A Look At The Best OIA Red West Has Offered So Far
By Jack Danilewicz
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As the OIA Red West’s season reached the midway point last week, the seven teams still had much to sort out. This much we know so far:
Most Valuable Offensive Player Samson Anguay, Campbell High. University of Hawaii-bound do-everything has six touchdowns in five games, making up 60 percent of the Sabers’ offensive output in 2009.
The Play They’re Still Talking About Leilehua quarterback Andrew Manley’s 50-yard scoring toss to Kamana Akagi midway through the fourth quarter of the Mules’ come-from-behind 14-10 win at Kapolei Sept. 4.
The Play They’re Still Talking About II Anguay’s 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Mililani Sept. 11.
Most Valuable Defensive Player Mililani linebacker Zach Quines. His steadying presence is the key to the Trojans’ aggressive linebacker corps, which also features Aleni Aiona (strong side) and Jarren Prestana (weak side).
Hard Luck Team Kapolei. The Hurricanes lost on the last play of the game versus defending Division II state champion Iolani on the road in inter-league play and watched in horror as Leilehua converted a 4thand-2 into a 50-yard score in a home loss to the Mules. The Hurricanes also have been hit hardest by injuries among Red West teams.
Unit To Keep Your Eye On Mililani defensive line. This was supposed to be a question mark when the Trojans entered spring practice in May, but the defensive front, led by nose guard Shaynon Crawford-Lane, has arrived early for defensive coordinator Rod York.
Top Newcomer Trent McKinney of Mililani. Kapolei transfer has been a clutch performer and a big-play threat every week so far.
Coach of the Year: Darnell Arcenaux of Mililani. Trojans are the surprise team in the state with wins over both Punahou and neighboring Leilehua, the two schools that met for the Division I State Championship last December.
Can’t Miss Game I Waianae at Mililani on Oct. 9. The Seariders might be the most physical team in the state, but they should face a real test in defending the Mililani offense and dual-threat quarterback, Trent McKinney, in this one. As this game comes in the final week of the regular season, it could decide the league championship and have an effect on seedings for the OIA playoffs.
Can’t Miss Game II: Campbell at Kapolei on Friday. Both schools are always at their best for this one. Kapolei head coach Darren Hernandez was the Sabers’ head man for eight seasons and always has a little extra spring to his step when preparing his Hurricanes to play against his alma mater. With the Sabers relegated to Division II last year, this will be the first meeting between the schools since 2007, when Campbell escaped with a 14-7 home-coming win.
Who’s Hot: Mililani. Trojans still were undefeated at 5-0, heading into last weekend, when they had an open date on their schedule.
Toughest Schedule: Campbell. Sabers played arguably the league’s two hottest teams, Waianae and Mililani, in back-to-back weeks and followed those games up with a visit to last year’s DI state runner-up, Leilehua, over the weekend.
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