Piceno does it all for Leilehua

There’s a reason Kaleo Aloha Piceno is listed as an athlete on the Leilehua roster.

The senior lined up at quarterback, running back and wide receiver in the Mules’ 37-15 victory over Kailua on Saturday night, and has done so throughout the season.

“I’m just blessed that the coaches trust in me,” Piceno said. “I’m just able to lead these guys and they’re making me look good. That’s how I see it.”

Piceno displayed the skills necessary for each position against the Surfriders, and then some.

In the second quarter, he scored on a 35-yard quarterback draw that broke a 7-7 tie. With 3:25 remaining in the fourth quarter, he hauled in an 8-yard touchdown pass that effectively put the game away. It proved to be the final score of the game.

Leilehua coach Nolan Tokuda praised Piceno’s versatility and commended his can-do attitude.

“He’ll do whatever it takes to help this team win,” Tokuda said. “Very unselfish young man and he just wants to play football.”

The Mules (2-4, 2-3 OIA Red) started the year 0-3 after opening with three of the state’s best teams in Punahou, Kahuku and Kapolei. Although all three games were at home, they lost those games by an average of 42 points.

Since then, they recovered with a 48-13 victory at Nanakuli and played Farrington close in a 19-7 loss.

Up next for the Mules is a matchup with Castle at home and then a game against Mililani after a bye week.

“I think it’s a confidence builder for us,” Piceno said. “That’s just what we needed … Hopefully it gives us momentum.”