Kahaluu Broncos To Play - And Have Fun - In California
By Jack Danilewicz
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Head coach Butch Cambra can usually count on the promise of a season-ending, out-of-town trip to building interest within his Kahaluu-Heeia Broncos Pee Wee football program.
“When they first sign up, we’ll tell them, ‘We’re going on a trip at the end of the year.’ It helps to keep the kids together during the season. They’re more interested in the trip than playing the games. Last year, we took them to the Big Island.”
Kahaluu rewarded its current team with a trip to California over the weekend, where they were to meet Cypress in Anaheim. The Broncos had another stellar season this fall, going 10-2, which included a division title and an overall championship game appearance.
As in past years, they raised funds to make their trip possible. Had they defeated Ewa Beach in their championship game Nov. 21, the Broncos’ Jr. Pee Wee team would have gone on to the nationals in Florida, but there are few complaints, as California is considered a better destination for a Hawaii team.
Indeed, Cambra was pleased with his team’s effort in the championship game, which was tied at 6-6 through regulation and the first overtime before Ewa Beach scored the winning touchdown. (Kahaluu had won the previous game between the teams, 21-14.)
“The intensity was something,” Cambra said. “It was a great game, and it’s been a great season for us. I’d like to congratulate the (Ewa Beach) Saints on the championship. They played a great game.”
Cambra also credited the support of parents and fans during the season. Many also followed the team to California. “You can tell they are good people by the kids (they are raising),” he said.
While wins and losses are secondary to him, the coach praised team leaders Dayton Dano, Kaimana Manago, Javon Spear and Joey Royos as key contributors to the season. All are 11 years old and will move on next year to Kahaluu’s Pee Wee team, coached by Rob
one day he’s going to be something. He has a lot of natural instincts, and you have to have that to be a good football player. He has a nose for the ball on defense. He’ll find the ball.”
Manago is the quarterback and a safety on the defensive side, while Spear is an outside linebacker/running back.
“He’s a great all-around athlete, and he doesn’t ever let anything get him down,” Cambra said. “Javon is probably the quickest boy we have on our team. He’s been with us for two years now, and Joey is probably the toughest kid on the whole team - and he’s only about 80 pounds.”
The trip, which is akin to a bowl game for a college team, should provide the ideal ending to the season.
“The kids are so excited to go that they’ve been calling me on my cell to ask me what time we’re leaving; I keep telling them ‘Ask your parents,’ ” he joked.
Unlike at the college level though, football will be secondary to the fun. Planned are a tour of Knott’s Berry Farm, two separate trips to Disneyland and snow boarding at Big Bear Mountain.
The Broncos weren’t planning formal practices and will likely do light conditioning leading up to the game.
“We’ll just run around a little and stuff. We’re going up there to have fun. We’ll take the kids out for pizza at night so we can have them be together.”
Kahaluu’s Pee Wee team also is making the trip and were to meet LaHabra in their game on Saturday.
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