Top Players 10/12

No major changes, just some shuffling. Late season is always a tough time to gauge as banged-up standouts plod forward through nagging injuries and soreness. The postseason separates the good from the average and the great from the rest. But I’ll always keep in mind the players whose teams just couldn’t make the playoffs. A lot of guys in that scenario. Good players.

Update Tuesday, Oct. 16: Removes Apao (Kamehameha), not a starter.

OFFENSIVE LINE

On the cusp:
Davis Miyashiro-Saipaia, Punahou (6-1, 268, Jr.)
Micah Kapoi, Kapolei (6-4, 282, Jr.)
Colin Ka’alele, Farrington (6-2, 361, Sr.)
Austen Koki, Pearl City (6-4, 295, Sr.)
Spencer Kiehm, ‘Iolani (5-8, 172, Jr.)
Walter Gaisoa, Kailua (6-3, 248, Sr.)
Marcus Malepeai, Kailua (6-1, 288, Jr.)
Stansen Fonoti, Waianae (6-3, 305, Jr.)
Mana La’ulu, McKinley (6-3, 265, Jr.)

Sleepers:
A.J. White, Farrington (6-1, 311, Sr.)
Kaiwi Chung, Kamehameha (5-10, 235, Jr.)
Ian Kukahiko, Kamehameha (6-2, 220, Sr.)
Nolan Eseroma, Farrington (6-1, 303, Jr.)
Tui Eli, Kealakehe (6-3, 305, Jr.)
Seke Sopoaga-Kioa, Kealakehe, LT (6-2, 295. Jr.)
Dhavin Spencer-Basa, Molokai (C/NG, 6-3, 285)
Damien Matautia, Waipahu (6-5, 290, Sr.)
Sam Mahelona, Konawaena (5-10, 260, Sr.)
Jared Malaga, McKinley (6-1, 260, Sr.)
Sakkalala Hungalu, McKinley (6-3, 275, Jr.)
Jacob Lewis, Damien (6-3, 251, Sr.)
Derek George, Kalaheo (OL/DL, 6-1, 255, Sr.)
Keenan Greenbaum, Hawaii Prep (6-2, 280, Jr.)
Triton Reich, Honokaa (6-2, 250, Sr.)
Jesse Kaluhiokalani, Kamehameha (5-10, 275, Sr.)
Prince Samoa, Kealakehe (C, 6-0, 340, Sr.)
Siosaia Kalawi, Kealakehe (RG, 6-5, 335, Sr.)
Giovanni Chanes-Rodrigues, Kealakehe (RT, 6-1, 270, Sr.)

The skinny: No changes this week. O-line is one of the toughest positions to gauge, so I welcome all input. I do like to get reaction to all input from top OL coaches, and that has been very beneficial.

QUARTERBACKS

On the cusp:
Brock Teixeira, Pearl City, 5-8, 170, Sr.
Justin Tago-Su‘e, Campbell, 5-10, 165, Sr.
Kekoa Kaluhiokalani, Waianae, 6-0, 185, Sr.
Chazz Troutman, Nanakuli, 5-9, 149, Jr.

Sleepers:
Drew Kell, Hilo (6-1, 175, Jr.)
Kahaku Iaea, Kailua (6-2, 218, Sr.)
Montana Liana, Farrington (5-11, 188, So.)
Noah Brum, Kalani (5-9, 150, Jr.)
Alzon Kahana, Kapolei (5-10, 160, Jr.)
Levi Castanares, Leilehua (5-7, 160, Jr.)
Isaiah Hernandez-Fonoti, Aiea (6-0, 190, Sr.)
Fresno Masaniai, Kapaa
Denzel Kalahiki-Gasper, McKinley (6-1, 180, Jr.)
Keha Wong, Keaau
Kalai Yap, Kamehameha-Maui (6-0, 175, Sr.)

The skinny: Some shuffling, but no major changes. Mililani does one thing on offense and nobody seems able to stop it. Jarin Morikawa had his most productive game of the season — 408 yards and four touchdowns without a pick against Waipahu— despite the lack of a formidable rushing game. Again. His numbers have crept higher gradually — completion percentage (.597), yards per attempt (6.56), passer rating (134.17). … Keelan Ewaliko has returned with a vengeance. In three games, he has passed for 347 yards, six touchdowns (with one pick) and rushed for 350 yards and seven touchdowns (14 yards per rush). His playmaking ability is never in doubt, but the question remains, when the Bears play in the state tourney, will he ravage a run-stopping defense or will he be shut out again (Punahou, last year’s state semifinal)?

RUNNING BACKS 

On the cusp:
Kaulana Apelu, Kamehameha (5-10, 185, So.)
P.J. Liua, Kahuku (FB, 5-9, 222, Jr.)
Jeremy Willes, Waianae (5-8, 160, Jr.)
Alakai Kealoha, Waianae (5-11, 200, Sr.)
Jarrin Young, Kailua (5-7, 171, Sr.)
Ishmil Scott, Moanalua (6-1, 198, Jr.)
Guiseppe Zapatoliva, Kealakehe
Willie Lynch, Kalaheo (5-9, 180, Sr.)
Gavin Kim, Kalani (Sr.)
Mana Kaahanui, Aiea (RB/TE/QB 5-10, 210, Jr.)
Kyle Sato, Damien (5-10, 170, Sr.)
Paul-Andrew Rhoden, Campbell (6-1, 210, Sr.)
Devin Preston, Waiakea (5-9, 175)
Malaeloa Liua, Anuenue (RB/LB 5-8, 165, Sr.)
Cristian Johnston, Kalaheo (5-7, 145, Sr.)

Sleepers:
Yuuya Kato, ‘Iolani
Dru Reaves, Kalani
Cayde Omura, Seabury Hall
Noah Caparida, Molokai
Chansen Kanakaole, Hana
Reggie McFadden, Kauai
Matapua Tulafale, Waipahu (5-10, 195, Sr.)
Kody Mento, ‘Iolani (5-7, 177, Sr.)
Brandon Kahookele, Kamehameha (5-6, 175, Jr.)
Soli Afalava, Kahuku (6-1, 184, So.)
Noah Oleyer, Pac-Five (FB, 6-1, 275)
Randon Tuitama, Kaimuki (5-9, 155, Jr.)
Johnny Vance, Keaau (5-10, 180, Sr.)
Tristian Pebria, Campbell (5-5, 175, Jr.)
Koa Basque, Konawaena (5-8, 145, So.)
Ikaika Piceno, Leilehua (5-7, 160, So.)

The skinny: Kahuku’s go-to playmaker, Aofaga Wily, steps ahead of Amo Silva to the top spot this week. Their numbers are similar on the whole. Silva is at 127.6 rushing yards per game, 7.8 per carry. Wily is at 127.3 per game, 6.6 per carry. But Wily has carried the burden almost full time, with Kahuku handing the ball occasionally to the fullback. He has scored eight touchdowns in his last eight games during a crucial stretch of the regular season. Silva has split duties with Tyler Taumua, sensibly so. Silva hasn’t had a 100-yard game since early September and has scored just two touchdowns in his last four games. He now has 12 TDs for the season; Wily has 15. Two fine backs. Only one can be No. 1. … Ryan Tuiasoa of Punahou moved up a notch on the strength of a 271-yard, four-touchdown afternoon against ‘Iolani. … Kapolei’s Jacob Kukahiko moves up a few notches, as well, thanks to clutch performances against Campbell (19-85-1) and Aiea (20-117-1) — two stellar defensive units — to save Kapolei’s season. The ‘Canes success when Kukahiko gets at least 12 carries is telling of his value. When they stopped giving him the ball against Leilehua (4-0-0) and Mililani (9-44-0), they got shut out.

RECEIVERS

Player	School	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
1. Kennedy Tulimasealii (DT)	Waianae	6-2	280	Sr.
2. Scott Pagano (DT)	Moanalua	6-3	280	Sr.
3. Ualesi Sale (DE)	Aiea	6-3	225	Sr.
4. Toiva Tufaga (DT)	Kahuku	6-0	246	Sr.
5. Titus Failauga (DE)	Pac-Five	6-4	245	Sr.
6. Kamalei Correa (DE)	Saint Louis	6-3	245	Sr.
7. Dakota Turner (DT/TE)	Mililani	6-3	255	Sr.
8. Lamone Williams (DE)	Kahuku	6-3	238	Jr.
9. Miki Fangatua (DT)	Baldwin	6-1	248	Sr.
10. Jeremy Taua (DE)	Leilehua	6-1	210	Sr.
11. Amate Savusa (DE)	Campbell	6-2	205	Sr.
12. Canton Kaumatule (DE)	Punahou	6-7	265	So.
13. Colton Goeas (DL/LB)	Saint Louis	6-0	246	Sr.
14. Hercules Mata‘afa	Lahainaluna	6-3	215	Jr.
15. Siaumau Mapu	Kahuku	5-10	280	Sr.

On the cusp:
Moto Heimuli, Farrington (6-1, 229, Jr.)
Una Masaniai, Kapaa (5-11, 240, So.)
Jeremiah Taleni, Kailua (6-0, 327, Sr.)
Devin Horswill, Kamehameha (5-10, 225, Sr.)
Mika Tafua, Kamehameha (6-3, 205, So.)
Kalei Meyer, Kamehameha (6-2, 255, Jr.)
Thor Latu, Kamehameha (6-2, 225, Sr.)
Kingston Fernandez, Kamehameha (6-3, 225, Jr.)
Ruairi Brady, Punahou (6-4, 240, Jr.)
Marc Ma, ‘Iolani (6-1, 201, Jr.)
Renno Sagapolu, Farrington (6-1, 227, Sr.)
Senio Samisoni, Waianae (6-0, 285, Jr.)
Lisala Kanongata’a, McKinley (5-11, 220, Sr.)
Pousima Galoia, Lahainaluna (NG, 6-4, 340)
Connor Mowat, Lahainaluna (5-11, 215)
Sami Filiai, Lahainaluna (6-2, 225)
Shiloh Laboy, Kalani (6-2, 205, Sr.)
Travis Lualemaga, Kealakehe (6-1, 312, Jr.)
Manase Palu, Kaiser (5-9, 280, So.)
Ezra Soli, Kahuku (5-11, 277, Sr.)

Sleepers:
Austin Failauga, Pac-Five (DE, 6-4, 200, Sr.)
Albert Crighton, Aiea (DT, 6-3, 250, Sr.)
Chayne Bohol, Konawaena
Kui Williams, McKinley (DE/TE 6-3, 215, Sr.)
Cleghorn Borge, Waianae (DE, 6-2, 185, Sr.)
Sione Moala, Kaimuki (6-0, 300, Sr.)
Shem Sukumaran, Kalaheo (DE, 6-0, 170, Sr.)
Faoato Atanoa, Kalaheo (DL/OL, 6-2, 260, So.)
Breiden Fehoko, Farrington (DE, 6-2, 230, So.)
David Fangupo, Kealakehe (6-0, 348, Sr.)
Isi Holani, Hilo (6-1, 250, Jr.)

The skinny: Not a lot of changes here. Scott Pagano moves up to No. 2, playing strong as ever through the late season as linemen start to wear down. The expanded list (now 15) includes Colton Goeas of Saint Louis, who has bounced between linebacker and D-line. … It also includes Punahou’s Canton Kaumatule, who is becoming a force off the edge.

LINEBACKERS

Player	School	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
1. Isaac Savaiinaea	Punahou	6-3	231	Sr.
2. Johnny Tapusoa	Kahuku	5-10	194	Sr.
3. Solomon Leano	Campbell	5-11	220	Sr.
4. Wesley Nagaseu	Waipahu	6-0	250	Sr.
5. Fitou Fisiiahi	Kaiser	6-2	240	Jr.
6. Syndreck Dsio	Farrington	5-11	217	Jr.
7. Mathias Tuitele-Iafeta	McKinley	5-11	235	Jr.
8. Aisea Tavae (MLB)	Farrington	5-10	224	Sr.
9. Jordan Hoiem (INJ)	Baldwin	6-4	208	Jr.
10. Rashaan Falemalu	Kahuku	6-1	192	Sr.
11. Manase Hungalu	Kealakehe	6-2	210	Sr.
12. Micah Paris	Kapolei	5-10	211	Jr.
13. Ikea Ikehara	Kamehameha	6-2	210	Sr.
14. Nela Otukolo	Saint Louis	5-11	220	So.
15. Teva Eldridge	Baldwin	6-2	225	Jr.

On the cusp:
Joshua Situmeang, ‘Iolani (6-0, 198, Sr.)
Sua Atanoa, Kalaheo (6-0, 220, Sr.)
Semisi Filikitonga, Lahainaluna (5-5, 140)
Mike Rabara, Konawaena (5-11, 175, Sr.)
Austin Faumui, Farrington (OLB, 5-11, 176, Sr.)

Sleepers:
Brandon Johnston, Waianae (6-0, 185, Sr.)
Josaiah Hoopii, Waianae (5-9, 175, Sr.)
Anuenue Tui, Anuenue (5-7, 192, Sr.)
Kuali‘i Moefu, Kaimuki (5-9, 135, Jr.)
Jamel Tyler, Campbell (5-11, 180, Sr.)
Omar Silva, Kalaheo (LB/RB, 5-11, 200, Sr.)
Kyler O’Halloran, Kealakehe (6-1, 225, Sr.)
Justin Kawamoto, Honokaa (5-11, 230, Sr.)
Taz Preston, Waiakea (5-10, 170, Sr.)
T’shaquille Pe’a, Hilo (5-11, 200, Sr.)
Suwaiter Poch, Waiakea (5-11, 200, Jr.)
Matthew Winters, Keaau (5-9, 170, Sr.)
Kyler O’Halloran, Kealakehe (6-2, 220, Sr.)

The skinny: Among the adds to a newly extended LB list (to 15 from 10) is Manase Hungalu, Kealakehe’s stud ‘backer. He has scholarship offers from Hawaii, Oregon State, Idaho and UNLV.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

---

Player	School	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
1. Kawehena Johnson (S/WR/QB)	Kahuku	5-8	163	Sr.
2. Shaun Kagawa (CB/LB/RB)	KS-Hawaii	5-11	171	Sr.
3. Beaver Lagima Jr.	Waipahu	5-8	177	Sr.
4. Nick Kwon	Pac-Five	5-9	170	Sr.
5. Setefano Lavatai (CB)	Farrington	5-8	187	Sr.
6. Max Look	‘Iolani	5-6	152	Jr.
7. Devailo Motuga-Galeai (S)	Kahuku	5-10	181	Sr.
8. Pali Galdeira (S)	Saint Louis	5-11	194	Jr.
9. Manly Williams (S)	KS-Hawaii	6-2	194	Jr.
10. Kaeo Kanoa	Kapolei	6-0	190	Sr.
11. Abraham Reinhardt (S/RB/RET)	Baldwin	5-11	180	Sr.
12. Jayven Mohetau	Kahuku	5-11	174	Sr.
13. J.T. Los Banos	‘Iolani	6-0	163	Jr.
14. Jacob Lacaden	Saint Louis	6-0	190	Jr.
15. Shai Pulawa	Leilehua	5-11	170	Sr.

On the cusp:
Andrew Okimura, ‘Iolani (5-9, 162, Sr.)
Tre Boyd, Farrington (5-8, 143, Jr.)
Kiko Kohler-Fonohema, Lahainaluna
Chaz Shizumura, Punahou (6-0, 175, Sr.)
Branson Funakoshi, Leilehua (5-10, 185, Sr.)
A.J. Aleaga, Aiea (5-8, 170, Sr.)
Jordan Hussey, Waianae (5-8, 140, Sr.)
Brandon Rojo, Waianae (5-11, 150, Sr.)
Koali Opunui, Waianae (5-11, 170, Jr.)
Yuuya Kato, ‘Iolani (5-9, 185, Sr.)
Tytus Lucas, Lahainaluna

Sleepers:
Kala Ikeda, Konawaena (5-7, 150, Sr.)
Chase Takaki, Konawaena
Zac Bastatas, Kaimuki (CB, 5-10, 150, Sr.)
Chansen Exzabe, Kaimuki (5-10, 155, Sr.)
Jonah Lapitan, Kaimuki, Jr. (5-9, 160, Jr.)
Kama Vincent, Kamehameha-Hawaii (6-0, 170, Sr.)
Drew Kell, Hilo (6-1, 175, Jr.)

The skinny: The extended DB list (now 15) includes versatile Abraham Reinhardt of Baldwin, who returned three kicks for touchdowns against King Kekaulike.

Paul Honda, Star-Advertiser