Na Ali’i Finish Spring Practice Looking To Re-enter DI

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The Aiea football team prays for a safe practice. Photo by Byron Lee, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

In Wendell Say’s view, the timing of the Aiea football team’s return to Division I this fall couldn’t be better. As the longtime Na Ali’i head coach finished up spring practice last week, his senior class left little doubt they were up to the challenge.

“It’s their money year, barring any injuries,” said Say, who is entering his 31st season at Aiea.“Ten or 12 of them started as sophomores. On paper we look good, but a lot can change. The kids have been together a long time, and hopefully they can mesh well with the younger kids. We’ve been to the playoffs and the state tournament (Division II semifinals) last year, so hopefully we can take it further.”

Leadership doesn’t figure to be an issue this year, and the team seems well-stocked in the skill department. As in most years, the spread sets will showcase a deep wide receiver and (slot back) corps. Senior quarterback Freddy Taliulu also returns after a strong finish to 2009, which saw him come back from a collarbone injury that shelved him for three games. Much of the preseason optimism regarding the offense has been prompted by Taliulu’s strong arm.

“Freddy’s come a long, long way,” Say said.“It’s only his third year at quarterback after playing center as a freshman. He’s made a lot of improvement and worked hard to be where he’s at.

“He also has a major gun - he has that strong arm,” added Say, whose team went 9-4 last year, including an 8-3 mark versus OIA White Conference opponents.“He’s a blue-collar kid who goes to camps in the summer to get better.”

The offense got an added boost this spring with the return of fellow quarterback Kaau Kuia, who was sidelined in 2009 by a health issue. Kuia, whose older brother Kale led Aiea to the 2003 state title as a quarterback, was in a close race with Taliulu for the starting job heading into 2009 and will likely be on the field in some capacity if not behind center.

“He’s bigger and taller now, and we’re going to try to get him on the field,” Say said.

Most likely, Kuia will join the receivers, a group featuring returnees in Michael Williams, Mansfeld Silva, Noah Liiaa, Phillip Madriaga, Matt Faalele and Bryson Gabriel. Running backs Anae Vaa and Titan Salausa also return.

“We have some athletes to work with,” Say said.

Among the areas Aiea will look to shore up is in the trenches. Juniors Zachery Mauga and Fale Faatoafe started as sophomores last year and are projected to anchor the unit this season.“Last year was a rebuilding year for the line,” Say explained.“They’re still young, but they have a year under their belts.”

Playmakers also can be found on the defensive side, with safety Chuckie Kaahanui and corner back Kainoa Raguindin. Say expects Kamehameha-transfer Taylor Taliulu to also play in the secondary.

Kaahanui also stepped in to play quarterback last year when Taliulu was on the mend and threw for 800 yards in three games. This time around, Kaahanui will primarily play defense.

Tackle Lawrence Lagafuaina graduated, taking his talents to University of Washington, but Say expects Na Ali’i to be tough in the interior with Ilalio Sio and Alapati Noga returning. Also back is end Max Maafala-Maeva, who is transitioning to a linebacker spot.

Linebacker figures to be one of the strongest positions with Jholy Mauai, Douglas Tautua and Tino Uele in their 4-3 scheme.

Aiea will be prepping for its pass league in coming days, while returning to the weight room.Fall camp opens on July 29.