Short Of Title Play, Red Raiders Rack Up All-Star Honors
The year 2013 isn’t a prototypical season for a proud Kahuku program, as the Red Raiders uncharacteristically ended up one win short of qualifying for the DI state tournament. They weren’t forgotten, however, when league coaches voted on the OIA All-Star teams, as 17 Kahuku players made either the First or Second Team.
Senior Lineman Lamone Williams led the way for Kahuku defense this fall, and he was rewarded by making the First Team. Manaia Atuaia (linebacker) and Ashley Kaka (defensive back) also were named to the First Team for the Red Raiders, who finished the season 6-5 overall (5-1 in OIA Red East). Defense held opponents to a mere 54 yards per game on the ground.
The team also dominated the Red East’s Second Team with seven players recognized as All-Stars: Salanoa Wily (defensive line), Roman Salanoa (defensive line), Taliauli Vaifoou (defensive line), Pene Kaonohi (line-backer), Clifford Ramseyer (linebacker), Keala Santiago (defensive back) and Hirkley Latu (defensive back).
A trio of Red Raiders made the Offense’s First Team: running back Polikapu Liua, offensive linemen Kai Kubera and Donald Barenaba-Setoki. Quarterback Tuli Wily-Matagi, running back Soli Afalava and offensive linemen Herman Kanoa and Siotame Uluave were named Second Team All-Stars on offense.
Honorable Mentions went to Kuuliko Carvalho, Huleia Naeole, Douglas Napaa, Josiah Vierra and Scott Santiago.
From Kailua High, offensive lineman Marcus Malepeai made the First Team and Koolau Gaspar made the Second Team as a wide receiver. Kailua finished 2013 with a 2-7 overall mark (2-4 in the Red East). Linebacker Christian Meji and defensive back Jameson White also made Second Team All-Stars, and seven players earned Honorable Mentions: Noah Auld, Matt Bishop, Kaniala Muller-Kupahu, Malosi Craft, Naia Graham, Sheadon Spencer and Awa Byers.
Wide receiver Ikaika Urusaki made the First Team from Castle, which finished 2013 at 3-6 overall (2-4 in the Red East). Earning Honorable Mentions were Sonny Oana and Tristan Ilae.
In Division II, Kalaheo had running back Makena Johnston and lineman Josh Tupouniua chosen as First Team All-Stars. Johnston also was voted to the First Team on defense at two positions, defensive back and utility player. Teammate Gabriel Suapaia also made Second Team as a defensive lineman for Kalaheo, which finished 2-7 overall, including 2-6 in the White conference.
Mustang Honorable Mentions include Kawika Cavanh, Shayde Spencer, Raymond Bragg, James Frick, Gabriel Suapaia, Cameron Seto, Shawn Wilhoite, Cameron Higginbotham, Kyle Ishikawa, Bryant Villarosa, Andrew Mitchell, Sonny Meredith and Jake Swenson.
