It’s been nearly two weeks since the last installation of Top Players. It’s been an intriguing season with many ups and downs, adjustments from week to week, play to play. More and more, the best players are proving that their plays contribute to success. But there are many players who are among the best even if their teams are not having great success.
As always, your input is welcome. The more eyes, the better.
Update, Thursday: Adds Kala Ikeda, Konawaena, to DB Sleppers. Adds Noah Caparida (Molokai), Cayde Omura (Seabury Hall) and Chansen Kanakaole (Molokai) to RB Sleepers.
OFFENSIVE LINE
With Koehler as an anchor up front, the Crusaders have one of the state’s most productive offenses. (photo: Paul Honda)
| Player | School | Ht. | Wt. | Yr. | |
| 1. John Wa’a | Kahuku | 6-3 | 281 | Sr. | |
| 2. Reeve Koehler | Saint Louis | 6-3 | 321 | Sr. | |
| 3. Charles Sataraka | Farrington | 6-3 | 334 | Sr. | |
| 4. Michael Boyd | Farrington | 6-2 | 290 | Sr. | |
| 5. Jaryn Villegas | Leilehua | 6-2 | 280 | Sr. | |
| 6. Maka Ah Loo | Kapaa | 6-2 | 310 | So. | |
| 7. Louis Vailopa | Saint Louis | 6-2 | 280 | Jr. | |
| 8. Alika Alexander-Ezra | Baldwin | 6-0 | 240 | Jr. | |
| 9. Joey Anglemire | Mililani | 6-3 | 275 | Sr. | |
| 10. Fred Ulu-Perry | Saint Louis | 6-2 | 290 | So. | |
| 11. Semisi Uluave | Punahou | 6-5 | 305 | So. | |
| 12. Kela Grace | Aiea | 6-1 | 270 | Jr. | |
| 13. Mitchell Boyd | Farrington | 6-1 | 303 | Sr. | |
| 14. Tyman Hayashi | Pac-Five | 6-1 | 280 | Sr. | |
| 15. Donald Barenaba-Setoki | Kahuku | 6-2 | 301 | Jr. |
On the cusp:
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.)
Davis Miyashiro-Saipa‘ia, Punahou (6-2, 274, 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.)
Davis Miyashiro-Saipaia, Punahou (6-1, 268, 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.)
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
Second statewide with 20 TD passes. (photo: Paul Honda)
| Player | School | Ht. | Wt. | Yr. | |
| 1. Larry Tuileta | Punahou | 6-2 | 188 | Jr. | |
| 2. Reece Foy | ‘Iolani | 5-11 | 175 | Sr. | |
| 3. Jarin Morikawa | Mililani | 6-0 | 170 | Sr. | |
| 4. Kahoali‘i Karratti | Konawaena | 5-10 | 175 | Jr. | |
| 5. Keelan Ewaliko | Baldwin | 6-0 | 175 | Sr. | |
| 6. Ryder Kuhns | Saint Louis | 6-1 | 180 | So. | |
| 7. Kawai Mook-Garcia | Saint Louis | 5-11 | 180 | Sr. | |
| 8. Makoa Camanse-Stevens | Kamehameha | 6-3 | 185 | Sr. | |
| 9. Micah Kaneshiro | Moanalua | 5-7 | 170 | Jr. | |
| 10. Kaimi Paredes | Waipahu | 5-9 | 165 | Sr. | |
| 11. Makana Lyman | Kaiser | 5-10 | 175 | Sr. | |
| 12. Viliami Livai | Kahuku | 6-0 | 190 | Sr. | |
| 13. Cody Lui-Yuen | Radford | 6-3 | 205 | Jr. | |
| 14. Jordan Cristobal | Kealakehe | 5-7 | 160 | Sr. | |
| 15. Justin Jenks | Leilehua | 5-6 | 155 | Jr. |
On the cusp:
Chazz Troutman, Nanakuli, 5-9, 149, Jr.
Justin Tago-Su‘e, Campbell, 5-10, 165, Sr.
Brock Teixeira, Pearl City, 5-8, 170, Sr.
Kekoa Kaluhiokalani, Waianae, 6-0, 185, Sr.
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: Jarin Morikawa moves up a notch to No. 3. Since the loss to Leilehua (19-38-3-107/1 TD), he has been on fire the past three games against tough defenses: Campbell (23-43-1-268/3 TD), Kapolei (25-41-0-330/4 TD) and Aiea (29-41-0-387/3 TD). … It’s not that Kahoali‘i Karratti has done anything wrong, but he was finally tested for the first time in nearly two months and was just 3-16-0-33/0 TD against Kamehameha-Hawaii. Karratti still leads the state in touchdown passes (26) and yardage (1,742), and his passer rating (207.04) is second only to Tui Tuileta. By the way, Tuileta had a bye last week, but here are his numbers: 86-130-1-1,600/18 TD. Passer rating is 213.69. Yards per attempt is 12.31, both tops in the state. Completion percentage, which was so-so early in the season, is now 66.2 percent. … Reece Foy? 123-189-2-1,447/20 TD. That’s 20 touchdown passes. Two picks. Lord knows how many sacks he’s avoided with his scrambling skills. And he’s one of the leading rushers among QBs with 264 yards (52 carries) and two touchdowns. … The debate over who should start at QB for Saint Louis continues. Kawai Mook-Garcia’s line against Kamehameha: 17-24-0-330/4 TD is one of the best of the year. But that’s not enough to convince fans of Ryder Kuhns. To date, KMG is 36-53-1-586/8 TD. He has a completion percentage of 67.9 percent and a YPA of 11.06 with a passer rating of 206.84. Kuhns, the sensational sophomore, is 87-138-4-1,109/11 TD. Completion clip of 63 percent, YPA of 8.04 with a passer rating of 151.06. Clearly, KMG has more experience and a better feel for using his feet to make plays. He’ll run for the first down more often, while Kuhns has shown a more consistent deep ball, which stretches coverage and opens up the shorter routes. It’s a great problem for Saint Louis. … There’s an argument to be made for QBs who win (Viliami Livai) versus QBs who throw often and get results (Micah Kaneshiro). Livai had thrown a total of 46 passes until this weekend, essentially becoming a handoff machine. But he was 10-for-16 against Farrington with a touchdown pass for 123 yards with one pick. He was sharp, and though Kahuku’s run-first, ground-and-pound mindset will probably never allow Livai to throw more than 16 times in a game, he’s been sharp and effective. Kaneshiro has the potential to grow much more in Moanalua’s balanced offense. He had a career-high five touchdown passes against a tough McKinley defense. He was also picked four times while going 12-25 for 229 yards. He’s got classic on-the-cusp numbers: a guy who can produce, but is obviously still learning on the job, thrown into the fire, so to speak. But he’s no newbie; Kaneshiro has passed for at least 200 yards three times already. He’ll get his biggest test this week against Kahuku. … Keelan Ewaliko has not disappointed. In two game since returning from a rib injury, has passed for 174 yards and three touchdowns with no picks while running for 235 yards and four more touchdowns.
RUNNING BACKS
13 rushing TDs leads the OIA Red. (photo: Paul Honda)
| Player | School | Ht. | Wt. | Yr. |
| 1. Abraham Silva | Farrington | 5-10 | 212 | Sr. |
| 2. Aofaga Wily | Kahuku | 6-0 | 202 | Sr. |
| 3. Adam Noga (INJ) | Saint Louis | 5-10 | 175 | Jr. |
| 4. Tyler Taumua | Farrington | 5-11 | 199 | Sr. |
| 5. Kai Gonda | Kaiser | 5-11 | 190 | Sr. |
| 6. Kainalu Kaleo | Anuenue | 5-9 | 191 | Sr. |
| 7. Ryan Tuiasoa | Punahou | 5-11 | 214 | Sr. |
| 8. Anuenue Tui | Anuenue | 5-7 | 192 | Sr. |
| 9. John Kamoku | Konawaena | 5-10 | 175 | Sr. |
| 10. Waika Alapai | Kauai | 6-2 | 235 | Sr. |
| 11. Jacob Kukahiko | Kapolei | 5-11 | 210 | Sr. |
| 12. Keoni Tom-Millare | Pac-Five | 5-11 | 180 | Sr. |
| 11. Faaolaina Teofilo | Kamehameha-Hawaii | 6-1 | 205 | Jr. |
| 13. Lennox Jones | Kealakehe | 5-6 | 150 | Sr. |
| 14. David Fangupo | Kealakehe | 6-2 | 348 | Sr. |
| 15. Kaulana Apelu | Kamehameha | 5-10 | 185 | So. |
On the cusp:
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: There are no straight lines in Top Players, especially with running backs. Though we’re in the age of technology, there are far more effective running backs than I expected in 2012. Abraham Silva remains my No. 1, though his 7-19-0 performance against top-ranked Kahuku can’t be ignored. The fact is, Silva has had the best season on the whole, and my No. 2, Aofaga Wily, managed “only” 61 yards on 21 carries against Farrington in the same game. Extra point: Silva’s had two 200-yard games so far. One against Waianae (28-223-2) and another against Moanalua (22-206-1). Wily gets his shot at Moanalua this weekend. … Silva for the season: 113-940-11. Wily: 110-738-13. Adam Noga? Though the explosive junior missed a game recently (Damien), he had 65 yards on 13 carries (one touchdown) against Kamehameha. If his hammy holds up, he could finish stronger than anyone else on the list, but hammys are very tricky. To date: 92-679-9. … Kainalu Kaleo’s body has been a magnet for hits all season out of that fullback spot in Anuenue’s double-wing offense. They practically never throw the ball, so you can imagine what these eight- and nine-in-the-box defenses do to Kaleo on every play, handoff or fake. He had his third-highest total of the season against Roosevelt (16-219-2) before the bye this past weekend. To date: 101-1,248-13. That’s 12.36 yards per carry. … Kai Gonda moves up big time this week. He has consistently been a force offensively as a wildcat quarterback, running back, receiver, not to mention his roles as a returner and defensive back. He’s had at least 78 yards rushing in six of Kaiser’s eight games, including a clutch 22-138-1 against previously unbeaten Radford. Oh. And he returned a punt for an 82-yard touchdown. … New additions to the RB Top 15 are David Fangupo and Kaulana Apelu. Fangupo has really hit his stride, a 6-foot-2, 348-pound (yes, 348, not 148 or 248) fullback. The O-line at Kealakehe averages 6-2, 309, and when Fangupo plows defenders as a lead blocker, that’s six monsters coming at a defensive front, nearly a ton of brute force. But Fangupo is Kealakehe’s X Factor now and Coach Sam Papalii plans on putting his big back to work on a consistent basis. Fangupo, who can dunk a basketball with two hands, went for 146 yards and a touchdown on just 10 carries against Waiakea. … Apelu is another consistent back, just a sophomore, with at least 78 rushing yards in his last three games (Pac-Five, ‘Iolani, Saint Louis).
RECEIVERS
Leads the state with 57 receptions. (photo: Paul Honda)
| Player | School | Ht. | Wt. | Yr. | |
| 1. Kanawai Noa | Punahou | 6-0 | 170 | So. | |
| 2. Jeremy Tabuyo | Saint Louis | 5-11 | 180 | Sr. | |
| 3. Dylan Pakau | Waipahu | 5-10 | 174 | Sr. | |
| 4. Keoni Piceno | Leilehua | 5-9 | 170 | Sr. | |
| 5. Daicorri Briscoe | Pearl City | 5-11 | 175 | Sr. | |
| 6. Tanner Nishioka | ‘Iolani | 6-0 | 175 | Sr. | |
| 7. Domonic Morris | Konawaena | 5-8 | 155 | Sr. | |
| 8. Christian Clapp | Kaiser | 6-1 | 170 | Sr. | |
| 9. Jameson Pasigan | Radford | 5-9 | 150 | S0. | |
| 10. Donald Lambert | Moanalua | 6-1 | 170 | Jr. | |
| 11. Ekolu Ramos | Mililani | Sr. | |||
| 12. Kenan Gaspar | Konawaena | 5-10 | 175 | Jr. | |
| 13. Austin Gerard | Kamehameha | 6-1 | 170 | Sr. | |
| 14. Kamakana Apelu | Aiea | 5-9 | 155 | Jr. | |
| 15. Nainoa Frank | Kalaheo | 6-6 | 200 | Sr. |
On the cusp:
Fano Tuisila, Kaimuki (5-11, 157, Jr.)
Josh Jenks, Leilehua (5-9, 165, Sr.)
Isaac Amorin, Pearl City (5-9, 165, Sr.)
Enrique Gruver, Kalani (Jr.)
Kainoa Wilson, Mililani (So.)
Sleepers:
Nick Rodriguez, Leilehua (5-6, 155, Sr.)
Justin Ikei, Kaiser (5-9, 165, So.
Erren Jean-Pierre, Mililani (Sr.)
Alii Pedrina, Kamehameha (5-9, 175, Sr.)
Brannon Bantolina, Campbell (SB, 5-7, 145, Sr.)
James Hashimoto, Farrington (5-7, 128, Sr.)
Kainoa Abreu, Saint Louis (6-0, 180, Sr.)
Shem Sukumaran, Kalaheo (6-1, 170, Sr.)
Devan Stubblefield, Saint Louis (6-1, 185, Jr.)
Colton Dayacos-Gaspar, Mililani (SB, Sr.)
Josh Jenks, Leilehua (5-9, 165, Sr.)
Mataio Fualema, Waipahu (5-11, 161, Sr.)
Tyler Liana (TE), Farrington (6-0, 225, Sr.)
Jayce Bantolina, Campbell (6-0, 175, So.)
Amosa Amosa Jr., Campbell (5-9, 170, Jr.)
Keanu Chee, Punahou (6-0, 175, Sr.)
Noah Willey, Punahou (6-4, 190, Sr.)
Tyrell Tuiasosopo, McKinley (6-1, 170, Jr.)
Francis Evangelia, Farrington (5-9, 171, Sr.)
Keanu Chung, Waianae (6-1, 175, Sr.)
Pookela Noa Nakamoto, Waianae (5-11, 160, Jr.)
Kama Vincent, Kamehameha-Hawaii
Dayton Kiko, Waiakea
Giuseppi Zapatoliva, KealakeheInjured:
Jay Braun, King Kekaulike (transfer from Seabury Hall) (5-9, 190, Jr.)
The skinny: Supplanting Kanawai Noa at the top spot will be difficult, but if Jeremy Tabuyo continues to have four-touchdown games, who knows? Noa (40-887-12) had a bye last weekend and still leads the state in receiving yardage. More than that, he’s just been so reliable on routes of all kinds. … Tabuyo’s 4-141-4 against Kamehameha was phenomenal. The Texas A&M-bound senior gets plenty of attention from most defenses, but for whatever reason (from what I gather, it was lack of communication) Kamehameha let him stride downfield without resistance. Tabuyo is now at 40-640-10. Stack up Farrington, Punahou and Kamehameha … the only secondary to keep him out of the end zone was Punahou. … Dylan Pakau had another superlative game (7-110-1) against a supreme defense (Leilehua), and is now at 28-668-8. The only reason he slips to No. 3 here is the ascent of Tabuyo. … Keoni Piceno is a lock at No. 4, leading the state in receptions (57-580-4). He had an 11-102-0 against Waipahu. Is there a better third-down receiver? … Daicorri Briscoe returned from a two-game suspension to hit the century mark (3-106-2) against Kalaheo two Fridays ago. To date: 27-560-5. … Tanner Nishioka’s 15-175-3 against Kamehameha two weeks ago still weighs heavily. To date: 39-449-9. … 10 TD grabs in just 23 receptions for Domonic Morris of Konawaena (524 yards). Missing stats for his game against KS-Hawaii. … Christian Clapp’s string of touchdown games has ended after five straight, but he’s still one of the most consistent receivers (30-576-5) in the state. … Radford sophomore Jameson Pasigan is quietly having a spectacular season: 32-527-8. His QB (Cody Lui-Yuen) is only a junior. … Moanalua’s Donald Lambert is thriving with the ascent of QB Micah Kaneshiro. Lambert had a 7-145-3 against McKinley before the recent bye. To date: 28-452-9.
The Red Raiders have stifled Punahou and Farrington this season. Tufaga is a big reason why. (photo: Paul Honda)
| Player | School | Ht. | Wt. | Yr. | |
| 1. Kennedy Tulimasealii (DT) | Waianae | 6-2 | 280 | Sr. | |
| 2. Ualesi Sale (DE) | Aiea | 6-3 | 225 | Sr. | |
| 3. Scott Pagano (DT) | Moanalua | 6-3 | 280 | 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) | 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. |
On the cusp:
Amate Savusa, Campbell (DE, 6-2, 205, Sr.)
Moto Heimuli, Farrington (6-1, 229, Jr.)
Colton Goeas, Saint Louis (6-0, 246, Sr.)
Hercules Mata’afa, Lahainaluna
Una Masaniai, Kapaa
Jeremiah Taleni, Kailua (6-0, 327, Sr.)
Siaumau Mapu, Kahuku (5-10, 280, 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 (5-2, 225, Sr.)
Kingston Fernandez, Kamehameha (6-3, 225, Jr.)
Canton Kaumatule, Punahou (6-7, 265, So.)
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
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, 350, Sr.)
Isi Holani, Hilo (6-1, 250, Jr.)
Middle man of the best defensive unit in the state. (photo: Paul Honda)
| 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 | 240 | 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. |
On the cusp:
Micah Paris, Kapolei (5-10, 211, Jr.)
Ikea Ikehara, Kamehameha (6-2, 210, Sr.)
Nela Otukolo, Saint Louis (5-11, 220, So.)
Teva Eldridge, Baldwin
Joshua Situmeang, ‘Iolani (6-0, 198, Sr.)
Sua Atanoa, Kalaheo (6-0, 220, Sr.)
Semisi Filikitonga, Lahainaluna (5-5, 140)
Sleepers:
Mike Rabara, Konawaena (5-11, 175, Sr.)
Austin Faumui, Farrington (OLB, 5-11, 176, Sr.)
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.)
The skinny: Tough call at No. 10 with Micah Paris (Kapolei) playing well. He had 17 tackles against Campbell, but the Hurricanes have allowed 126 points in their last three games.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
A key contributor to the Wolfpack’s stellar unit. (photo: Paul Honda)
| 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. Nick Kwon | Pac-Five | 5-9 | 170 | Sr. | |
| 4. Setefano Lavatai (CB) | Farrington | 5-8 | 187 | Sr. | |
| 5. Max Look | ‘Iolani | 5-6 | 152 | Jr. | |
| 6. Devailo Motuga-Galeai (S) | Kahuku | 5-10 | 181 | Sr. | |
| 7. Pali Galdeira (S) | Saint Louis | 5-11 | 194 | Jr. | |
| 8. Manly Williams (S) | KS-Hawaii | 6-2 | 194 | Jr. | |
| 9. Kaeo Kanoa | Kapolei | 6-0 | 190 | Sr. | |
| 10. Jayven Mohetau | Kahuku | 5-11 | 174 | Sr. |
On the cusp:
J.T. Los Banos, ‘Iolani (6-0, 163, Jr.)
Jacob Lacaden, Saint Louis (6-0, 190, Jr.)
Dade Apao, Kamehameha (6-1, 180, Sr.)
Abraham Reinhardt, Baldwin (RB/S/KR/PR 5-11, 180, Sr.)
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.)
Shai Pulawa, Leilehua (5-11, 170, 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: Some shuffling here in a group of solid talent. Nick Kwon has played well defensively and on special teams for the Wolfpack. … Setefano Lavatai (Farrington) comes up with big plays and always bounces back after a mistake. … ‘Iolani’s Max Look continues to play well, a smart, efficient defender similar to Kwon. … Johnson is playing great football, a true student of the game who had a pick-6 and a touchdown catch against Farrington.
I’m surprised to see that Micah Paris didn’t make top ten. This kid has been up there in his game all season exspecially in the recent game against Campbell w/17 tackles in 1 game…that wasn’t enough to place him in the top ten? Is anyone taking stats on this kid? This kid be making double digit tackles in almost every game this season that I’ve watched. I thought the top ten reflected the football player as an “individual” not as a “team” player so to speak. In your “skinny” quote; “but the Hurricanes have allowed 126 points in their last three games” how does this play in your rankings for top ten if it reflects the “individual”?
Watch out for this kid, he’s only a Jr. if he be making plays like this, this season: imagine when he’s Sr. This kid should have been in the top ten, just my opinion…
Micah is definitely a superb linebacker. Question is, who would you remove from the 10? The talent level at the position is so good and deep, the difference between the 1 through 5 and 6 through 15 is relatively small.
I hardly ever seen a white division team rank in the top ten, so why should a white division individual player be in the top ten rankings along side of red division individual players. The game is much greater on the red division side then the white. Better and stronger teams in the red division then the white division. I’m sure all that were selected for top ten deserves to be there however, if I was doing the ratings I would have a top ten rating list for only white division and only red division; not inter-mingled. Further more size shouldn’t matter, its the stats and the level at which the game is played in different divisions. The level of competitiveness is much greater in the red division. Again, this is just my opinion…not trying to stir up anything or be negative, all those who play football and play their hardest; no matter what their size, should be recognized equally…small…big…in the white division only and in the red division only. Mahalo
Point taken. But in your perspective, Shane Brostek would not have belonged despite a dominant career at Hawaii Prep. He would not have been an All-State selection. He just started his first game last weekend at UW. As a true freshman.
As for the issue of Division I and Division II, until the entire state abides by the National Federation’s guideline — enrollment should be the primary criteria for classification — it’s hard to justify an All-Division II list. Not when schools with 2,500 or 3,000 students are in the same competition with schools that have just a couple hundred.
I find it odd that Mililani is the top seed in the Red West and Jarin is able to post so many yards yet Mililani only has one O-Lineman on your list? Yet other teams have less than stellar performances and have two or three? Quarterbacks need a good line to perform.. Joey is a great O-Lineman! There are other “sleepers” that need consideration.
This is a big brainstorm session all season long, so feel free to suggest some names. The more we discuss and debate, the better.
Fyi … when a quarterback as good as Jarin starts out the season with a yards-per-attempt at 5, that usually indicates one of two things: 1) he’s under orders to get the ball out quickly to his targets, and 2) there’s not enough protection on a consistent basis to go deep. True or not, his YPA has improved steadily since.