On paper, the Waianae Seariders lost a ton of talent. So why do coaches and media have them ranked so high?
Star-Bulletin: Seariders still have their strut
There's something to be said for tradition and reputation. Last year's Waianae squad came within a touchdown of an OIA title, and then fell by only a field goal in the state semifinals.
But when you lose a ton of talent at linebacker and offensive line, does it a No. 5 ranking make sense? Possibly. It's the same Searider system — and Pop Warner program — that produced the likes of George "Oki" Kauwalu, David Paaluhi, Chad Duran and Preston Ayala to anchor an outstanding defense.
It was the defensive unit that carried the squad, keeping a lid on opponents until the Searider offense would get on the scoreboard. Now, a bunch of new faces are on the field, and lofty expectations are already in place.
I'm not saying Waianae doesn't deserve recognition. Far from it. I just hope fans don't assume the team will pick up where it left off last season. It'll take time for the new offensive line to gel, and there's no way to completely succeed as well as last year's linebacking corps. If the Seariders can find itself defensively and play 90 percent as well as last year's 'D', getting to the OIA championship game could happen again.
That's asking a lot, but they're used to it.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Coaches, media vote Baldwin No. 6
Hearts are broken, few words are spoken. Baldwin has turned last season's semifinal loss into fuel.
Star-Bulletin: Baldwin's bear of a loss in state semifinal is driving force
I always, always find it enlightening and humbling to talk with dedicated, selfless coaches. These men and women are truly, as the cliche goes, teachers of life to young guys and girls. They're true life coaches.
On the Neighbor Islands, where the scope of activities is sometimes more narrow and limited than it is on Oahu, the challenges are a bit different for coaches. Expectations and traditions can be higher and steeper. When your sport is literally the only game in town on a Friday or Saturday night, the big fish in a little pond becomes game for critics.
At Baldwin, A.J. Roloos has found a way to maintain his love and joy for the game, or more accurately, his devotion to the art and science of the run-and-shoot offense. He won't purport that he's mastered the revolutionary scheme, but he will actively confess that he absorbed all he could from former Bears offensive coordinator Pohai Lee.
When a coach or player has a pure love for the game, it's all I want and need as a writer. It's as basic and wholehearted as that. For a lot of us former athletes, sports is and was the starting point, a launching pad for adventures in life's other paths. Every kid needs to build confidence one way or another. It comes much more easily when an athlete plays for coaches who understand these simple truths. A coach who coaches with a joy for the game often finishes a season with kids who love the game for the pure joy of battling together, sweating on the practice field and backing each other up come hell or high water.
I'll never tire of team sports and the joy of it all. That's why interviewing Coach Roloos was enlightening. I'll take prep sports over an interview with Barry Bonds any day.
Star-Bulletin: Baldwin's bear of a loss in state semifinal is driving force
I always, always find it enlightening and humbling to talk with dedicated, selfless coaches. These men and women are truly, as the cliche goes, teachers of life to young guys and girls. They're true life coaches.
On the Neighbor Islands, where the scope of activities is sometimes more narrow and limited than it is on Oahu, the challenges are a bit different for coaches. Expectations and traditions can be higher and steeper. When your sport is literally the only game in town on a Friday or Saturday night, the big fish in a little pond becomes game for critics.
At Baldwin, A.J. Roloos has found a way to maintain his love and joy for the game, or more accurately, his devotion to the art and science of the run-and-shoot offense. He won't purport that he's mastered the revolutionary scheme, but he will actively confess that he absorbed all he could from former Bears offensive coordinator Pohai Lee.
When a coach or player has a pure love for the game, it's all I want and need as a writer. It's as basic and wholehearted as that. For a lot of us former athletes, sports is and was the starting point, a launching pad for adventures in life's other paths. Every kid needs to build confidence one way or another. It comes much more easily when an athlete plays for coaches who understand these simple truths. A coach who coaches with a joy for the game often finishes a season with kids who love the game for the pure joy of battling together, sweating on the practice field and backing each other up come hell or high water.
I'll never tire of team sports and the joy of it all. That's why interviewing Coach Roloos was enlightening. I'll take prep sports over an interview with Barry Bonds any day.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Mililani steady at No. 7
New coach, graduated all-state players and high expectations. That's the norm at Mililani, even after longtime coach James Millwood retired.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin: Arceneaux works to continue winning tradition at Mililani
On the way back from Kahuku on Wednesday, I stopped by Mililani to take in a few minutes of the Trojans' practice. Never got to talk with Coach Darnell Arceneaux or his assistants, but it wasn't necessary.
In Trojan land, practice is fluid, efficient and demanding. That's the way Arceneaux treats it, and his players know it. There are a few wrinkles here and there that the Trojans are honing, but the basic essence is there. The same coach who led Saint Louis to the state final a few years back is still hungry, still demanding, still in tune.
I'm looking forward to seeing Mililani, whether it's a game or scrimmage. Some key transitions on the field with Jordan Torres and Josh Andrews gone.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin: Arceneaux works to continue winning tradition at Mililani
On the way back from Kahuku on Wednesday, I stopped by Mililani to take in a few minutes of the Trojans' practice. Never got to talk with Coach Darnell Arceneaux or his assistants, but it wasn't necessary.
In Trojan land, practice is fluid, efficient and demanding. That's the way Arceneaux treats it, and his players know it. There are a few wrinkles here and there that the Trojans are honing, but the basic essence is there. The same coach who led Saint Louis to the state final a few years back is still hungry, still demanding, still in tune.
I'm looking forward to seeing Mililani, whether it's a game or scrimmage. Some key transitions on the field with Jordan Torres and Josh Andrews gone.
Mules lose Moniz, but kicking at No. 8
The Leilehua Mules are going to do just fine, thank you, even without Bryant Moniz under center.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin: Leilehua loses quarterback, makes preseason top 10
For several years now, Leilehua has fielded a physical, relentless defensive unit. In fact, the Mules have ranked first the OIA Red West defensive stats for two years in a row. Nolan Tokuda knew his staff had the defense in the right direction, which is why he was happy to balance out his offense with more of a running game for the past two years.
The losses to graduation are substantial. Bryant Moniz and his golden arm are gone to Fresno City Community College. Prolific running back Micah Abreu-Laybon has also graduated. Still, the Mules are at No. 7 because expectations are high, built on a foundation of success under Tokuda.
They improvise and create, borrow and steal schemes and concepts with the best in Hawaii. Hybrid offenses and aggressive defenses, a hallmark under this staff in Wahiawa. I'll miss watching Moniz pick defenses apart. I'll miss seeing his evolution as the offense balanced out. I think he'll make a fine Division I quarterback soon enough, when someone recognizes his talent and leadership skills.
It's true that teams sometimes improve after a superstar leaves. Leilehua's depth and commitment could easily have Moniz calling home and feeling envious if the Mules make it to the state tourney.
What's going to be spooky in the OIA Red West is that some very good teams might not even make the playoffs. That's how much parity the division has.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin: Leilehua loses quarterback, makes preseason top 10
For several years now, Leilehua has fielded a physical, relentless defensive unit. In fact, the Mules have ranked first the OIA Red West defensive stats for two years in a row. Nolan Tokuda knew his staff had the defense in the right direction, which is why he was happy to balance out his offense with more of a running game for the past two years.
The losses to graduation are substantial. Bryant Moniz and his golden arm are gone to Fresno City Community College. Prolific running back Micah Abreu-Laybon has also graduated. Still, the Mules are at No. 7 because expectations are high, built on a foundation of success under Tokuda.
They improvise and create, borrow and steal schemes and concepts with the best in Hawaii. Hybrid offenses and aggressive defenses, a hallmark under this staff in Wahiawa. I'll miss watching Moniz pick defenses apart. I'll miss seeing his evolution as the offense balanced out. I think he'll make a fine Division I quarterback soon enough, when someone recognizes his talent and leadership skills.
It's true that teams sometimes improve after a superstar leaves. Leilehua's depth and commitment could easily have Moniz calling home and feeling envious if the Mules make it to the state tourney.
What's going to be spooky in the OIA Red West is that some very good teams might not even make the playoffs. That's how much parity the division has.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Na Alii at the 9 spot
Often enough in sports, a team has its best season immediately after losing great individual players.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin: You don't Say, Aiea No. 9
That isn't to say that Aiea will have a great season now that superb athletes like Lofa Liilii have graduated. What I do believe is that Na Alii have a solid tradition in place, strengthened by standouts like Lofa.
With a strong defense, speedy receivers and one of the OIA's top passers in Keenan Naeole, Aiea is in the mix for a state-tournament berth and maybe even a league championship.
The problem is that the OIA Red West may be the best league in the state from top to bottom. It is deeper and more balanced than the Red East — again — and has no peer from Neighbor Island leagues. Only the ILH can boast of a league as deep.
Wendell Say and his staff are confident about their defense, but what I'll be looking for is play in the trenches. There were times in the late stages of games last year when Na Alii were dominated inside. Fatigue? Only Aiea knows. If they can match their size with endurance, Naeole could guide the team to new horizons.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin: You don't Say, Aiea No. 9
That isn't to say that Aiea will have a great season now that superb athletes like Lofa Liilii have graduated. What I do believe is that Na Alii have a solid tradition in place, strengthened by standouts like Lofa.
With a strong defense, speedy receivers and one of the OIA's top passers in Keenan Naeole, Aiea is in the mix for a state-tournament berth and maybe even a league championship.
The problem is that the OIA Red West may be the best league in the state from top to bottom. It is deeper and more balanced than the Red East — again — and has no peer from Neighbor Island leagues. Only the ILH can boast of a league as deep.
Wendell Say and his staff are confident about their defense, but what I'll be looking for is play in the trenches. There were times in the late stages of games last year when Na Alii were dominated inside. Fatigue? Only Aiea knows. If they can match their size with endurance, Naeole could guide the team to new horizons.
Farrington at No. 10
Yeah, I know you want prep football news. So here it is.
Star-Bulletin: Govs open at No. 10 in prep poll
Today marks Day 1 of a new project initiated by my bosses at the Star-Bulletin. A preseason Top 10 poll, highlighting one team each day.
Good idea. I'm not big on polls this early in the season, but the coaches and media came through with their ballots and we have our Top 10. I love polling in general, so it was fun as always.
Farrington is in an interesting space. The system is in place. Coaching and administrative leadership is outstanding. A ton of starters are back on defense. Developing former backups into starters is what the Govs are focusing on now. This is a team that tied Kahuku in the OIA Red East standings last season, so a No. 10 ranking might be a bit underwhelming.
We'll see soon enough. Farrington is in the public eye for many reasons, but the one I think is most important is this: despite ups and downs in the community and on campus, the football program has been par excellance in motion. Senior leadership has been superb and serves a positive role.
There's nothing flashy about humility and consistency, but that's what the Govs have, top to bottom. That's one reason why I always enjoy covering Farrington sports.
Well, the BBQ chicken and burgers don't hurt, either.
Star-Bulletin: Govs open at No. 10 in prep poll
Today marks Day 1 of a new project initiated by my bosses at the Star-Bulletin. A preseason Top 10 poll, highlighting one team each day.
Good idea. I'm not big on polls this early in the season, but the coaches and media came through with their ballots and we have our Top 10. I love polling in general, so it was fun as always.
Farrington is in an interesting space. The system is in place. Coaching and administrative leadership is outstanding. A ton of starters are back on defense. Developing former backups into starters is what the Govs are focusing on now. This is a team that tied Kahuku in the OIA Red East standings last season, so a No. 10 ranking might be a bit underwhelming.
We'll see soon enough. Farrington is in the public eye for many reasons, but the one I think is most important is this: despite ups and downs in the community and on campus, the football program has been par excellance in motion. Senior leadership has been superb and serves a positive role.
There's nothing flashy about humility and consistency, but that's what the Govs have, top to bottom. That's one reason why I always enjoy covering Farrington sports.
Well, the BBQ chicken and burgers don't hurt, either.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Football photo tour = increased Slurpee™ sales
Waipahu. Kapolei. Radford. McKinley.
The football season is still hibernating for fans who turn out for games and only games. For hard-core believers who actually attend practices — yes, there are a few of them out there — the arrival of fall practice couldn't have come soon enough.
For us in the media, it's a time to absorb as much information in a relatively miniscule amount of time. That includes continual trips to high schools near and far. Already, I've been to Waipahu, Kapolei, Radford and McKinley for photos. It's the nature of the beast. And the tough part is, coaches honestly can't give us a complete rundown. That's more true now than ever. Why?
The early school year is the norm now at every public school. Gone are the days, and I mean long days that put players in a daze, when teams had on-campus camps. Two-a-day practices. Even three-a-days. No, instead, the players have it easy compared to the "olden days" of long workouts. Back then, water was a reward, not a necessity. Crazy. But true.
With school in session, coaches only get one practce in the afternoon to assess their personnel. Not easy when there are large turnouts and cuts to be made. For me, the early school year is no source for joy. Before, our photo shoots were spread out through the day at each team's convenience. Now, everyone has photo shoots scheduled between 3 and 6 p.m. (with the exception of Saturdays) which means a lot of overlap that makes my life not so happy.
But it's not all bad. Turnouts in recent years aren't what they were in the 1970s and '80s, even with games televised live. That has to help coaches who want to keep every kid who turns out for the team.
One interesting aspect of the recent sports season changes by the HHSAA is that more volleyball athletes are coming out for football. Boys volleyball was moved to the spring, so every school may have a player or two contributing to the football squad now. Can one player make that much of a difference?
Potentially, yes. Where there's parity, and there's a lot in the OIA, one play can turn a game around. And all it can take for one play to work or fail is the decision of a single player.
So much in store as the season awaits and pictures are taken from Waianae to Kaiser. Slurpee™ sales are going up, I can guarantee you this.
The football season is still hibernating for fans who turn out for games and only games. For hard-core believers who actually attend practices — yes, there are a few of them out there — the arrival of fall practice couldn't have come soon enough.
For us in the media, it's a time to absorb as much information in a relatively miniscule amount of time. That includes continual trips to high schools near and far. Already, I've been to Waipahu, Kapolei, Radford and McKinley for photos. It's the nature of the beast. And the tough part is, coaches honestly can't give us a complete rundown. That's more true now than ever. Why?
The early school year is the norm now at every public school. Gone are the days, and I mean long days that put players in a daze, when teams had on-campus camps. Two-a-day practices. Even three-a-days. No, instead, the players have it easy compared to the "olden days" of long workouts. Back then, water was a reward, not a necessity. Crazy. But true.
With school in session, coaches only get one practce in the afternoon to assess their personnel. Not easy when there are large turnouts and cuts to be made. For me, the early school year is no source for joy. Before, our photo shoots were spread out through the day at each team's convenience. Now, everyone has photo shoots scheduled between 3 and 6 p.m. (with the exception of Saturdays) which means a lot of overlap that makes my life not so happy.
But it's not all bad. Turnouts in recent years aren't what they were in the 1970s and '80s, even with games televised live. That has to help coaches who want to keep every kid who turns out for the team.
One interesting aspect of the recent sports season changes by the HHSAA is that more volleyball athletes are coming out for football. Boys volleyball was moved to the spring, so every school may have a player or two contributing to the football squad now. Can one player make that much of a difference?
Potentially, yes. Where there's parity, and there's a lot in the OIA, one play can turn a game around. And all it can take for one play to work or fail is the decision of a single player.
So much in store as the season awaits and pictures are taken from Waianae to Kaiser. Slurpee™ sales are going up, I can guarantee you this.
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