14th IN A SERIES
Next: Kapolei Hurricanes
LEILEHUA MULES
>> 2015 record and finish: 3-5 (3-4 OIA Red); lost 58-22 to Moanalua in the first round of the OIA D-I playoffs
>> Number of returning starters: 13 (8 offense, 5 defense)
>> Number of starters lost to graduation: 8
>> Number of seniors lost to graduation: 27
>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections lost to graduation: Netane Muti (second-team U)
>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections returning: Charles Watson (second-team S)
>> OIA Red All-Stars lost to graduation: Tyreek Keough (first-team WR), Netane Muti (first-team DL and second-team OL)
>> OIA Red All-Stars returning: Charles Watson (second-team DB)
>> Among 2016 key offensive returnees: Kaleoaloha Piceno (WR, Sr.), Kawai Phifer (WR, Sr.), Kona Andres (QB, Jr.), Kenoa Tilimwar (OL, Jr.), Bishop Victor (OL, Jr.), Austin Michael (C, Jr.)
>> Among 2016 key defensive returnees: Jeremy Atiz Nerveza (DL, Sr.), Braxton Victor (DL, Jr.), Pookela Banis Chun (LB, Sr.), Jostin Gampoyan (CB, Sr.), Charles Watson (S, Sr.)
>> Mules with Division I FBS college offers: Charles Watson (DB, Sr.)
>> All-time state championships: 1 (2007, D-I)
>> All-time Prep Bowl (1973-1998) championships: 1 (1984)
>> All-time OIA championships: 4 (all D-I — 1940, 1974, 1984, 2007)
>> 2016 conference: OIA Red (D-I)
Head coach NOLAN TOKUDA on the Mules’ outlook for 2016:
“This year’s group is starting to play like a team already and only time will help them treat each other like family. If they can do that, it will be a season to remember.
“After a disappointing 2015 season, I fired the offensive coordinator (Tokuda himself) and promoted Bobby George as the new OC. Kaleoaloha Piceno will be a playmaker at wide receiver. He was our starting quarterback last year and he will also be our punt and kick returner and punter this year.
“Kona Andres, another quarterback from last year, has grasped the offense under George, who is one on the long list of great quarterbacks from Saint Louis. This air raid run-and-shoot will keep the fans excited about this season.
“Coach (defensive coordinator) Mark (Kurisu) will bring an attacking style on defense, predicated on creating turnovers from multiple fronts.
“One of our defensive backs, Charles Watson, has offers from seven Division I colleges, and a transfer from Georgia, Jerome Holliday, a basketball guy who will also be in the defensive backfield, is getting D-I looks. In addition, Sunny Kanamu, our starting JV quarterback from last year, is moving up and to defensive back. He has ballhawking ability and a willingness to learn from Mark, who is one of the best defensive coordinators in the state.
“Keanu Hirota, a slot and wide receiver, is another one up from the JV who will be a big help, and Trey Boatwright, who played for the basketball team, will also contribute on offense.”
2016 Leilehua football schedule
Check here for the latest schedule updates: http://bit.ly/2958rWe
>> Aug. 5: Punahou
>> Aug. 12: Kahuku
>> Aug. 20: Kapolei
>> Aug. 27: at Nanakuli
>> Sept. 3: vs. Farrington, at Aloha Stadium
>> Sept. 10: at Kailua
>> Sept. 16: Castle
>> Sept. 23/24: Bye
>> Sept. 30: Mililani
2016 Leilehua varsity football staff
>> Head coach: Nolan Tokuda (81-43, 12th season)
>> Defensive coordinator and safeties: Mark Kurisu
>> Defensive line: Alasi Matautia
>> Special teams coordinator and linebackers: Darrin Matsumiya
>> Cornerbacks: Chad Townsend
>> Offensive line: Chase Yamada
>> Offensive coordinator, quarterbacks, wide receivers: Bobby George
>> Running backs, strength trainer, team pastor: Kimo Piceno
>> Kickers/punters: Codey Roney
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