said.