Brimming With Talent

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One in a series of spring football reports

Team Kailua’s tennis sportsmanship award winners for
spring 2007 are (front, from left) Lauren Liang, Noa
Leong, Kristyn Iwane, Roman Kop, (back) Jessie
Gambrell, Akela and Shanae Newman, Makena Lau, Allen
Failla and Rad Fournier. Photo courtesy of Tony Lum.

When your team has lost 45 players to graduation, spring football takes on added meaning.

“We had 230 kids sign up to play football here,” marveled Torres, whose team began spring practice last week.“Football is just a big tradition here. Their parents and uncles played here before them. It’s like the movie Friday Night Lights. There’s nothing going on in the community on game night.”

As usual, Kahuku has yet another tough act to follow. The team finished 11-2 overall and won its fifth state title in seven years last December after capturing the OIA championship. And while those 45 players have completed eligibility from last year’s team, 40 players also return, eight of whom are being heavily recruited by D-I schools.

“Although we lost a lot on defense, we have a lot of good kids back,” said Torres, in his second season as head coach. “We have a belief here that if there’s an opportunity to play a lot of kids, we will. The spring (practice season) is going to give us a good indication of what we have (talent-wise).”

Torres cited the built-in cohesiveness of the Kahuku community as a driving force within the program. “They go to church together and spend a lot of time together outside of school.”

The team’s public unveiling is set for 5:30 p.m. June 4 when they host the spring game with a full scrimmage. “We’ll divide the teams evenly,” said Torres of the format.

Among his priorities is to replace his son, Richard, who was last year’s quarterback. Four candidates are vying to start in the pre-season opener in late August.

“We’re still looking at that - we’re going to have to find out who steps up. Richard was small, but he had good leadership skills.”

Whoever emerges will operate behind a veteran offensive line with Daniel Kinikini, Patrick Au and Benji Kemoeatu back in the fold. “They have a chance to be really good there (up front). They’re looking good. They’ve been working their buns off.”

Six-foot-4, 310-pound Anthony Siilata was a key member of the unit last year, but is making the transition to defensive end.

“We’re trying to bolster the defense, and he loves it there,” Torres. “He has size, quickness and good hands.”

Torres also expects running back Junior Mataafa to make an impact, offensively.

Defensively, they’ll count on the leadership of linebackers Reid Tachibana and Paipai Falemalu, and strong safety Shiloah Teo. “Defense wins championships. That’s my belief. We’re blessed with a great staff, including our defensive coordinator Kimo Haiola.”