OIA Recognizes Na Ali‘i’s Li‘ili‘i
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usOnly an ankle injury could slow Aiea wide receiver Lifa Li’ili’i this prep football season. When healthy, and in the lineup, the 5-foot-11, 210-pound senior was among the state’s most capable performers. The Oahu Interscholastic Association Western Conference coaches recently awarded Li’ili’i for his efforts, naming him as the league’s Offensive Player of the Year.
Despite an injury-plagued season, Li’ili’i made 43 catches for 536 yards (an average of 12.5 yards per catch) and four touch-downs. He was also a threat in the run-game, processing 41 carries into another 170 yards. He also contributed an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown against Leilehua in one of the high school football season’s most memorable plays.
Castle coach Nelson Maeda knew all about the versatile Li’ili’i even before his Knights met Aiea in the first round of the OIA playoffs on a rain-soaked October night in Kaneohe.
“He really tore us up his junior year when we played them,” said Maeda, whose team lost 18-12 to Aiea. “He was obviously a big concern for us this year. He’s very athletic - a go-to-guy - who makes things happen. Their offense really focused on him. Without him, they were a different team.
“I’m sure the West coaches are glad to see him graduate,” he added with a laugh. “It’s quite a tribute to his ability that he missed half the season and still drew that much respect from the league coaches.”
Li’ili’i rushed for 107 yards against the Knights and caught two passes for 14 yards. He also recovered a Castle fumble in his own end zone in the closing seconds to preserve the win for Na Ali’i after the Knights had driven all the way to the Aiea three-yard line and were seemingly poised to convert what would have been the winning touchdown.
With Li’ili’i leading the way, Aiea boasted a West-best five players on the league’s First Team. Joining Li’ili’i as First Teamers were offensive lineman Mako Malepeai, utility player Daniel Li’ili’i, linebacker Mana Ohia and wide receiver Alan Fonoti.
Daniel Li’ili’i was also named to the Second Team as a wide receiver. Joining him on the Second Team were quarterback Alfred Higa, wide receiver James Buchanan, defensive back David Sa’avaetasi and defensive linemen Kanekoa Asing and Faleali’i Tausaga.
Kapolei junior Kamuela Foki was one of two players (joining Radford’s Kyle Blair) to earn First Team honors in the West at two positions - running back and defensive back. Hurricanes’ offensive lineman Mike Matamua, one of the top college prospects in the class of 2007, was also named First Team by the West coaches despite missing the first half of the season with an injured hand. Justin Cossey was the lone defensive selection to the First Team from Kapolei, while earning Second Team offensive honors for his play in the trenches. Hurricanes’ defensive backs Austin Healy and Kalae Parish were also Second Team selections.
Defensive lineman Chris Fuga was Campbell’s lone First Team selection, with 20 Sabers earning spots on the Honorable Mention Team, including Haouli Anderson, Bronson Ellis-Riveria, Jordan Doane, Donovan Domingo-Panta, Cory Freitas, Shane Gaui, Mike Gueso, Ranson Ho, Martin Kodama, Koroseta Leauma, Hanns Lee, Jesse Lee, Matthew Masafilo, Obadiah Mataio, Ryan Matautia, Matthew Miller, Miles Tynanes-Perez, Guilliano Stevenson, Apuauro Turano and Lowen Tynanes-Perez.
Receiving Honorable Mention from Kapolei were Keli’i Aki, Josh Hose, Alvin Julaton, Mike Kahalehoe, Curtis Kiyabu, Mason Koa, Chad Lopati, Trent Nakata, Kaipo Nakatani, Cyril Ontai, Aaron Santiago and Caleb Spencer.
Lika Aviu, Josh Chung, Miah Fa’atoafe, Malone Faumuina, Crenston Ioapo, Sili Koria, Ataji Lani, Alex Mauga, Brennan Sato and Quinton Peterson received Honorable Mention from Aiea.
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