Windward Teams Should Deliver Thrilling Football
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usThe year 2008 will be remembered as the year Windward schools were second to none on the hardwood, as Castle, Kahuku, Kailua and Kalaheo all earned bids to the state tournaments.
Could 2009 be the year that Windward dominates the state football championships? That question will be answered as the season plays out, although one thing is all but assured: In the OIA’s Red East Conference, every game will be like a playoff encounter.
Fearless projections for the 2009 Red East season follow:
Player of the Year
Shaydon Kehano, Castle. Even with the attention he’s sure to draw when he lines up on offense, Kehano will be just as productive as last season. Expect him to do plenty of damage on the defensive side of the ball as well and on special teams as a return man.
Offensive Player of 2009
Shaydon Kehano, Castle. His average of 22.9 yards per catch (on 38 receptions) was best in the OIA in 2008. Also scored nine touchdowns.
Defensive Player of 2009
Hau’oli Jamora, Kahuku. The BYU-bound strong-side defensive end will be one leader of what could be the state’s best defense.
Special Teams Player of 2009
Lopaka Morris, Kahuku. Morris burst onto the prep football scene like a meteor with his two kickoff returns for touchdowns against Kealakehe Aug. 16.
Surprise Team
Kailua. The Surfriders were slowed by injuries last season, but appear poised for a solid season now with experience and skill across the roster. The 20-9 win over Baldwin was a sign of things to come. The tea, will likely see the close games that got away in recent years turn in its favor. It says here that Kailua will be 5-2 heading into the post-season.
Game of the Year
Oct. 2 - Kailua at Castle. Under coach Nelson Maeda, Castle has dominated this series , but bragging rights will take a back seat to positioning in the standings when the schools meet this year. Kailua’s 21-20 win last season, which ended a six-game losing streak against the Knights, should help fuel the emotion for this meeting. Note: Maeda has never lost two straight to Kailua.
Game of the Year II
Oct. 10 - Kahuku at Castle. If anyone can match the speed of Kahuku, it will likely be the Knights, whose play under defensive coordinator Harry Paaga can usually keep the score down and get them into position for a W. Big plays in the passing game helped Castle to its last win over Kahuku, a 23-6 victory in 2005. But can the Knights offense do the scoring it needs to win this game?
Game of the Year III
Aug. 28 - Kahuku at Kailua. With the game at home, this is Kailua’s chance to show it will be a factor in the Red East race. For Kahuku, this will be among their toughest road tests in 2009, as will their Oct. 10 visit to Castle.
At a Glance
* Castle Players to Watch: Shaydon Kehano, Lowen Rogers, Hans Reppuhn, Henrick Hicks, Garret Paredes, Jaysen Ferriera, Rocky Kahanu and Isaac Makekau. * Kahuku Players to Watch: Lopaka Morris, Vili Pasi, Kona Schwenke, Hau’oli Jamora, Evan Moe, Kawe Johnson, Jamal Napeahi, Kamalani Aalona and Jase Toomalatai. * Kailua Players to Watch: Corey Lau, Kahaku Iaea, Clinton Aina.
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