Air time in Kalani Valley

At Kalani, hope is eternal.

How else could anyone explain the robust turnout for the Falcons junior varsity team — in excess of 40 players each of the last three seasons — despite struggles in the win-loss columns?

Quarterback Wilkins Kato is one of the seniors who have ridden Kalani’s recent run back into competitiveness. Scores have been closer in recent years, and with the addition of Ron Lee to head coach Greg Taguchi’s staff, Kato sees the offense moving into new territory.

“There’s definitely a difference. It’s more refined. He’s cleaning up every single play,” Kato said. “He’s taken it to another level. We can see a difference, but it’s too soon to tell.”

Kalani scrimmages Anuenue this week in the first of several early tests. Lee is already on record saying that this group of receivers is fairly deep.

“He makes the plays easier to learn,” wide receiver Michael Sayas said.

Taguchi said last week that Kalani will throw about 95 percent of the time. Kato agreed.

“No team I know is going to throw as much as us. Coach Ron originated this concept at Kaiser because he had small guys,” Kato added.

Kaiser won the Prep Bowl under Lee in 1979.

Paul Honda, Star-Advertiser