East Valley Tribune 2008 All State (Arizona) Football Team

Polynesian selections include offensive lineman Kakalea Pule (Tempe Marcos de Niza) Second Team 5A. Honorable mention selections: defensive lineman Pasiaka Fahina (Mesa), Neusha Vakili (Scottsdale Desert Mountain), and lineman Mo Latu (Gilbert Perry).

Bakersfield Californian All Area

Highland Bakersfield linebacker Patrick Su'a was named 2008 All-Area Defensive Player of the Year. Taft Offensive lineman Ben Savai'i was also selected to the first team.

Patrick Su'a Highland | senior | LB 6-foot-2 | 210 pounds

Fresno State-bound standout flew to the ball all season, averaging 12 tackles a game and generally wreaking havoc. He had two interceptions, a sack, two fumble recoveries, a blocked punt and two blocked field goals.

Ben Savai'i Taft | senior | OL 6-foot-1 | 245 pounds

Some of the best feet around belong to Savai'i, who is nimble enough to pull but big enough to push defenders around to the tune of more than 2,500 yards rushing.

A COMMON BONDMoevao and Masoli could become the first Samoans to face off at QB in the Civil War

By Adam Jude

The Register-Guard

Published: Nov 27, 2008 07:25AM

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Kevin Clark/The Register-Guard

OSU’s Lyle Moevao and Oregon’s Jeremiah Masoli have been part of a wave of Polynesian quarterbacks in the Pac-10 this season and are expected to start Saturday’s Civil War.

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They will meet face to face for the first time Saturday at Reser Stadium and, from the outside, it’s easy to say that looking at each other will be like looking in the mirror for Jeremiah Masoli and Lyle Moevao.

Yes, the physical similarities of the two Samoan quarterbacks are many, so much so that Oregon teammates tease Masoli about his “twin” in Corvallis.

Moevao, the Oregon State junior, notices other intangibles that aren’t as easily recognized.

“The common things we hold are our leadership techniques,” Moevao said. “We’re poised, we lead our team and we’re able to psych up our teammates. I know I see that out of him on TV.”

Moevao reached out to Masoli for the first time a few weeks ago, and as their first head-to-head meeting in the Civil War loomed closer, they talked or texted regularly. As part of an exclusive club of Samoan quarterbacks, they have a natural bond, and they say they hope the best for each other.

Just not necessarily on Saturday, when the No. 17 Beavers host the No. 19 Ducks at 4 p.m. Saturday in one of the biggest of the schools’ 112 meetings.

Moevao has missed two of OSU’s last three games with a right (throwing) shoulder injury, but he pronounced himself ready earlier this week. If he does play, it would be the first time two Samoan quarterbacks face off in the Civil War.

“I’m definitely proud of something like that,” said Masoli, the UO sophomore. “It’s just something our culture can look at and something young boys can look up to and know it’s possible for them.”

In the bigger picture, Masoli and Moevao are indeed flag-bearers for the growth of Polynesians in the sport, joining quarterbacks Willie Tuitama of Arizona and Tavita Pritchard of Stanford in a breakthrough season for Samoans, in particular.

On Saturday, however, Masoli and Moevao will be more focused on carrying their teams. As Moevao said, they’ll do so with a similar leadership style that has earned the respect of teammates.

It’s the other similarities that stand out at first glance:

Both are stocky and strong-armed: Masoli is listed at 5-feet-11, 214 pounds; Moevao is 5-11, 220. At their size, both are often told they look like they should play fullback.

Both have names that can be tricky to pronounce: it’s muh-SO-lee, and MOY-vow.

Both have detailed Samoan tattoos that stretch out of their uniforms.

Both have shown a proven ability to lay out a defender: see Masoli’s hit on the UCLA safety this season, and Moevao’s block of a UW defender last year.

Their arrival in the Pac-10 also took a similar path. Neither was recruited heavily out of high school, so they attended California junior colleges for one season.

At El Camino JC, Moevao threw for 2,652 yards with 29 touchdown and just nine interceptions, earning honorable-mention all-American honors in 2005.

Masoli was a third-team all-American while leading the City College of San Francisco to the JC national title last year, throwing for 3,592 yards with 30 touchdowns and five interceptions.

“It was definitely tough early on,” Moevao said. “Then going through junior college, it was a confidence boost, but there was still a lot to be done.”

After redshirting at OSU in 2006, Moevao got his chance to start when Sean Canfield went down with an injury midway through last season. The Beavers finished 4-0 with Moevao as the starter.

Masoli, too, got his chance with the Ducks this season because of injuries. Entering fall camp fifth on the depth chart, he emerged as the starter in the fourth game of the season.

“It’s been a ride. It’s definitely been a ride,” Masoli said, reflecting on his ascent since arriving in Eugene in the summer.

“I just had to hang in there the whole time and keep the faith and keep confidence in myself.”

Moevao has the better passing numbers this season. He’s on pace to set the OSU single-season record with a 61.9 completion percentage, and he’s thrown for 1,967 yards, with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

He has minus-76 yards rushing, an advantage that clearly is Masoli’s.

While the UO passing game struggled at times this season, Masoli was a surprise success as a runner, with 559 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Masoli’s performance in Oregon’s last two games — a late rally to beat Stanford, and 387 yards of total offense and five TDs in a victory over Arizona — quieted some of the earlier criticism of the passing game.

“Most teams in that situation would just (say), ‘Oh, our passing game’s not going,’ and just kick out the playbook,” UO senior running back Jeremiah Johnson said. “We stayed with it. And these last couple of games have really showed our passing game, and I can’t wait for it to blossom for Oregon State.”

Johnson noted that Masoli has improved every week, both with his command of the offense and the huddle.

“The first couple of games he was more timid in the huddle,” Johnson said. Now, “he definitely got our attention.”

As a first-year player, Masoli also has adapted well to the media demands of a starting quarterback. He’s thoughtful and accessible in interviews.

Moevao might be more an extrovert.

He’s playful and easy-going with the press. He’s also known as one of OSU’s main pranksters.

Earlier this week, as OSU safety Greg Laybourn sat at a podium to talk to the media, Moevao stood at the back of the room, behind the cameras, and lifted his shirt and flailed his arms, trying to distract Laybourn.

On Saturday, Masoli and Moevao will finally get a chance to look at each other up close. They said they’ll try to find a moment to connect before the game, to shake hands for the first time.

Then the new friends will quickly become rivals.

Manley, Keli'ikipi West's best

Waipahu's Saturnio voted by peers as Coach of the Year

Advertiser Staff

Already a seasoned veteran in his first full year of varsity football, Leilehua quarterback Andrew Manley flourished in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association's Red Conference Western Division.

Manley, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound junior, was named Red West Offensive Player of the Year after a vote of league coaches.

Manley burst upon the high school football scene late last season, after being called up from the JV during the OIA playoffs. He eventually led the Mules to OIA and state championships.

This year, with that unique experience under his belt, Manley tore up opposing defenses with his strong and accurate arm.

Entering the league playoffs, he completed 171 passes in 272 attempts (62.9 percent) for 2,115 yards and 15 touchdowns to help the Mules average 28.5 points per game and win the Red West title.

The one team to defeat Leilehua in the regular season, Wai'anae, was led by OIA Red West Defensive Player of the Year Wade Keli'ikipi.

As a well-built 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive lineman, Keli'ikipi was a force despite often facing double-team blocking. He anchored a Seariders defense that allowed 16.2 points per game.

Wai'anae earned the Red West's No. 2 seed for the OIA playoffs.

Manley is one of five Leilehua players named to the Red West's all-star first team. The others are wide receivers Cheves Aberilla Ramento and Edieson Dumlao, offensive lineman Bronson Smithe and utility player Rico Newman.

Joining them on the first team offense are running backs Danny Kekoanui (Wai'anae) and Troy Matautia (Waipahu), receiver Taz Stevenson (Mililani) and linemen Josiah Chong Tim and Viliami Namoa (both Wai'anae), Stan Hasiak (Kapolei) and Benson Ma'afala (Mililani).

Others on the first-team defense are linemen Brad Iaulualo (Leilehua), Chad Lopati (Kapolei) and Nick Ma'afala (Mililani), linebackers Kalua Ellis (Leilehua), Chivas Paris (Wai'anae) and Zachary Quines (Mililani), and defensive backs Kaipo Entendencia (Mililani), Hoku Kama (Leilehua), Cyril Ontai (Kapolei) and Lyle Santiago (Kapolei).

Ontai was also selected as a utility player.

Waipahu's Sean Saturnio was named Coach of the Year after leading the Marauders to a playoff berth in their first year back in the OIA Red Conference following four seasons in the White.

Waipahu finished 3-3 in division play, including an upset at Wai'anae.

All-Orange County Joshua Quezada

JOSHUA QUEZADA
La Habra High School
6-0, 190, Jr.
Running back
Highlights: It's hard not to notice Quezada on the football field. Not because of his Troy Polamalu-like locks, but because of his bruising rushing style and the bone-jarring hits he delivered on defense. Quezada was the "Thunder" to Ronnie Hillman's "Lightning" in the La Habra backfield. Quezada got the tough yards on the ground up the middle, but he also had the speed to break big runs once he got into space. He finished with 1,613 yards and 14 TDs on 163 carries.

New U. defense coach looks for 'fight' in Sugar Bowl

By Gordon Monson

The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated: 12/26/2008 08:28:43 AM MST

Kalani Fifita Sitake has a few things in common with Kyle Whittingham, none of which is insignificant in the latter recently naming the former as Utah's new defensive coordinator.

The first is, they are both sons of tough fathers.

Whittingham's dad, Fred, was a long-time college and pro coach whose presence in a locker room was as subtle as a stampeding herd of rhinos. Gary Andersen, the man Sitake replaced a couple of weeks ago, tells a story about Fred, going back to when Andersen was attempting to make the L.A. Rams coming out of college, and Fred was an assistant coach with the club.

"One time, Fred walked through the weight room when a lot of guys were in there lifting, and all the players just stopped what they were doing as he came through. Fred commanded that kind of respect."

Sitake's dad, Tom, was a former rugby player from Tonga -- "I thought he was the strongest man in the world, he was rocked up," Sitake says -- who taught his son, as the family moved from Tonga to Hawaii to Utah to Missouri, with temporary stopovers in other places, to be grateful, be diligent, be strong, be humble, be hopeful. "He was the most influential person in my life," says Sitake. "He was kind to people, he treated them well, but he wanted his kids to work hard. He made us run hills. He used to say to me when I was young, 'I wonder what the guy who's going for your scholarship is doing right now.' He wanted to prepare me for football, and prepare me for life. When I went to BYU, it was easy compared to the workouts I had done with my dad."

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Star Telegram Player of the Year: Siosaia Tuipulotu

Siosaia Tuipulotu, DL, Euless Trinity

The scary part about Siosaia Tuipulotu, whose postseason honors include being named the District 5-5A Defensive Player of the Year and earning a spot on the Class 5A all-state second team, is that he is still learning the game of football.

The 6-foot-2, 275-pound senior grew up playing rugby in Tonga. Tuipulotu was a focal point for opponents even on a unit that featured four players committed to Division I schools.

"He’s the kind of guy where you have to know where he’s at," Keller coach Kevin Atkinson said. "We didn’t single-block him much, so we always had four hands on him."

Tuipulotu, who is committed to Utah, finished the season with 65 total tackles, including 10 for loss, four sacks and three caused fumbles. Tuipulotu was continually pushing offensive linemen into quarterbacks and disrupting passing games.

"That first game, I got like five penalties because I was just wrestling with a bunch of people," Tuipulotu said about his sophomore year on the junior varsity. "Rugby and football are way different. In football, I needed to learn where to line up and the plays."

Tuipulotu's teammate Elikena Fieilo was selected to the first team.

First Team

DL Siosaia Tuipulotu, Euless Trinity (Sr., 6-2, 275) Stuffed the offensive lines and run games for the area’s top 5A defense with 10 tackles for loss and four sacks.

LB Elikena Fieilo, Euless Trinity (Sr., 5-11, 200) Racked up 106 tackles with 10 for loss, plus two sacks and three forced fumbles.

2008 All East-Bay Football Team

First Team Offense/Defense
Sosaia Tauaho
SCHOOL: Fremont
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Offensive line
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-3/330
THE STAT LINE: Tauaho was a captain and helped anchor one of the biggest and most effective lines in the East Bay. The Tigers averaged nearly 250 rushing yards per game and had three backs finish in the top five in the Oakland Athletic League in rushing. The line play from Tauaho and others was a big reason Fremont turned around its 1-9 season from 2007 to finish 9-3, advancing to the OAL's Silver Bowl for the first time since 2000.

Paul Piukala
SCHOOL: Castlemont
YEAR: Senior
POSITION: Defensive line
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-4/220
THE STAT LINE: Piukala was a difference maker for the Knights, who finished with the top-ranked defense in the East Bay for the second straight season. The first-team Oakland Athletic League All-City selection had 65 tackles from his defensive tackle position and recorded 12 sacks. A captain for the Knights, he led the way as they shut out Fremont 13-0 to give Castlemont its first Silver Bowl title.

Second Team Offense/Defense
DL Ricky Aliifua San Leandro Sr. 6-2/250
Had 10 sacks and was a force up front as Pirates captured another HAAL title.

Third Team Offense/Defense
DL Siua Taufa Ygnacio Valley Sr. 6-0/280
DL Sione Tupouata Fremont Sr. 6-4, 250
LB Soma Tialavea Pittsburg Sr. 5-8/180

Kehano, Iuta the elite of East

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

In an O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference Eastern Division full of high-profile senior offensive stars, a relatively little-known junior receiver from Castle emerged on top when it came to postseason honors.

Shaydon Kehano (5 feet 11, 155 pounds) was named OIA Red East Offensive Player of the Year after a vote of league coaches.

Kehano caught 34 passes and led the entire OIA Red with 712 yards — for a stunning average of 20.9 yards per catch — and eight touchdowns.

"I'm glad the opposing coaches recognized his talents," Castle coach Nelson Maeda said. "It's very gratifying and very deserving. He was our go-to guy, and was always part of our game plan."

Maeda said Kehano's contributions could not be measured just by statistics.

"He hardly came off the field," Maeda said. "He's very consistent, works very hard and with him everything is about the team. He's very coachable, a role model who sets the standards for the other players."

Farrington linebacker Isaiah Iuta was named Defensive Player of the Year.

Iuta, a 5-11, 210-pound senior, is a ball-hawking defender who was a hard-hitting run-stopper with the speed to also drop into coverage and roam the perimeter.

Iuta led a Governors defense that allowed a division-low 39 points in six regular-season games (6.5 ppg).

He is joined on the OIA Red East all-star first-team defense by two other Farrington players: defensive lineman VJ Fehoko and defensive back James Smith, who was also picked as a utility player.

Kehano also was named to the first team as a defensive back.

Others on the first-team defense are linemen Kevin Aipia Jr. (Castle), Kona Schwenke (Kahuku) and Manako Tuifua (Kailua), linebackers Kamalani Alo (Kahuku) and Kawehi Sablan (Castle), and Kahuku defensive backs J'ray Galeai and Aulola Tonga.

Farrington led the way with five players on the first-team offense: running back Apelu So'oalo, wide receiver Drake Miller and offensive linemen Skylawn Folaumahina, Paul Kama and Joseph Siliga. Others on the first-team offense are quarterback Blake Rapozo (Castle), running back St. John Lessary III (Kahuku), wide receiver Corey Lau (Kailua) and offensive linemen Joseph Ka'ahu (Castle) and Chauncey Makainai (Kailua).

Lessary also was picked as a utility player.

Farrington's Randall Okimoto was named Coach of the Year after leading the Govs to a 5-1 record and second place in the East.

Link

2008 All-San Bernardino Sun

San Bernardino Arroyo Valley Michael Philip was selected first team offensive line for the second year in a row. The 6-foot-3, 320-pound Philipp is one of the most highly-regarded linemen in the country, earning a berth in the U.S. Army All-American game. Deciding between Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, Stanford and UCLA. Rancho Cucamonga linebacker Daniel Fonua was also selected to the first team in addition to the Daily Bulletin all area team. Tulilo Tofi (Barstow) was selected to the 3rd Team at linebacker.

Jordan Pu'u Robinson to Washington State

By ROBERT COLLIAS
Staff Writer
WAILUKU — Baldwin High School’s Jordan Puu-Robinbson verbally committed to accept a football scholarship from Washington State University on Tuesday.

The defensive end-tight end for the Bears said he has been told by the WSU staff that he will begin his college career as a defensive end, but could grow into a defensive tackle or tight end later.

The 6-foot-4, 248-pounder was ranked No. 37 on the Rivals.com Northwest Hot 100 list that was released in August. That list covers high school seniors in Hawaii, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Idaho.

Puu-Robinson joins DE-TE teammate Mana Rosa, who is verbally committed to Oregon State, as a Pacific-10 Conference recruit.

‘‘I told Mana already,’’ Puu-Robinson said. ‘‘He is excited that we are both going to be in the Pac-10. That is what we both wanted at the beginning of the year — to be in the Pac-10.’’

Puu-Robinson had to turn down offers from Idaho and Utah State when he committed to WSU.

Former Baldwin linebacker Jojo Dickson was Puu-Robinson’s host on a recruiting visit to Idaho last month. Ironically, that is where WSU came into focus for Puu-Robinson as he saw the Pullman, Wash., campus that is just nine miles away from UI in Moscow, Idaho.

‘‘It was tough to say no to Jojo and I had a great visit there,’’ Puu-Robinson said. ‘‘The players were cool, they have a great coaching staff and a lot of good Hawaii guys.’’

Likewise, it was hard to say no to Utah State where former Baldwin standout and head coach Chad Kauhaahaa would have been Puu-Robinson’s coach on the defensive line. Kauhaahaa helped Weber State to a Big Sky Conference title and the Football Championship Subdivision quarterfinals before getting the USU job earlier this month.

‘‘It was tough to tell Utah State no as well,’’ Puu-Robinson said. ‘‘Everybody knows how great a guy Chad is and being a former Baldwin D-lineman added to it. Everybody knows how his career is really rising.’’

Puu-Robinbson said he plans to study business management at WSU and is solid in his commitment. He will take an official visit there on Jan. 9, 2009.

‘‘First, we found it was a good school,’’ he said. ‘‘Academically and athletically we believe they are growing. It is a good coaching staff and I just can’t pass up the Pac-10. It is a good fit for me, a good small-town college atmosphere. I am a solid verbal. I plan on sticking with them all the way through.’’

The Cougars are coming off a 2-11 season in which they beat only Portland State and winless Washington and surrendered an NCAA record 570 points.

‘‘The coaching staff, they were put in a tough situation last year,’’ Puu-Robinson said. ‘‘They are not looking for a quick fix they are trying to do things the right way up there.’’

Puu-Robinson is looking forward to facing Rosa once a year for the next four or five years.

‘‘Yeah, that would be great get to play against my teammate,’’ Puu-Robinson said.

He added that his transfer from Kamehameha Schools Maui to Baldwin for his senior season ended up being the right move. He currently has a cumulative 3.3 grade-point average and a qualifying score on the SAT.

‘‘The transfer to Baldwin really opened things up for me,’’ he said. ‘‘I got an MIL championship and met a lot of good guys along the way, good teammates and good coaches and now here I am.’’

Daniel Fonua All-Inland Valley

Rancho Cucamonga linebacker Daniel Fonua was named first team All-Inland Valley by the Daily Bulletin. The 6-foot, 235-pound CIF-SS Central Division defensive MVP led Rancho Cucamonga to its first CIF championship since 1999, collecting 90 tackles in the process. Emerson Pati (Pomona) defensive lineman was selected to the third team.

Campbell sweeps top honors

Advertiser Staff

With a new coach and playing in a new division, Campbell thrived in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association White Conference this past season.

A 9-1 record, conference title and sweep of postseason honors capped the Sabers' return to the White after a three-year stay in the Red.

Senior quarterback Lalo Respicio was named Offensive Player of the Year, senior linebacker Isaac Torres was selected as Defensive Player of the Year and Amosa Amosa was chosen as Coach of the Year after a vote of league coaches.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Respicio directed Campbell's pass-oriented attack — a switch from last year's "Winged-T" running game — and flourished in the new scheme. Entering the Division II state tournament, Respicio completed 155 of 251 passes (61.8 percent) for 2,630 yards and 31 touchdowns, with only six interceptions.

That included 23 completions in 37 attempts for 361 yards and three TDs in a 28-14 victory over Radford in the White title game.

The Sabers averaged 32.3 points per game in league play.

Torres (5-8, 174) helped lead a Campbell defense that allowed 16 points per game in the regular season and only 14 points each in the White Conference semifinals and championship game.

Three other Sabers — defensive lineman Odanus Mataio, and defensive backs Nicholas Daniels and Kevin Faller — also were selected to the White Conference all-star first team.

Other first-team all-stars on defense are linemen Miah Fa'atoafe ('Aiea), Marcus Malepeai (Radford) and Josh Juntilla (Kaiser), linebackers Shawn Reed (Kalaheo) and Amo Se'ei (Radford), defensive backs Tevita Baravilala (Radford) and Xavier Peterson (Moanalua), and utility player AJ Hernandez (Waialua).

Besides Respicio, Campbell landed five others on the all-star first-team offense: running back Brandon Ahuna, wide receivers Samson Anguay and Daniel Masifilo, and offensive linemen Mason Mau and Tyler Tiqui-Tagura.

Anguay also was selected as a utility player.

Others on the first-team offense are running back Tahje Canyon (Moanalua), receiver Shawn Putman-Curry (Radford), and offensive linemen Ransen Feagai (Radford), Micah Hatchie (Waialua) and Jeff Mauga ('Aiea).

Amosa was named Coach of the Year in his first season as a varsity head coach. Amosa had been a longtime offensive coordinator/assistant coach at 'Aiea.

2008 Las Vegas RJ 4A All State Team

FIRST-TEAM
OFFENSE
OL Jeremiah Tofaeono, Cheyenne (6-4, 290, Sr.) — First-team All-Sunset Region offensive tackle. ... Also first-team All-Sunset at defensive line. ... Second-team all-state pick at offensive line as a junior.

OL Rodrick Tuisavalalo, Rancho (6-2, 270, Sr.) — First-team All-Sunrise Region at offensive guard. Also first-team All-Sunrise at defensive line. ... Advanced to 4A state golf tournament as a junior.

DEFENSE
LB Genesis Faga, Desert Pines (5-11, 180, Sr.) — Had 83 tackles, including 52 solos. ... Finished with four sacks. ... Sunrise Region defensive Player of the Year. ... First-team All-Sunrise at inside linebacker.

LB Liloa Nobriga, Palo Verde (6-3, 235, Sr.) — Had 185 tackles, including 36 solos. ... Had 10 tackles for loss. ... Had four sacks and an interception. ... First-team All-Sunrise Region at outside linebacker. ... Second-team all-state as a junior.

SECOND-TEAM
OFFENSE
OL Willie Tupou, Hug (6-1, 255, Sr.) — Helped Hawks average 243 rushing yards during regular season. ... First-team All-Northern Region at offensive guard and defensive tackle.


DEFENSE
DL Jeremiah Tofaeono, Cheyenne (6-4, 290, Sr.) — Big lineman helped Desert Shields allow an average of just 8.1 points. ... First-team All-Sunset Region.

LB Triton Manumaleuna, Cimarron-Memorial (5-11, 202, Sr.) — Had 115 tackles and four sacks. ... Intercepted a pass and recovered two fumbles. ... First-team All-Sunset Region at outside linebacker and tight end.

Smith, Kaufusi buck odds, succeed on the field

By Emanuel Lee

Daily Journal Staff

They grew up 10 minutes apart, played on the same Pop Warner football team and later played against each other in high school.

But Menlo-Atherton senior Vaughn Smith and Woodside senior Sekope Kaufusi always remained friends, knowing what the other had to go through just to reach this point. The 2008 Daily Journal Co-Football Players of the Year, Kaufusi and Smith established themselves as two of the best players in the Central Coast Section, but their feats on the gridiron will never measure up to what they’ve accomplished off the field by just surviving.

Kaufusi and Smith still live in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park, respectively, at the same houses they were born and raised. Their journeys to prep stardom is a story of perseverance, focus and determination. As elusive as Smith was on the football field, he had to be just as evasive once he stepped out of his house.

Smith said he’s had five close friends killed due to gun violence over the years, and gangs and drugs are prevalent all over his neighborhood. Getting to and returning from school was literally a matter of survival. Smith said he still hears gun shots at least every other day, at any point during the day or night.

“There are a lot of shootings on the streets,” Smith said. “It’s hard to get away from it. I’m always careful looking around outside and see what cars are coming before I step outside the house.”

Kaufusi experienced similar bouts of adversity growing up, but the one common denominator in his and Smith’s childhood upbringing was a strong will to succeed, a love of sports and strong parental support. Sports, particularly football and rugby, served as Kaufusi and Smith’s psychologist, a place where they could go to get away from the danger and grind of their everyday lives.

“There are a lot of negative things going on in East Palo Alto,” Kaufusi said. “I was never looking for trouble; I was just trying to be that good individual. My mom was always there for me and she kept me out of trouble. She always told me to be a good person and good things will happen.”

Kaufusi makes plays on both sides of the ball

And there’s no doubt good things have happened for Kaufusi and Smith. Kaufusi did everything for a Woodside team that advanced to the CCS Large School Division semifinals — where it lost to Smith’s M-A squad in double overtime — wreaking havoc at linebacker while also playing tight end, punting and kick returning. Unless he was injured or needed a rare bout of rest, Kaufusi never came off the field.

“He was out there for the full 48 minutes,” Wildcats coach Steve Nicolopulos said. “The impact he had on the game was he was always making big plays. On defense he was either making the tackle or being double and triple-teamed and freeing up someone else to make a tackle.”

While the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Kaufusi was effective in all phases of the game, he made his biggest — check that, loudest — impact on defense. One of the hardest hitters to come out of San Mateo County in several years, Kaufusi often resembled a heat-seeking missile — and whoever had the ball was his target.

A player’s offensive value can be quantified with statistics, but it’s harder to make a judgment on a defensive player’s impact. But Kaufusi was the rare defensive talent who could do just that, often recording several jarring hits a game. Often times the players on the receiving end of his hits had to be helped off the field. It was only human to see opposing players suddenly get gun shy to go over the middle, knowing they could be the next one to get popped.

“Big hits bring a lot of intimidation, but they also bring a lot of encouragement to your teammates,” Kaufusi said. “Trying to deliver that big hit is always on my mind. They can be a momentum-changer, and I go into every game to be that difference-maker.”

A number of childhood friends said Kaufusi had tremendous instinct, vision and an uncanny knack for the football from an early age.

“I know how it feels to get hit by Sekope, and it doesn’t feel good,” said Smith, who was teammates with Kaufusi for the East Palo Alto Pop Warner Razorbacks when they were 9-years-old. “Sekope used to knock my head around.”

Said Kaufusi: “I think hitting came naturally for me. Growing up around my uncles and playing rugby, I always had the mentality to go after the ball. Basically I was running around and banging heads. That was the fun part for me when I was little. I guess I was a wild child. I’ve kind of calmed down since then.”

His opponents would beg to differ. While Kaufusi was a physical specimen, Nicolopulos said it was his star player’s work off the field that paid dividends.

“A lot of his hits came with how he prepared for the game,” Nicolopulos said. “He became a student of the game and learned how to study a team’s tendencies on film. If you know what your opponent is doing, it makes a mediocre player look average, an average player look good and a good player look fabulous.”

Kaufusi was switched to linebacker this year after playing defensive end last season. It was a change he welcomed with open arms, just for the simple fact that opposing teams couldn’t run away from him.

“Last year wherever I lined up the other team would have the play go the other way,” he said. “So it was kind of frustrating.”

Even though Kaufusi will be playing on defense at the next level — he’s in the process of making official visits to Division I programs — the highlight of his year came when he returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown in a win over Menlo School.

“The hits are exciting, but taking one to the house was a dream,” he said. “When I hit the wedge and saw nothing but the end zone in front of me, I thought to myself, “I can’t believe I’m doing this now.’ I kept running and running and was happy as I could be.”

Smith’s breakout season

Smith had an even more magical season. His team won a CCS championship in thrilling fashion, and the 5-foot-10, 175-pound tailback/corner back/kick returner had another superb big-game performance. Smith had kickoff returns of 76 and 96 yards for touchdowns, and rushed for 85 on 14 carries. Defensively, he knocked down several passes and did all of this while noticeably limping after getting hurt in the second half.

Smith finished the season with 1,564 yards and 18 touchdowns on 191 carries, a hefty 8.2-yards per carry average. More importantly, he was at his best in the most important games. Against Aragon Smith rushed for 244 yards on only 12 carries — that’s 20.3 yards per carry! — while ripping off TD runs of 81 and 88 yards. Smith also came up with a key interception late in the game to effectively seal the outcome.

The victory was a crucial one en route to Menlo-Atherton’s second straight Peninsula Athletic League Bay Division championship. Out of Smith’s 18 TDs, nearly half of them were for 60 yards or more. Time and time again whenever his team needed a big play, Smith delivered, often in scintillating fashion. Smith credited a powerful offensive line for much of his success.

On his big runs once Smith got in the open field, he was as good as gone because of his blazing speed. And there were plenty of times when he had to make a nifty cut near the line of scrimmage to gain yardage, a testament to his vision and ability to change directions on a moment’s notice. Talk about a breakthrough season.

Last year Smith primarily played on special teams, carrying the ball a grand total of two times, he said. Entering this season the M-A coaches told him he was going to be a big part of the team’s offense, but Smith wasn’t entirely convinced until the team’s second game, a win over Independence. Smith rushed for over 100 yards, the first time in his varsity career had gone over the century mark.

“Right after that game I finally thought I could be good at this,” he said. “I didn’t know I could do that (become a team’s featured back) even though I’ve played running back all my life.”

Smith is talking with some Division I programs, but if that doesn’t work out he always has some powerhouse junior college teams as a backup plan. Smith comes from a football family — his dad and uncle played but both never got as far as they wanted — so it’s proven to give Smith a primer on what not to do.

“My dad tells me not to be like him,” Smith said. “I’m going to take my opportunity seriously. Sports gave me something to do to stay away from all the violence growing up. If it wasn’t for sports I don’t think I would be alive.”

Smith is alive and well. When he thinks about his good fortune, nothing tops the chaotic celebration in the aftermath of the team’s CCS championship game win. As the M-A students flooded the field in a moment of bedlam, Smith was one of several players who were hoisted off their feet and carried upon people’s shoulders. At that moment he felt every spectrum of the emotional gamut, from unmitigated joy to tears of joy.

“I felt like I was in a movie,” Smith said, “like I was in a dream.”

He was. Living one.

John Sua the big man in LPL for Knights

John Sua graduated from Football U. Luckily for St. Joseph High School’s football team, he hasn’t graduated from St. Joseph yet.

Sua attended the Football U. program earlier in the year. The program was for some of the elite high school football player in the nation. He is the Los Padres League’s football MVP.

The 6-0, 270-pound senior helped the Knights roll through the LPL unbeaten. Sua, whom St. Joseph coach Mike Hartman said could play anywhere on the field, had 123 tackles, including 8.5 sacks, last season. As a short-yardage back, he had 123 yards on 22 carries. Sua scored five touchdowns.

Sofele commits to California

All-state Cottonwood running back Isi Sofele will take his speed and skills to the University of California.

"I was kind of surprised," said Sofele of his decision to commit during a recruiting visit this past weekend. "When I went out there, it was all just positive."

Sofele helped the Colts to a second-place finish in the 4A playoffs this year. He rushed for 1,916 yards and 30 touchdowns. He was offered scholarships by several other Pac-10 schools, as well as Utah, but said once he got on Cal's campus, his decision was easy.

"First of all, their coaches are close to their players," Sofele said. "Their academics are ranked very high, and the facilities were very nice. ... We spent a lot of time with the coaches and players, and I noticed they all got along very well. They're the real deal."

He said coaches told him he could play as a freshman and they have plans to use him as a running back and as a punt and kick returner.

"It depends on summer camp," he said.

Sofele might have surprised himself with the decision to commit, but it didn't surprise his high school coach.

"I kind of had a feeling that if they were serious, if it was what he expected, he'd commit," said Colts head coach Cecil Thomas. "It's such a great fit for him, what they do offensively. He just fits into their system really well."

Sofele said it's always been a dream of his to play in the Pac-10, and the full-ride scholarship offer from Cal's head coach Jeff Tedford last week was tempting even before Sofele traveled to California.

"They are an upper-tier Pac-10 team," said Thomas. "He knows, if you go to Cal, you've got a chance to win a championship every year."

At 5-foot-8 (and three fourths) and 175 pounds, there were plenty of people who wondered if Sofele would get the chance to compete at the highest level of college football.

Sofele, however, said his dream of playing Division I football was never deterred by doubters. In fact, at times those nay-sayers strengthened his resolve.

"I kind of had my mind set to be in this position," he said. "Every time someone would say something like. 'You're too small; you're not going to play D1 football,' it just made me work harder. I've heard that plenty of times."

He credits his parents and his prep coaches for preparing him physically and mentally for college football opportunities.

"My coaches were always nothing but positive with me," he said. "Especially, coach Thomas and Scott (Cate) and my dad (Hui Sofele)."

His parents, Hui and Langi Sofele, traveled with him to the Berkeley area and spent the weekend touring the campus, attending dinners with coaches and even attending a men's basketball game.

The Oregonian 2008 6A All State Football Team

Tualatin defensive back Levi Levasa was named 6A First Team. Zach Ka'ahanui (Central Catholic) was selected both for offensive and defensive line on the secon team. Levasa's teammate Alek Poti was an honorable mention selection at linebacker.

All-Moore League: Football

Player of the Year- QB John Timu (Jordan)
While being the most exciting player on the field this season, Timu had 2,037 total yards (1395 passing/642 rushing) and 20 TDs.

Offensive Player of the Year- QB Jesse Scroggins (Lakewood) & RB Melvin Richardson (Poly)
The junior quarterback went 179-for-314 (57%) for 2,462 yards and 23 TDs; Richardson averaged 7.7 yards-per-carry on his way to 1,439 yards and 23 TDs.

Defensive Player of the Year- George Daily-Lyles (Poly) & Trevor Erno (Lakewood)
Both Daily-Lyles (149) and Erno (128) led their team in tackles.

Offensive Lineman of the Year- Albert Parish (Poly) & Joel Bitonio (Wilson)

Defensive Lineman of the Year- Iuta Tepa (Poly) & Talia Crichton (Lakewood)
Tepa had 102 tackles and 14 sacks; Crichton racked up 92 tackles and a league-high 18 sacks.

Continue

Trinity's Tuipulotu and Fieilo named Second Team All State-Texas

Trinity defensive lineman Siosaia Tuipulotu and linebacker Elikena Fieilo were named Second Team All State (5A).

QB Tuitama achieves final goal in bowl

By TODD DEWEY
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

Brigham Young long has been known as Quarterback U, having produced a seemingly endless string of successful signal callers.

But the best quarterback in the Las Vegas Bowl played for Arizona, not BYU.

Wildcats senior Willie Tuitama completed 24 of 35 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, and he also ran for a score to lead Arizona to a 31-21 victory over the Cougars at Sam Boyd Stadium on Saturday.

"(Offensive coordinator Sonny) Dykes told us the bowl games you remember are the ones you win," Tuitama said. "This being the only bowl game I've ever been to, I wanted to make sure we won, and I'll never forget it."

For his efforts, Tuitama was voted the game's Most Valuable Player.

"Willie's had a great year, and he kept things together tonight," Wildcats coach Mike Stoops said. "He really handled our team well, and to see him go out like that is awesome."

Tuitama, a cousin of New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau and San Diego Chargers tight end Brandon Manumaleuna, quickly set the tone for Arizona, hooking up with Terrell Turner for a 71-yard pass on the Wildcats' first offensive series.

Nik Grigsby ran in from 1 yard on the next play to give Arizona a 7-0 lead.

After BYU erased a 10-0 deficit to move ahead 14-10 early in the third quarter, Tuitama put the Wildcats ahead for good, lofting a 37-yard touchdown toss to Delashaun Dean, who was wide open in the end zone, to give Arizona a 17-14 edge with 7:07 left in the third.

Tuitama found Chris Gronkowski across the middle for a 24-yard touchdown pass to give the Wildcats a 24-14 lead with 25 seconds left in the quarter.

Then Tuitama all but sealed Arizona's first bowl victory in 10 years when he rumbled into the end zone from 6 yards to make the score 31-14 with 6:09 left.

The victory marked the achievement of a goal for the Wildcats' program.

"A lot of people don't really understand all the things we've been through," Tuitama said. "A lot of people were saying we didn't have a chance to win. We had a goal before the season started, and tonight we finally reached it."

Tuitama suffered an array of injuries and concussions early in his career at Arizona, but he'll leave as the Wildcats' all-time leader in passing and total offense.

"Willie has been an incredible player for us," Stoops said. "There's no one that has endured more -- maybe me -- than him over the last four years. Me and him have been through a lot.

"He'll go down in history at Arizona. His legacy will forever be etched there."

Sperry catch crucial

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Although there were many key plays made by CSU players Saturday in the Rams' 40-35 New Mexico Bowl win over Fresno State, tight end Kory Sperry came up with one of the biggest just before halftime. Sperry, a 6-foot-6, 250-pound senior from Pueblo, leapt between Fresno State defenders Sharrod Davis and Lorne Bell in the corner of the end zone to haul in a 22-yard touchdown pass with two seconds left in the first half."That's Billy and the O-line," Sperry said. "The O-line comes out there and has perfect protection and Billy puts a perfect ball out there. The rest was my job. They did all the work; I just had to come down with it."The touchdown catch, Sperry's sixth of the season, cut the Fresno State lead to 21-20 and gave CSU players the momentum they needed to come back and win in the second half."It definitely brought us back into the game," linebacker Ricky Brewer said. "Kory Sperry's a big playmaker, and he was able to give the whole team momentum in one play."

Manti Te'o: Honors continue to pour in for all-everything LB

You had to see it to believe it.

In fact, you might not be able to manufacture a better football athlete in a video game. Yet, there he was, week after week, making play after play. The best part about Manti Te'o, at least for Punahou's coaching staff, is that the 6-foot-2, 235-pound linebacker/running back always found room for improvement.

Not that anyone besides Te'o, who obsessively studied video footage of opposing teams, was expecting more.

A senior season of 128 tackles, three interceptions (one of them returned for a touchdown), a punt block return for another score and a general fear by opposing teams of running at the speedy 'backer said plenty about Te'o's work ethic and preparation.

Coaches and media selected Te'o as the Star-Bulletin Defensive Player of the Year for a second year in a row. Fierce and friendly, proud and humble, Te'o was the cornerstone of a defense that allowed only 2.3 rushing yards per attempt.

Te'o made a quick believer of Wally Aina, who began coaching in 1970 and recently returned to the helm at Damien. In Aina's eyes, Te'o has no peer present or past.

"That's the thing. He doesn't remind me of anybody. He's maybe the quickest, fastest, strongest I've ever seen. The guy's terrific, he can do it all. Turn him around the other way and he can do it on offense, too," Aina said.

Had Te'o played more offense, it's not unfathomable that he could've won top honors on both sides of the ball. He rushed 30 times for 168 yards and scored four touchdowns. Of his three receptions, two went for touchdowns. With just 37 touches, including his two defensive returns, he accounted for eight touchdowns.

Punahou, of course, had more than enough firepower offensively, giving Te'o plenty of rest. Other teams found it better to just swallow their medicine than try to avoid a dose of Te'o.

"What I know is try not to run away from him. If anything, the only chance you got is run at him with all your guys in front," Aina said. "If you ran away from him, he'll get to the other side of the field in a blink."

Te'o is a big part of a bumper crop this season. The senior class is loaded with defensive talent in spite of Te'o's landslide numbers in the voting.

Farrington linebacker Isaiah Iuta was second in the balloting.

"If there were no Manti this year, he would be the No. 1 linebacker," Aiea coach Wendell Say said.

Iuta's quickness and speed made him a valuable part of one of the top defensive units in the state. Faster than most receivers, he was also tough against the run - important factors for a Governors team that faced run-first teams in the OIA Red East and pass-oriented teams in the postseason.

"Sideline to sideline, he's one of the quickest players I've ever coached," Farrington coach Randall Okimoto said. "At times, when he'd read the play from the other side of the field, he'd bypass all of the linebackers and make the play."

Farrington defensive end V.J. Fehoko and safety James Smith joined Iuta on the first team.

"Their leadership, even with only a few seniors, it worked well in terms of chemistry. The seniors led the defense and the underclassmen followed," Okimoto said. "We had guys willing to play as a team."

Two 'Iolani Raiders landed on the first team: defensive tackle Sealii Epenesa and cornerback Kela Marciel. 'Iolani's defense was the backbone of the program's third Division II state title.

Two members of Kahuku's stellar defense also earned first-team honors: safety Aulola Tonga and cornerback Jray Galeai.

Kapolei middle linebacker Simione Vehikite, who amassed 119 tackles and 10 sacks, also landed on the first team. Vehikite's progress was phenomenal after making the transition from defensive line, which he played as a junior at Lahainaluna.

Of the nine seniors on the first-team defense, only four have made college commitments: Wade Keliikipi of Waianae (Hawaii), Mana Rosa of Baldwin (Oregon State), Vehikite (USC) and Galeai (BYU).

Te'o had a growing list of 29 universities that offered scholarships before he lost count. His final-five list: BYU, Notre Dame, Stanford, UCLA and USC. Two of his teammates, Star-Bulletin first-team offensive players Dalton Hilliard and Robby Toma, have already committed to UCLA, as has Kapolei offensive lineman Stan Hasiak.

The list of awards for Te'o continues to grow. This past week, Sporting News named him high school athlete of the year. The week before, he was selected as the first-ever high school recipient of the Dick Butkus Award.

First-team Defense

Player of the Year
Manti Te'o, Punahou

Name	School	Pos.	Cl.	HT.	WT.
Wade Keliikipi	Waianae	DT	Sr.	6-3	290
Sealii Epenesa	'Iolani	DT	Jr.	6-2	300
V.J. Fehoko	Farrington	DE	Jr.	6-0	218
Mana Rosa	Baldwin	DE	Sr.	6-3	245
Manti Te'o	Punahou	LB	Sr.	6-2	235
Isaiah Iuta	Farrington	LB	Sr.	6-0	201
Simione Vehikite	Kapolei	LB	Sr.	6-1	243
Kela Marciel	'Iolani	LB	Sr.	5-11	170
Jray Galeai	Kahuku	CB	Sr.	6-0	177
Aulola Tonga	Kahuku	S	Sr.	6-3	205
James Smith	Farrington	S	Sr.	5-11	188
Rico Newman	Leilehua	P	Sr.	5-10	175

Second-team Defense

Trevor Iosefa	Punahou	DT	Sr.	6-1	290
Brad Iaulualo	Leilehua	DT	Sr.	5-10	215
Chad Lopati	Kapolei	DE	Sr.	6-2	245
Marcus Malepeai	Radford	DE	Sr.	6-2	245
Sila Tonga	Farrington	LB	Sr.	5-11	213
Kalua Ellis	Leilehua	LB	Jr.	5-11	215
Jeremy Ioane	Punahou	LB	Jr.	5-11	188
Alvin Fa'amasili	Farrington	CB	Jr.	6-0	165
Kaipo Ke-a	Leilehua	CB	Sr.	5-9	165
Sean McFadden	Punahou	S	Jr.	6-1	190
Breland Almadova	'Iolani	S	Sr.	6-1	180
James Smith	Farrington	P	Sr.	5-11	188

Third-team Defense

Manako Tuifua	Kailua	DT	Sr.	5-9	267
Miah Fa'atoafe	Aiea	DT	Sr.	6-0	290
Kona Schwenke	Kahuku	DE	Jr.	6-4	203
Jonathan Fuimaono	Punahou	DE	Jr.	6-2	255
Carl Gibson	'Iolani	LB	Sr.	5-11	200
Kawehi Sablan	Castle	LB	Sr.	5-11	195
Nate Hall	Leilehua	LB	Sr.	6-4	230
Mina Gould	Punahou	CB	Sr.	5-11	178
Lyle Santiago	Kapolei	CB	Sr.	5-10	175
Hoku Kama	Leilehua	S	Sr.	5-11	170
Cyril Ontai	Kapolei	S	Sr.	5-11	210
Kimo Makaula	Punahou	P	Sr.	6-3	225

Coach of the Year
Kale Ane, Punahou

Manti Te'o
Led state champ Buffanblu with 128 tackles, punt block and interception returns for TDs

Wade Keilikipi
DT, Waianae
Leader of a stingy Seariders defensive unit.

Sealii Epenesa
DT 'Iolani
Cornerstone of a defensive wall that permitted just 3.7 rushing yards per carry.

V.J. Fehoko
DE, Farrington
Speed rusher from the edge in the Governors' dominant defense.

Mana Rosa
DE, Baldwin
Most dominant defensive force in the MIL since Kaluka Maiava.

Isaiah Iuta
LB, Farrington
Versatile and quick, strong against the run, faster than most receivers.

Simione Vehikite
LB, Kapolei
119 tackles, 10 sacks for an often depleted Hurricane defense.

Kela Marciel
CB, 'Iolani
Shutdown corner in the state's most prolific pass-happy league.

Jray Galeai
CB, Kahuku
Combination of speed and savvy for Red Raiders' outstanding defense.

Aulola Tonga
S, Kahuku
Superb against the run, blazing fast in deep coverage.

James Smith
S, Farrington
Great nose for the ball, physical and quick.

Rico Newman
P/R, Leilehua
Averaged more than 40 yards per punt. Sure hands, speed and determination made him the best returner.

Andrew Manley: Leilehua's QB would rather be talking about titles

All things considered, Andrew Manley would rather have another state championship than a personal title.

Leilehua reached the Division I state football final for a second year in a row, but was stopped short by Punahou. Still, Manley's magnificent season was more than enough for coaches and media to vote him Star-Bulletin Offensive Player of the Year.

Manley passed for 3,665 yards and 31 touchdowns. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound junior completed 62 percent of his pass attempts (315-for-509). In an offense without a consistent ground attack, Manley faced myriad defensive looks and endless blitzes, but his ability to read and adjust reached a new level.

The tangibles are clear in the numbers and the way he endured the physical toll of 14 games.

"He's got the toughness of a linebacker. He knows he can take a hit and still stay in the pocket and make a throw," Leilehua coach Nolan Tokuda said. "That toughness is something you can't coach."

Then there are the intangibles.

"Besides his toughness and great character, it's his willingness to get better as well as get the guys around him better," Tokuda added. "He treats everybody with respect. It could be the first-string guy or the third-string guy. He'll always pick you up. To me, that's a quarterback from the neck up."

Waianae, which upset Leilehua and gave Manley his first loss as a varsity starter, saw him throw for 352 yards, three touchdowns and no picks when they met in the playoffs.

He was stellar in the state tournament with 233 yards and four scoring strikes at Baldwin, shaking off would-be sackers in Ben Roethlisberger fashion. Against Kahuku, Manley threw for 291 yards and two scores to advance the Mules to the state final. Only then did he meet his match, but not before signing off with one of the most prolific seasons in Hawaii prep football history.

"If not for him, Leilehua would not have gotten as far as they did," Aiea coach Wendell Say said.

'Iolani cornerback Kela Marciel agreed.

"He knew how to throw in the rain, how to take advantage of our weaknesses," Marciel said. "He used to focus on one or two guys, but he opened up his options and made more use of all his guys."

The selection of Manley wasn't unanimous by any means. Punahou wide receiver Robby Toma was nearly flawless, with hardly a drop while hauling in 85 passes for 1,388 yards and 18 touchdowns. The modest senior surpassed his mentor - former Punahou wideout Miah Ostrowski, who had 81 catches for 1,317 yards and nine touchdowns in 2006.

Marciel, a first-team pick at cornerback, said Toma was the toughest receiver he faced.

"Because of his savvy and unexpected speed. He knows how to get open and makes good cuts," he said. "If it's a run play, he'll block you and make you work for the tackle."

Toma also returned an interception for a last-minute touchdown in a close state-semifinal win over Farrington and threw for another score.

Punahou quarterback Cayman Shutter was also close in the balloting. Despite an early-season shoulder injury and a late-season concussion, he passed for 2,426 yards and 28 touchdowns and was picked off only seven times. In the final three games of the season, against Saint Louis, Farrington and Leilehua, Shutter passed for 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns with four interceptions.

"Cayman didn't need to be great, but he was," Marciel said. "He stepped up and knew what he had to do. He bounced back from that beginning loss (to Saint Louis) and played injured."

Buffanblu running back/wide receiver Dalton Hilliard, Saint Louis quarterback Jeremy Higgins and Farrington running back Apelu So'oalo also received considerable points in the voting.

Punahou's Kale Ane was a runaway choice for coach of the year honors after leading the Buffanblu to their first state title. Nolan Tokuda of Leilehua, Wendell Look of 'Iolani, Randall Okimoto of Farrington, Fred Salanoa of Radford and Amosa Amosa of Campbell also received significant vote totals.

Punahou, No. 1 in the Star-Bulletin Preseason Top 10, overcame Shutter's injuries and reworked its defense after the early loss to Saint Louis. Ane and his staff deftly maneuvered personnel - Kimo Makaula became a key contributor as a quarterback, tight end, wide receiver and punter, while Toma and Hilliard saw time at cornerback - to eke out a banner season.

First-team Offense

Player of the Year
Andrew Manley, Leilehua

Name	School	Pos.	Cl.	Ht.	Wt.
Stan Hasiak	Kapolei	OL	Sr.	6-6	330
Chauncey
Winchester-Makainai	Kailua	OL	Sr.	6-4	330
Mana Greig	Saint Louis	OL	Sr.	6-0	285
Tytan Timoteo	Saint Louis	OL	Sr.	6-1	295
Benson Ma'afala	Mililani	OL	Sr.	6-2	305
Robby Toma	Punahou	WR	Sr.	5-10	170
Edieson Dumlao	Leilehua	WR	Sr.	5-10	190
Billy Ray Stutzmann	Saint Louis	WR	Sr.	6-1	170
Apelu So'oalo	Farrington	RB	Sr.	5-10	185
Troy Matautia	Waipahu	RB	Sr.	5-6	200
Andrew Manley	Leilehua	QB	Jr.	6-3	215
Dalton Hilliard	Punahou	AP	Sr.	6-0	190
Maika Kunioka	Leilehua	K	Sr.	5-11	165
Rico Newman	Leilehua	R	Sr.	5-10	175

Second-team Offense

Skylawn Folaumahina	Farrington	OL	Sr.	6-1	300
Kaiwi Crabb	Punahou	OL	Jr.	6-5	244
Joseph Siliga	Farrington	OL	Jr.	6-0	254
Paul Kama	Farrington	OL	Sr.	6-0	265
Jamal Napeahi	Kahuku	OL	So.	6-1	265
London Amorin	Pac-Five	WR	Jr.	5-10	160
Arthur Aiwohi	Campbell	WR	Sr.	5-8	156
Shaydon Kehano	Castle	WR	Jr.	5-11	155
Kellen Imada	'Iolani	RB	Sr.	5-8	160
Danny Kekoanui	Waianae	RB	Sr.	5-10	190
Cayman Shutter	Punahou	QB	Sr.	6-1	190
Rico Newman	Leilehua	AP	Sr.	5-10	175
Corey Nakagawa	Mililani	K	Sr.	5-10	130
Dalaunte Stevenson	Mililani	R	Jr.	6-2	180

Third-team Offense

Lindon Kahana	Farrington	OL	Jr.	6-0	331
Dan Voa	Waianae	OL	Sr.	6-0	270
Josiah Chongtim	Waianae	OL	Sr.	6-2	245
Kapua Sai	Saint Louis	OL	Sr.	6-5	320
Luke Spencer	Kapolei	OL	Sr.	6-3	260
Cheves Aberilla-Ramento	Leilehua	WR	Sr.	5-9	160
Shawn Putman-Curry	Radford	WR	Sr.	6-1	205
Darren Kamealoha	Pac-Five	WR	Jr.	5-10	150
St. John Lessary III	Kahuku	RB	Jr.	6-0	170
Ryan Ho	Kamehameha	RB	Jr.	5-7	155
Jeremy Higgins	Saint Louis	QB	Jr.	6-0	175
Mosiah Manuma	Radford	AP	Sr.	5-10	185
CeeJay Santos	Baldwin	K	Sr.	6-1	160
Robby Toma	Punahou	R	Sr.	5-10	170

Coach of the Year
Kale Ane, Punahou
Runaway selection after leading the Buffanblu to the first state championship in the school's history..

Andrew Manley
3,655 yards, 62 percent completion rate (315-for-509), 31 touchdowns

Stan Hasiak
OL, Kapolei
Dominant guard, projects as a guard or tackle in college.

Chauncey Winchester-Makainai
OL, Kailua
Consistent anchor of the Surfriders.

Mana Greig
OL, Saint Louis
Durable chief of the Crusaders line, cleared the way for one of the state's top offenses.

Tytan Timoteo
OL, Saint Louis
Teamed with Greig to give first-year starting QB Jeremy Higgins plenty of time.

Benson Ma'afala
OL, Mililani
One of the best from a program renowned for its offensive-line play.

Robby Toma
WR, Punahou
85 receptions, 1,388 yards, 18 TDs. Also threw a TD pass and returned a pick for a TD.

Edieson Dumlao
WR, Leilehua
78 receptions, 939 yards, 10 TDs despite injuries.

Billy Ray Stutzmann
WR, Saint Louis
44 receptions, 670 yards and eight touchdowns.

Apelu So'oalo
RB, Farrington
1,215 yards, 5.4 yards per attempt, 12 TDs. He also made eight field goals.

Troy Matautia
RB, Waipahu
1,227 yards, 7.4 yards per attempt, 15 touchdowns. All-purpose yardage: 1,915 yards.

Dalton Hilliard
AP, Punahou
605 rushing yards, 11 TDs; 62 receptions, 711 yards, seven TDs. Also returned an interception for a TD.

Maika Kunioka
K, Leilehua
Drilled nine field goals and hit 42 of 45 PAT attempts.