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With the college football recruiting season in full swing, Friday night’s 17th annual Hawaii Builders Union Goodwill Senior Bowl All-Star game at Aloha Stadium (7:30 p.m.) could be more than just a final go-around for the class of 2008. The game could also serve as a bridge to the next level, in Aiea coach Wendell Say’s view.

“It has happened before - a lot of college coaches come through (at this time of the year) - so some will increase their stock,” said Say, who will coach the West squad in place of Waianae’s Dan Matsumoto, who had surgery recently. “I remember Billy Pieper of Kamehameha played in the game, and he ended up receiving a scholarship to UCLA. All of these kids are outstanding players. Quite a few that were left off of the team were good enough to play. That just shows the level of talent in Hawaii. A lot of these kids can go on and play at the next level.”

For those who will not move on to play college football, Friday’s game could be their last.

“It’s an exciting ending for a lot of the kids because this is it,” said Say, who has coached in all 17 Goodwill All-Star games. “It’s a great way to end your high school career. I know our boys are especially looking forward to it because we didn’t make the playoffs. This is our playoff game.”

Quarterback Keenan Naeole (5-7, 160), defensive back Josh Chung, lineman Lika Aviu and defensive backs Aldodius Colquitt and James Buchanan were all chosen from Aiea. Naeole had a great senior year this fall, having bounced back from an injury-shortened junior season. Although considered small at 5-7, 160 pounds by major college standards, Naeole is the kind of player who has been known to slip in under the radar of college recruiters.

“He could probably play at a smaller college if he wanted to, but he’s also a baseball player,” Say said of Naeole, who threw for 1,521 yards and 10 touchdowns this year.“He throws the ball well - he’s shown it all week in practice - and he has the knowledge of the game. They’re all outstanding athletes, many of whom are used to playing 48 minutes. We won’t showcase only one player - we won’t be able to give them that kind of playing time. We want them to all have a chance to show what they can do. It’s all about having fun.”

Naeole will find familiar faces among the West’s receiving corps with Colquitt and Buchanan as wide-outs. “They both had great seasons. James was leading the state in receiving for most of the year and was still ranked near the top, even though we didn’t make the playoffs.”

The West will feature four players from Kapolei, including defensive tackle Maverick Satele, wide receiver Mason Koa, and defensive backs Nate Dixon and Kalae Parish. A quarterback for much of his career at Kapolei, Koa will play wide receiver on Friday night. Waianae quarterback Ben McQuown will also move to receiver for the game.

Also playing for the West will be Waipahu’s Gordon Cox and Fogalele Pefua; Pearl City’s Troy Antoque, Antoin DeWalt and Tyler Lauifi; and Campbell’s Shane Gaui, Chris Fuga and Koroseta Leauma.

DeWalt was the fourth leading rusher in Division II, running for 1,095 yards and 10 touchdowns. West teammate Kama Bailey led the state with 2,045 rushing yards this fall. Both could be in the backfield together on Friday night.

“You can see why people love him so much - he’s a very personable kid and a great player,” Say said of Bailey. “He has great speed and great acceleration, and he always lands on his feet. If you don’t wrap him up, you won’t make the tackle.”

The West also will boast another stellar running back from Division II in Don Matas of Waialua, who Say called “a pleasant surprise.”

“He’s very quick, and he follows his blocks well,” he said.“He could have played for anyone in the state. It’s been a pleasure to get to work with kids you only hear about like the ILH guys or kids you play against. Now, you get a chance to coach them.”

Because both teams were limited to eight practices, Say said the West would keep things simple in the play-calling department.

“We have to get everything in (scheme-wise) in that amount of time, but it’s been good. They’re all outstanding players, so they know the game.”