Castle’s Paredes Named OIA Defensive Player Of Year
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usBeing a “marked man” for every opponent’s offense didn’t stop Oahu Interscholastic Association East Red coaches from recognizing Castle line-backer Corey Paredes as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Indeed, when the 2006 football season was officially in the books, the consensus was that the 5-foot-11, 203-pound Paredes had more than lived up to all expectations. All-Star selections are made by league coaches.
“He’s very deserving,” Castle High coach Nelson Maeda said. “It’s really a vote from the opposing coaches, so I’m elated that they recognized the value of Corey. I can’t say enough about him.”
Paredes not only succeeded on the defensive side of the ball, but he also joined teammate Scott Keiter-Charles as a two-way First Team All-Star from his wide receiver position, making him one of three players (including Elija Lesu of Farrington) in the East Red to be selected to both the OIA offensive and defensive teams.
Paredes’ greater accomplishment may have been his ability to come up with some of his biggest moments in the Knights’ biggest games. In a game against eventual league and state champion Kahuku, Paredes blocked a field goal and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown. He also had a stellar defensive game against the Red Raiders, tallying 14 tackles, including seven solo stops. In a 27-14 win over Moanalua, he forced a fumble and made a team-high 12 tackles, eight of which were unassisted.
During the rest of the schedule, Paredes was a model of consistency. As a junior in 2005, he was also one of Castle’s leaders when the Knights finished unbeaten in the East Red’s regular season.
“Corey is what I call an ‘impact player,’ ” Maeda said.
“On any given play, he can change the whole nature of a game. His strength is his quickness. We liked to bring him on the blitz.”
Paredes would like to move on to the Division I level, noted Maeda, and he’s beginning to hear from schools.
Paredes’ teammate Keiter-Charles was named to the First Team as both a wide receiver and a defensive back for the Knights.
Kalaheo quarterback Cody von Appen was also named to the OIA First Team. Only a junior, he still has a year of eligibility remaining.
Kahuku, which won its fifth state title in seven years, as well as its 11th OIA championship since 1993, led the way with 12 First Team All-Stars, including defensive linemen Nai Fotu and Kaniela Tuipulotu, linebackers Sifa Heimuli and Siaosi Tafuna, defensive backs Gary Nagi and Shiloah Te’o, running back Lehi Aumua, offensive linemen Benji Kemoeatu, John Manu-Olevao, Spencer Mauai and Ross Salanoa, as well as utility player Richard Torres.
Kahuku coach Reggie Torres was named the East Red’s Coach of the Year in his first season heading the Red Raiders varsity team.
The Red Raiders also landed defensive linemen Malone Fiso and Alema Tachibana, as well as defensive backs Paipai Falemalu and Tiave Oto on the East Red’s Second Team defense.
Castle also had three players - offensive lineman Solomon Koehler, defensive lineman Blake Soares and defensive back Seth Estioka - selected to the Second Team.
Running back Keelan Gonda, wide receiver Darren Sugimoto and offensive lineman Kainoa Kapuniai were selected to the Second Team from Kailua.
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