SUMMER summary: Pearl City Chargers

Hawaii Prep World will be releasing summer previews of all 29 Oahu varsity football teams in advance of the 2017 season that kicks off in early August.

20TH IN A SERIES

PEARL CITY CHARGERS

>> 2016 record and finish: 5-4 (5-2 OIA D-II); lost 13-7 to Waipahu in first round of OIA D-II playoffs

>> Number of returning starters: 5 offense, 4 defense

>> Number of returning seniors: 5 offense, 4 defense

>> Number of starters lost to graduation: 13

>> Number of seniors lost to graduation: 25

>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections lost to graduation: None

>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections returning: None

>> Among 2017 key offensive returnees: Isaiah Asinsin, Sr., WR; Zameer Khan Sr., K; Calvin Mock, Sr., WR; Roman Moeone, Sr., OL; Jeremiah Perifanos-Taamu, Sr., OL

>> Among 2017 key defensive returnees: Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Sr., DL; Kasey Kikuyama, Sr., DB; Paulsson Solomon, Sr., DL; Makoa Cooper, Sr., LB

>> Chargers with Division I FBS college offers: Zion Tupuola-Fetui, Sr., DL

>> All-time state championships: None

>> All-time Prep Bowl (1973-1998) championships: None

>> All-time OIA championships: None

>> 2017 conference: OIA D-II

>> 2017 state tournament declaration: D-II

Head coach ROBIN KAMI on the Chargers’ outlook for 2017:

“Last year we finished off with a 5-2 record. We started the season strong and then we had some struggles as a team and learned a lot of lessons.

“We have been working real hard during the offseason. The players are putting in hard work to be competitive this year. We are trying to improve our strength and quickness, both in the weight room and on the field.

“This year, Division II is a very competitive conference. Almost every team has their returning offense (and quarterback), so it will be an exciting season. We will have to take one game at a time.

“We are playing Lahainaluna in our preseason game at home this year. They are the defending Division II state champs. I know it’s going be a tough game to play, but our players are excited for the challenge. Last year we played them and they are a very good, physical, tough, fast and humble team. They are well coached by Bobby (Watson) and Garrett (Tihada). After the game last year, their administration and parents took care of my players and coaches with a lot of class.

“As a coach, I’m trying to keep the kids’ dream alive and my ultimate goal is to get them to any college level (Division I, II, III or junior college). I try to instill in them that it doesn’t matter what division you are playing. If you have good academics and are a very competitive player, the college coaches will find you. The last four years we have had approximately 18 to 22 student-athletes that went to college to continue their dream of playing football as well as furthering their education. Academics, attitude and being a good role model is what we try to teach and preach to the players.

“We are very lucky to have our athletic director, principal, administration and the faculty’s support for our football program as well of the other sports in our school.”

2017 Pearl City football schedule
Subject to change. Click here for the latest schedule updates.
Thursday, July 27
>> Leilehua at Pearl City (scrimmage)

Saturday, Aug. 5
>> Lahainaluna at Pearl City (nonleague)

Saturday, Aug. 12
>> Pearl City vs. Kalani, at Kaiser Stadium

Friday, Aug. 18
>> Roosevelt at Pearl City

Friday, Aug. 25
>> Waialua at Pearl City

Friday, Sept. 1
>> Kalaheo at Pearl City

Saturday, Sept. 16
>> Pearl City vs. Kaimuki, at Skippa Diaz Stadium

Friday, Sept. 22
>> Pearl City at Waipahu

Friday, Sept. 29
>> McKinley at Pearl City

2017 Pearl City varsity football staff

>> Head coach and offensive coordinator: Robin Kami (23-17, fifth season)
>> Quarterbacks: Andrew Blue
>> Wide receivers: Bryson Alpiche-Kanae, Samson Anguay
>> Running backs: Darryl Anguay
>> Offensive line: Alii Hauniho
>> Kickers: Zerin Khan
>> Special teams: Robert Godinet
>> Defensive coordinator: Cajo Cabato Jr.
>> Defensive line: Eddie Harrell, Matt Utu, Kel Kusano
>> Linebackers: Jonah Anguay, Josh Anguay
>> Defensive backs: Russell Cabato and CJ Cabato
>> JV head coach: Robin Puahala

Projected next up: Kapolei Hurricanes