First Team
Receiver: John Smith, Long Beach Poly, 6-0, 170, Jr. The postseason
brought out the best in Smith, who helped propel the Jackrabbits to the
Pac-5 Division championship. He caught nine touchdown passes and had six
interceptions.
Defensive Line: Ainuu Taua, Lompoc, 6-1, 285, Jr. Using strength, size and
agility, Taua was an imposing figure in the middle for the 12-1 Braves
while stamping himself as a top recruit for 2014. He had seven sacks.
Defensive Line: Paulo Lepua, Narbonne, 6-3, 255, Sr. The City Section defensive
lineman of the year was dominant, recording 26 sacks. He had 40 sacks
in two seasons.
Defensive Back: Su'a Cravens, Vista Murrieta, 6-1, 205, Sr. The USC-bound Cravens
averaged nearly eight tackles per game at safety. He had five sacks,
three interceptions and blocked two punts.
Showing posts with label Polynesian Footbal Players. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Polynesian Footbal Players. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Auburn's Kevin Shelton steps to the front
If concern existed that the Auburn High football team lacked
leadership entering the 2012 season, it ended in a stack of cell phones
at the first team meeting in June.
Senior-to-be Kevin Shelton ordered every player in the room to place their phones on a table before the coaches walked in.
“We don’t need any distractions,” Shelton said he told his teammates. “It’s time to focus. It’s football time. Our season starts now.”
Leadership was absent a year ago when the Trojans – perennial contenders in the SPSL North – labored to a 4-6 record and missed the Class 4A state playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Shelton, the youngest of five children raised by a stern mother, is eager to fill the void.
“Last season, we lost a lot of games in the fourth quarter,” said Shelton, citing the team’s five losses by a touchdown or less. “No one stepped up to lead us. By the end of the year, our egos were crushed.
“As a junior, it was hard to be the guy to set down the law. But now I’m comfortable doing that.”
Shelton, one of the premier players in the South Sound at tight end and defensive end, possesses a maturity level that belies his youth. His iron-fisted mother, Oneone, put forth an orderly path for him and his siblings to follow, predicated on hard work, faith and family. And no one dared stray very far from it.
“She’s a very strong woman of God, and I give her all the credit for pointing me in the right direction,” said Shelton, whose father was rarely in his life (he died two years ago). “Growing up, anytime I made a mistake, she would sit me down, look me in the eye and say, ‘Don’t do that again.’
“And then I’d lose my TV and PlayStation for a week.”
Shelton, who works at a fast-food restaurant on weekends to help support his mother, also received guidance from his older brothers – Tui, Shennon and Danny – who preceded him as football standouts at Auburn. Danny, a first-team all-state lineman for the Trojans two years ago, is now playing at the University of Washington.
It was Tui who told Kevin to never doubt his abilities and potential as an athlete and a man. Shennon urged him to gaze into the future and to set career goals. Danny shared his love for music and taught him to play the ukulele.
All of them urged Kevin to excel in the classroom, where he carries a 3.8 grade-point average.
They’re a typical Samoan family, heavily leaning on one another, their extended family and their religious beliefs. But their world suffered an unthinkable calamity on May 1, 2011 when Shennon Shelton was shot and killed outside a home in Auburn during a neighborhood dispute.
According to police reports, Shennon had come to the aid of Tui, who had been called on to break up a street fight between two families not related to the Sheltons. Tui was shot and seriously wounded.
“It’s been real hard,” said Kevin Shelton, who witnessed the shooting. “The pain has never gone away. How could it?”
Part of Shennon Shelton’s legacy was his optimistic nature and constant encouragement of others.
One could see those traits in Kevin Shelton at Auburn’s first day of practice last week.
“How many did you get?” he excitedly asked a teammate who had just emerged from the weight room during preseason testing. When told that the skinny sophomore had hoisted 165 pounds in the bench press only twice, Shelton exclaimed, “Hey, good job! You’ll get there.”
Shelton will anchor the Trojans’ defense. He was a first-team all-league outside linebacker last season – as well as honorable mention all-SPSL North at tight end – but has since been moved to defensive end.
“It’s a more physical position in our defense, and it’s probably where he’ll play in college,” Auburn coach Gordon Elliott said. “He’s a strong, physical kid who has a good feel for the game. He’s a man out there.”
Shelton is a man just about everywhere. And he didn’t reach his 17th birthday until last month.
Link
Senior-to-be Kevin Shelton ordered every player in the room to place their phones on a table before the coaches walked in.
“We don’t need any distractions,” Shelton said he told his teammates. “It’s time to focus. It’s football time. Our season starts now.”
Leadership was absent a year ago when the Trojans – perennial contenders in the SPSL North – labored to a 4-6 record and missed the Class 4A state playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Shelton, the youngest of five children raised by a stern mother, is eager to fill the void.
“Last season, we lost a lot of games in the fourth quarter,” said Shelton, citing the team’s five losses by a touchdown or less. “No one stepped up to lead us. By the end of the year, our egos were crushed.
“As a junior, it was hard to be the guy to set down the law. But now I’m comfortable doing that.”
Shelton, one of the premier players in the South Sound at tight end and defensive end, possesses a maturity level that belies his youth. His iron-fisted mother, Oneone, put forth an orderly path for him and his siblings to follow, predicated on hard work, faith and family. And no one dared stray very far from it.
“She’s a very strong woman of God, and I give her all the credit for pointing me in the right direction,” said Shelton, whose father was rarely in his life (he died two years ago). “Growing up, anytime I made a mistake, she would sit me down, look me in the eye and say, ‘Don’t do that again.’
“And then I’d lose my TV and PlayStation for a week.”
Shelton, who works at a fast-food restaurant on weekends to help support his mother, also received guidance from his older brothers – Tui, Shennon and Danny – who preceded him as football standouts at Auburn. Danny, a first-team all-state lineman for the Trojans two years ago, is now playing at the University of Washington.
It was Tui who told Kevin to never doubt his abilities and potential as an athlete and a man. Shennon urged him to gaze into the future and to set career goals. Danny shared his love for music and taught him to play the ukulele.
All of them urged Kevin to excel in the classroom, where he carries a 3.8 grade-point average.
They’re a typical Samoan family, heavily leaning on one another, their extended family and their religious beliefs. But their world suffered an unthinkable calamity on May 1, 2011 when Shennon Shelton was shot and killed outside a home in Auburn during a neighborhood dispute.
According to police reports, Shennon had come to the aid of Tui, who had been called on to break up a street fight between two families not related to the Sheltons. Tui was shot and seriously wounded.
“It’s been real hard,” said Kevin Shelton, who witnessed the shooting. “The pain has never gone away. How could it?”
Part of Shennon Shelton’s legacy was his optimistic nature and constant encouragement of others.
One could see those traits in Kevin Shelton at Auburn’s first day of practice last week.
“How many did you get?” he excitedly asked a teammate who had just emerged from the weight room during preseason testing. When told that the skinny sophomore had hoisted 165 pounds in the bench press only twice, Shelton exclaimed, “Hey, good job! You’ll get there.”
Shelton will anchor the Trojans’ defense. He was a first-team all-league outside linebacker last season – as well as honorable mention all-SPSL North at tight end – but has since been moved to defensive end.
“It’s a more physical position in our defense, and it’s probably where he’ll play in college,” Auburn coach Gordon Elliott said. “He’s a strong, physical kid who has a good feel for the game. He’s a man out there.”
Shelton is a man just about everywhere. And he didn’t reach his 17th birthday until last month.
Link
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Aukusitino, Feckley top Alaska all-state football team
Service's Amu Aukusitino and West's Conor Feckley each broke the state passing record this season, so it's no surprise both were named first-team quarterbacks on the all state large-school football team.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Homecoming King
This story appears in the Sept. 5 issue of ESPN The Magazine
COULD YOU BE LOVED
The alofa (love) for Troy Polamalu is evident as soon as he arrives at Pago Pago International Airport. Polamalu, 30, was born to Samoan parents in Garden Grove, Calif., and grew up in Tenmile, Ore. He says the entirety of his only other trip to Samoa, taken a decade ago when he was a relatively unknown USC safety, was less eventful than the initial moments of this visit. "It reminds me of that documentary When We Were Kings," he says. "Everywhere Ali jogged, there were a hundred people jogging behind him. That's what I felt."
Chris Baldwin for ESPN The MagazineHigh school football players attend a three-day camp with Polamalu.HONOR CALL
Polamalu, with wife Theodora (bottom), is seated and honored as a visiting matai (chief) at his first 'ava ceremony, a welcoming gathering. Because he didn't grow up here, Polamalu leans on former Steelers teammate Shaun Nua (behind Polamalu in yellow) for guidance throughout the trip. Nua, a BYU graduate assistant, is from the same village (Ta'u) as Polamalu's family. Says Theodora, "Troy is trying to learn all the true Samoan ways."
Chris Baldwin for ESPN The MagazineAfter hours of practice, Polamalu's trainees still have energy to spare.HEIRS APPARENT
Wearing equipment donated last year by Polamalu, 660 football players from seven high schools show up at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Pago Pago for his three-day camp. "Our football here is very raw," Polamalu says. "It's big hits and very physical."
Chris Baldwin for ESPN The MagazinePolamalu says he feels most connected to the islands during two fishing trips.TRUE PASSION
After seven hours of drills in the code-red heat, the players perform Samoan Haka war dances before a mesmerized Polamalu.
Chris Baldwin for ESPN The MagazineHis two kids help keep Polamalu grounded during the whirlwind trip.DEEP DIVE
During the week, Polamalu husks coconuts, weaves baskets with palm leaves, swigs kava (a root drink) and eats a freshly killed pig that's been roasted in an umu (earth oven) -- all Samoan traditions. But he feels most connected to the island on two fishing trips and swimming around with pals. "The ocean has so much energy," Polamalu says.
Chris Baldwin for ESPN The MagazinePolamalu takes a final "Samoan limo" ride before departing.EGO TRIP
Polamalu admits that all the attention during the trip freaks him out a bit. "A few women even tried to make out with me," he says, laughing. "If you fight it, it will be like a confrontation, so you kind of give in -- to a point." To keep himself centered, he spends time with sons Paisios (left), 2, and Ephraim, 11 months. "You have to tell yourself, I'm no better than anyone else," he says. "That's a real spiritual battle. If I would have done this trip even two years ago, I wouldn't have been ready for it."
After a beach feast, Polamalu and crew take a final "Samoan limo" ride before returning to the airport. "Every day I've had to fight back tears," Polamalu says. "I feel joy." It's a feeling that he's eager to bring to the Steelers' locker room. "I've never felt comfortable helping guys on my team," he says. "I was really introverted, and that was all ego, because everything was about me doing what I needed to do to be successful. But I'm becoming a little bit more extroverted now, because I'm starting to take a step back. Now it's time for me to share."
Carmen Thompson is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine.
COULD YOU BE LOVED
The alofa (love) for Troy Polamalu is evident as soon as he arrives at Pago Pago International Airport. Polamalu, 30, was born to Samoan parents in Garden Grove, Calif., and grew up in Tenmile, Ore. He says the entirety of his only other trip to Samoa, taken a decade ago when he was a relatively unknown USC safety, was less eventful than the initial moments of this visit. "It reminds me of that documentary When We Were Kings," he says. "Everywhere Ali jogged, there were a hundred people jogging behind him. That's what I felt."
Chris Baldwin for ESPN The MagazineHigh school football players attend a three-day camp with Polamalu.Polamalu, with wife Theodora (bottom), is seated and honored as a visiting matai (chief) at his first 'ava ceremony, a welcoming gathering. Because he didn't grow up here, Polamalu leans on former Steelers teammate Shaun Nua (behind Polamalu in yellow) for guidance throughout the trip. Nua, a BYU graduate assistant, is from the same village (Ta'u) as Polamalu's family. Says Theodora, "Troy is trying to learn all the true Samoan ways."
Chris Baldwin for ESPN The MagazineAfter hours of practice, Polamalu's trainees still have energy to spare.Wearing equipment donated last year by Polamalu, 660 football players from seven high schools show up at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Pago Pago for his three-day camp. "Our football here is very raw," Polamalu says. "It's big hits and very physical."
Chris Baldwin for ESPN The MagazinePolamalu says he feels most connected to the islands during two fishing trips.After seven hours of drills in the code-red heat, the players perform Samoan Haka war dances before a mesmerized Polamalu.
Chris Baldwin for ESPN The MagazineHis two kids help keep Polamalu grounded during the whirlwind trip.During the week, Polamalu husks coconuts, weaves baskets with palm leaves, swigs kava (a root drink) and eats a freshly killed pig that's been roasted in an umu (earth oven) -- all Samoan traditions. But he feels most connected to the island on two fishing trips and swimming around with pals. "The ocean has so much energy," Polamalu says.
Chris Baldwin for ESPN The MagazinePolamalu takes a final "Samoan limo" ride before departing.Polamalu admits that all the attention during the trip freaks him out a bit. "A few women even tried to make out with me," he says, laughing. "If you fight it, it will be like a confrontation, so you kind of give in -- to a point." To keep himself centered, he spends time with sons Paisios (left), 2, and Ephraim, 11 months. "You have to tell yourself, I'm no better than anyone else," he says. "That's a real spiritual battle. If I would have done this trip even two years ago, I wouldn't have been ready for it."
After a beach feast, Polamalu and crew take a final "Samoan limo" ride before returning to the airport. "Every day I've had to fight back tears," Polamalu says. "I feel joy." It's a feeling that he's eager to bring to the Steelers' locker room. "I've never felt comfortable helping guys on my team," he says. "I was really introverted, and that was all ego, because everything was about me doing what I needed to do to be successful. But I'm becoming a little bit more extroverted now, because I'm starting to take a step back. Now it's time for me to share."
Carmen Thompson is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
CA All-State Football: Small schools players gain honors
First Team
OL Freddie Tagaloa (Salesian, Richmond) 6-7, 320, Jr.
DL Micah Seau (Bishop’s, La Jolla) 6-4, 225, Sr.
OL Freddie Tagaloa (Salesian, Richmond) 6-7, 320, Jr.
DL Micah Seau (Bishop’s, La Jolla) 6-4, 225, Sr.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Coen, Dixon top OIA White All-Stars
ScoringLive staff
Pearl City LB Cyrus Coen and McKinley RB Solomon Dixon earned Player of the Year honors in the OIA White division. 'Anuenue's Kealoha Wengler was named the Coach of Year.> McKinney, Kaahanui tops in the Red West> Lee, Vele earn East Player of the Year honors
Submitted by the O'ahu Interscholastic Association.
OIA WHITE FOOTBALL ALL-STARS
Offensive Player of the Year: Solomon Dixon, McKinley
Defensive Player of the Year: Cyrus Coen, Pearl City
Coach of the Year: Kealoha Wengler, 'Anuenue
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
| POS | NAME | SCHOOL | HT | WT | YR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | William Sacapulo-Uepa | Waialua | 6'0 | 160 | Sr. |
| RB | Victor Moananu | Waipahu | 5'7 | 190 | Sr. |
| RB | Jesse Carney | Kalaheo | 5'10 | 170 | Sr. |
| WR | Justice Sarcedo | Kaimuki | 5'10 | 175 | Sr. |
| WR | Diacorri Briscoe | Pearl City | 5'10 | 140 | So. |
| WR | Kamalei Rosa | Waialua | 5'3 | 155 | Sr. |
| OL | Tupe Taito | Waipahu | 5'6 | 269 | Sr. |
| OL | Iokepa Waiwaiole | 'Anuenue | 5'10 | 270 | Sr. |
| OL | T.J. Faimealelei | Kaimuki | 5'10 | 260 | Jr. |
| OL | Iokepa Alcantra | Pearl City | 5'7 | 223 | Sr. |
| OL | Toa Fonoimoana | Kalaheo | 5'11 | 205 | Sr. |
| U | Solomon Dixon | McKinley | 5'9 | 150 | Sr. |
DEFENSE
| POS | NAME | SCHOOL | HT | WT | YR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL | Mike Moala | Kaimuki | 6'2 | 270 | Sr. |
| DL | Nathan Ortiz | Waipahu | 6'0 | 269 | So. |
| DL | Faa Risati | Waipahu | 5'10 | 243 | Sr. |
| DL | Imaikalani Keama | 'Anuenue | 6'2 | 235 | Sr. |
| LB | Cyrus Coen | Pearl City | 6'0 | 205 | Sr. |
| LB | Ray Cooper | Pearl City | 5'8 | 175 | Sr. |
| LB | Brandon Kekoa | Kaimuki | 5'7 | 150 | Jr. |
| DB | Justice Sarcedo | Kaimuki | 5'10 | 175 | Sr. |
| DB | Solomon Dixon | McKinley | 5'9 | 150 | Sr. |
| DB | Ikaika Gante | 'Anuenue | 5'8 | 160 | Sr. |
| DB | Mason Corpuz-Slade | Waipahu | 5'8 | 155 | Jr. |
| U | Chester Su'a | Kaimuki | 6'2 | 210 | Sr. |
Second Team/Honorable Mention
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) All Stars
St Louis (Honolulu) and Oregon commit Marcus Mariota named Offensive Player of the Year.
ILH Website with pictures
ILH FOOTBALL ALL-STARS
Offensive Player of the Year: Marcus Mariota, Saint Loius
Defensive Co-Players of the Year: Cody Petro-Sakuma, 'Iolani, Juda Parker, Saint Louis
Co-Coaches of the Year: Wendell Look, 'Iolani, Darnell Arceneaux, Saint Louis
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
ILH Website with pictures
ILH FOOTBALL ALL-STARS
Offensive Player of the Year: Marcus Mariota, Saint Loius
Defensive Co-Players of the Year: Cody Petro-Sakuma, 'Iolani, Juda Parker, Saint Louis
Co-Coaches of the Year: Wendell Look, 'Iolani, Darnell Arceneaux, Saint Louis
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
| POS | NAME | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|
| OL | Keeyan Nakatsu | Kamehameha |
| OL | Blaze Ryder | Kamehameha |
| OL | Keenan-Celtic Faatea | Punahou |
| OL | Paulay Asiata | St. Louis |
| OL | Afi Greig | St. Louis |
| R | Kevin Barayuga | 'Iolani |
| R | Charley Bollig IV | Kamehameha |
| R | Duke Bukoski | St. Louis |
| R | Joshua Tupua | St. Louis |
| RB | Steven Lakalaka | Punahou |
| RB | Derek Nakasato | St. Louis |
| QB | Marcus Mariota | St. Louis |
| QB | Reece Foy | 'Iolani |
DEFENSE
| POS | NAME | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|
| DL | Addison Kogami | 'Iolani |
| DL | Koa Ka'ai | Kamehameha |
| DL | Titus Failauga | Pac-Five |
| DL | Nathan Le | Pac-Five |
| DL | Juda Parker | St. Louis |
| LB | Cody Petro-Sakuma | 'Iolani |
| LB | Austyn Flores | Damien |
| LB | Kawika Stant III | Kamehameha |
| LB | Starr Sua | St. Louis |
| DB | Reid Saito | 'Iolani |
| DB | Walter Santiago | Kamehameha |
| DB | Leland Gomez | St. Louis |
| DB | Kalei Contrades | St. Louis |
| POS | NAME | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|
| AP | Shayvis Wilson | Damien |
| KR | Kaeo Aliviado | St. Louis |
| PK | Ka'imi Fairbairn | Punahou |
| PK | Jesse Correa | St. Louis |
| P | Brendan Sagucio | Pac-Five |
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Hawaii High School Football Players of the Week
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
BOYS
Victor Moananu
Waipahu football
The 5-foot-7, 190-pound senior had 36 carries for 214 yards and three touchdowns as the Marauders rallied from 14 points down for a 31-20 win over Kalaheo.
Honorable Mention
Reece Acohido, Leilehua: two sacks against Radford
Christian Abcede-Abregano, Campbell: five catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns against Kapolei
Nilo Agbayani-Omalza, Campbell: fired three touchdown passes and ran for another against Kapolei
Duke Bukoski, Saint Louis: six receptions for 113 yards and three touchdowns
Bret Christman, ‘Iolani: six catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns against Punahou
Nainoa Frank, Kalaheo: the 6-foot-4, 185-pound sophomore had seven receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns vs. Waipahu
Ikaika Gante, Anuenue: rushed for 175 yards and a touchdown against Nanakuli
Kahaku Iaea, Kailua: passed for 242 yards and two touchdowns against Kaiser
Steven Lakalaka, Punahou: rushed for 172 yards against ‘Iolani
Eric Lum, Kailua: 11 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown vs. Kaiser
Marcus Mariota, Saint Louis: Hit 71 percent of his passes and tossed three touchdowns in limited play against Pac-Five
Trent McKinney, Mililani: accounted for 227 yards in total offense and two touchdowns against Aiea
Zachary Payomo, Mililani: rushed for 144 yards and five touchdowns against Aiea
Seth Roman, Kapolei: rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns vs. Campbell
Kenan Sadanaga, Leilehua: passed for 224 yards and two touchdowns against Radford
Darrien Shealy, Leilehua: caught touchdown pases of 73 and 62 yards against Radford
Charles Spencer, Moanalua: the transfer from King Kekaulike rushed for 139 yards against No. 1 Kahuku
Chester Sua, Kaimuki: rushed for 93 yards and four touchdowns against Kalani
K.T. Tuumalo, Punahou: returned a fumble for a touchdown and led a unit that limited ‘Iolani to 41 rushing yards
Anae Vaa, Aiea: three catches for 120 yards against Mililani
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Hawaii High School Football Players of the Week
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
BOYSKahaku Iaea
Kailua football
The sophomore quarterback passed for 303 yards and two TDs in a 31-15 win over then-No. 4 Farrington.
» Cyrus Coen, Pearl City: the starting safety rushed for 81 yards and three touchdowns at running back against Kalani
» Solomon Dixon, McKinley: the cornerback/wide receiver ran for 173 yards and two touchdowns, and caught two passes for 50 yards against Nanakuli
» Ikaika Gante, Anuenue: rushed for 149 yards and three touchdowns plus a 94-yard kick return for another score against Waialua
» Marcus Mariota, Saint Louis: racked up 202 total yards and three touchdowns by air and ground in a win over then-No. 3 Punahou
» Dorsey Norris, Radford: the two-way senior picked off two passes and had a touchdown catch against Campbell
» Charles Spencer, Moanalua: rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown against Kaiser
» Chester Sua, Kaimuki: rushed for 206 yards and a touchdown against Kalaheo
» Maika Ulufale, Radford: returned to his former school, Campbell, and passed for 194 yards and three touchdowns in the Rams' win
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Preseason CA Inland Empire FB Team
Preseason All CIF Southern Section:
Inland Empire Football Team
Second Team Offense/Defense
OL Isaiah Folasa (Santiago, Corona) 6-3, 325, Jr.
WR Junior Pomee (Rancho Verde, Moreno Valley) 6-3, 250, Sr.
Inland Empire Football Team
Second Team Offense/Defense
OL Isaiah Folasa (Santiago, Corona) 6-3, 325, Jr.
WR Junior Pomee (Rancho Verde, Moreno Valley) 6-3, 250, Sr.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Poly's defensive revival
Posted: 08/28/2010 10:25:59 PM PDT
LONG BEACH - Corey Waller of Poly High stood on the school practice field with four other Jackrabbits defensive standouts.
When told Poly gave up a shade over 20 points per game the first seven games of the 2009 football season, he let out a noise that suggested his disgust.
The Jackrabbits allowed just 8.5 points per game in 2007 and 10 ppg in 2008 - both CIF Southern Section championship-winning campaigns. It was understandable Waller - a starting linebacker/defensive end - wasn't thrilled when he heard those early 2009 statistics.
But he seemed to take solace in knowing that over the last fives games of last season, Poly started to resemble the Poly of old by allowing just an average of 12 points on the way to a three-point loss to Servite in the quarterfinals of the Pac-5 Division playoffs; the Friars won that title, as well as a state bowl championship.
Waller, a senior, said the longer the defense played together, the better it became. That makes sense because the Jackrabbits returned no defensive starters a year ago.
"Yeah, and this year it's more natural, too," said Waller, the only defensive player a year ago to begin the season with significant playing time under his belt. "This year it's going to be fun. We're more experienced this year."
Waller is one of seven full-time returning defensive starters. He and the others queried seem as if they are very eager to get this season underway. It's like they understand the expectations at the school, and welcome the opportunity to live up to them.
Intensity the key
"I think it's a lot of pressure because everybody's looking to us, and we've got the younger guys looking up," senior linebacker Josh Fasavalu said. "So we just gotta keep the intensity up and keep everybody holding their ground."
Junior linebacker Salamo Fiso is one of two players - junior linebacker Matthew Rowe is the other - credited by Waller for giving the team a defensive boost last season. Fiso believes this team could make Poly fans remember those great defensive teams of '07 and '08.
"I believe we can," he said Tuesday at practice. "We just gotta pick it up in practice. Today was a little bit slacking. But all we gotta do is work hard in the weight room, beat up the weights and game-time, just come with it all."
Streak broken
It was last season that Poly lost a Moore League game for the first time since 1994, snapping an 80-game league winning streak.
Rival Lakewood is the one that did it, beating the Jackrabbits, 21-14, last Oct. 9 at Veterans Stadium.
Suffice to say Poly would like a different result when the teams square off on Oct. 8 at Veterans Stadium (it's Lakewood's home game). But senior defensive back Kameron Jackson took the high road when asked how badly they want the return match with the defending league champion Lancers.
"We're just going to take it one game at a time," Jackson said.
"That's the least of our worries," Waller chimed in. But then he added, "We do want revenge."
Senior defensive lineman Michael Teo wasn't what one would call diplomatic when asked if he wanted to weigh in on Lakewood.
"I don't even know who Lakewood is, actually," he said.
Waller high-fived him.
The next day, Lancers junior wide receiver Darius Powe was asked what he thought about Teo's comment. Powe answered coolly, yet confidently.
"We just gotta show them how hard we work," Powe said, "and what's going to happen on the field."
If Poly's defense is as good as advertised, it'll be interesting to see exactly how much will happen in the way of Lakewood offense when the teams collide.
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