Hernandez Prepares To Rebuild Team After Graduation
By Jack Danilewicz
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One in a series of spring prep football reports.
As in past years, talk around the Kapolei football program is about who isn’t in camp rather than who is, as the Hurricanes ready themselves for spring practice next week.
That was assured once again in February, when they had five seniors sign with college programs.
The Hurricane Nation can take solace in its track record. Indeed, they have managed to overcome their losses to graduation year after year and still stay in the mix.
“We’ve managed to get ourselves to a point of realization that every year we’re going to lose some fine players,” said Darren Hernandez, who has seen 36 players go on to play college football since 2002, the first year the school had a varsity team.
“It’s not easy to lose kids like Simione (Vehikite, USC), Chad (Lopati, Arizona Western), Cyril (Ontai II, Naval Academy), Luke (Spencer, Arizona Western) and Stan (Hasiak, UCLA) - players of that caliber. But we’ll use the spring to establish positions where we lost a lot and work to solidify our depth.
“We have to be ready to go with a new group of kids,” added Hernandez, whose team went 4-2 in the Red West last fall.“It’s why we try to get the younger guys experience, even if it’s only a little, so they can be ready when it’s their turn to step right in.”
One such player is returning quarterback Noah Pascua, who earned his share of snaps during his sophomore year in 2007 (when then-senior Mason Koa was the primary starter) before taking over the job in 2008.
“We don’t want to feed them to the wolves, but we get them reps when we can. Noah probably took 20 percent of the reps his sophomore year, and that has paid dividends. He’s as confident as he could be.”
Kapolei has seen three of its quarterbacks move on to Division I college football in past years, and Pascua has all the tools to excel in the spread option offense. “His biggest attribute is that he takes coaching well,”
Hernandez said. “He has a good demeanor, and he’s steady.
We’re excited about his ability to run and pass.”
Hernandez also is excited about an upand-coming wide receiver corps that will feature Donnie King, Elijah Tagura and Keanu Solidum, along with Division I prospect Shaydon Akuna, who will anchor the group. All four also will play on the defensive side of the ball.
The offense also will center around fullback Dustin Elisara, another Division I prospect, and running back Onosai Faumuina, who is coming off a productive junior season.
“We like Dustin’s versatility,” Hernandez said. “He’s just a great athlete for his size. He’ll be our go-to guy on both sides of the ball.
“Onosai is a load at 5-11, 250,” he added.“He runs like a Polynesian bus.”
Seniors Paul Belford and Alex Paiva highlight the offensive line.
On the defensive side, Hernandez is high on his linebacking crew, which will feature Niko Uti and John Carter. In the trenches, Foi Foi, Nick Ulu and Cyril Maluina also return.
“We feel good about this team,“Hernandez said.“We’re deep and talented in a lot of areas. There’s been good competition, and that raises the level of play for everyone.”
Kapolei notes: Hernandez talked last week of his ongoing concern for defensive line-man Papu Uti, who was projected to play in the fall before a an accident led to the amputation of his leg. Those who would like to help the family meet medical costs can make a donation at Bank of Hawaii in his name ... Kapolei will culminate its spring practice sessions with a public scrimmage at 6:30 p.m. June 6. A $5 admission will be charged.
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