The Elite 11 regional in Portland, Ore. is not common territory.
When Tua Tagovailoa of Saint Louis went to his first Elite 11, the competition with top quarterbacks from across the region, then the West Coast, then nationally, put him on the biggest radar.
Jayden Maiava of Kaimuki is hoping to expand his scope. The 6-foot-5, 222-pound junior will travel to the Oct. 25 event with Campbell junior Blaine Hipa. Their personal coach, Keli‘i Tilton, will accompany them.
“The exciting thing is we’re going together, two island boys from Hawaii and show them what we’re capable of, what the island has to present to people out there,” said Maiava, who grew up in Palolo. “The Elite 11, it’s just one day, but it can go a long way, and it can turn into another (Elite 11) combine that lasts almost a week.”
Last year, the two-sport athlete passed for 3,317 yards and 41 touchdowns with just eight interceptions as Kaimuki won the OIA Division II title before losing to Kapaa in the state semifinal round.
He also rushed for 242 yards and five TDs, but he remains primarily a rifle-armed pocket passer in Coach David Tautofi’s system.
Maiava has offers from Auburn, North Carolina, Tennessee and BYU.
“I don’t know about that decision yet,” he said, noting that his dream school is still beyond the horizon.
“Louisiana State University. They got a good coach, Coach (Ed) Orgeron, up there. He’s spectacular. They have a good facility and they’re in the Top 2,” Maiava said. “Any college is good for me. I’m just going to work my way up.”
College and football are not his only interests. Maiava has a 3.2 grade-point average.
“I want to major in business. I want to become an entrepreneur,” he said.
Establishing communication with coaches is one way to learn the art of networking. He is on social media just occasionally to post video footage.
“I’m in contact with coaches. Texas A&M, Hawaii, Louisville, all my offers. Oregon State, UCF and Georgia.
Tautofi played at UCLA in the early 2000s. He had seen the changes in recruiting and exposure over time. He was not surprised by the influence of The Elite 11 on a superb player like Tagovailoa.
“It could have even more of an impact for Jayden. Unfortunately he, like thousands more across the state, have had to endure and fight for hope and a chance at having a season at all. This kind of an opportunity will bring out Jayden’s best and I’m excited for him.”
With several mainland states in the midst of football season, many others are bypassing the fall to play in early 2021. Either way, the NCAA has yet to change letter-of-intent signing dates. Maiava plans to hold off on a decision until he has his feet literally on the ground.
“I’m going on visits. I’ll wait until next year, maybe. I can’t tell right now. We just have to wait until the day comes,” said Maiava, who plans to stay off the basketball court. “I don’t want to risk getting hurt.”
Working out at home and the park is a routine that he and most committed football players have learned to embrace during the past seven months since the first lockdown began.
“We just keep training and keep working on the little things we’ve got to clean up, mechanics. We’ll do some 1-on-1s, some (combine) drills. The 40 (yard dash), L-drill, broad jump, 5-10-5 shuttle,” said Maiava, whose 40 time is 4.75 seconds.
“I lift on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the basement. It’s all a competition with Koby (Moananu),” Maiava said of his teammate and talented wide receiver.
Maiava’s max on the squat rack is 280 pounds and 245 on the bench press. He has a top dead lift of 365 pounds.
“Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are with Coach Keli‘i. The receivers, the other day we had Titus (Mokiao-Atimalala), Coach Kelii’s son and Cameron (Friel)’s brother,” he said.
Maiava added protein shakes to his daily intake.
“Protein shakes for breakfast and dinner. Trying to keep that healthy weight,” he said. “Ghost brand. I like the peanut butter.
Back in the day, Maiava lined up wide.
“I was playing receiver all the way up to my freshman year. It was my uncle’s idea (Keone Tamanaha). He took me to Vinnie Passas’ camp in the summer before freshman year. I didn’t like it at first and I went back to receiver, but when we moved to Vegas, my dad (Ikaika Maiava-Pratt) told me to try out for quarterback, and that’s where I began my journey of being a quarterback,” he said.
His family is still in Las Vegas. Maiava has thrived back in Honolulu. Quarterback is a natural way of life now.
“I had to get used to the responsibility. Running routes is tiring. I don’t miss playing receiver now,” he said.
Tautofi, a former defensive lineman, is impressed by Maiava’s consistent progress.
“One thing I’ve seen is how he’s matured in his approach to getting himself better and in his preparations,” he said. “He’s filled in physically, and even looks like a college quarterback but just a junior at Kaimuki.”
Lockdown staples
Top 3 movies/shows
1. Tua Tagovailoa’s documentary, “Tua.” “It was inspiring. Most of the world knows what Hawaii’s about, the talent here, not just the mainland. He really put us out there. He’s one of my role models, for sure.”
2. “Mulan.” “It was just a little girl who has a big heart. She fought for her whole family and her dad. I like the cartoon one better. It’s like ’The Lion King’, the animated one was funnier.”
3. “All-American” (Netflix). “It’s a series. I can relate to that show a lot, for sure.”
Top 3 food/snack/drink
1. Vienna sausage and rice. “I fry the vienna sausage until it’s crispy on the outside. I add some ketchup and some shoyu.”
2. Fruity Pebbles. “I like it with almond milk. I feel like regular milk doesn’t taste as clean.”
3. Baked spaghetti with cheese. “My mom (Jershua) makes it. I haven’t really had baked spaghetti in a long time. I don’t know how to make nothing. That’s why I make Vienna sausage in the pan.”
Top 3 music artists
1. Luther Vandross. “Dancing with my Father Again.”
2. Lucky Dube. “Remember Me.”
3. Drake. “God’s Plan.”
New life skill:
Maiava: “I’m getting my permit in two weeks. My auntie Jasmine (Tamanaha) and my grandma (Maria Faimealelei-Faitau). They taught me automatic, and my dad taught me how to drive stick.”
Shout outs
Maiava: “First off, to the man above. My parents and my grandparents on both sides, and all my aunties and uncles. And my brother, Jahssiah.”
“Wow” Only 11th grade, 6-foot-5, 222lbs, The Kid is as tall & almost as Heavy as Cam Newton & Ben Roethlisberger.
Good luck kid and don’t let anything stop your dream.
Punahou was having illegal practices today at Manoa Park around 5pm. HPD was on the scene and forced them to end practice. Most of the kids were wearing Punahou Practice Uniforms and were in pads. There were about 30-40 kids. About an equal number of adults were watching. This is so bad.
First of all there is COVID and rules. This shows that the adults running the practices are above the rules and what they feel like doing is more important than lives. The kids who participated are close to being adults so they should know better. The adults watching, assuming they are the parents should be shame to condone this.
Most people want to get back to their normal lives. But most people follow rules since it protects and saves lives.
I hope the HHSAA, ILH, and Punahou Administration disciplines everyone who was involved.
Oh well the state is opening it up to roughly about 8,000 foreigners per day. So I guess it’s all good. Hopefully that doesn’t mess it up for these young men.
Sad you call the COVID hotline so you can walk your dog in the park by yourself!
@COVID IS REAL
It wasn’t a Punahou practice. It’s kids from all schools. These kids are getting ready for a College Showcase. Stop being negative and know the real facts before you post something.
COVID IS REAL MUST GO KAM SCUU AHH RUBBAH
@COVID IS REAL
Unreal how someone can single out a school on a public forum without even getting the true facts straight.
I never knew Punahou utilizes other school’s helmets and uniforms to tun their practices. Must be one new way to go under cover and practice, right Covid is Real? Seems like you’re one akamai person reporting this publicly.
Tip: Next time you want to make a comment on a publicly viewed forum, please get your facts straight before you open your pie hole and put a school (any school) on blast.
No wonder James Kakos and Teetai Ane was at the park. Punahou was back to school and back to practice!
Maybe posting on one article would have been okay, but now this just sounds like somebody’s son or daughter did not get accepted into Punahou.
#saltyballs
@ILoveHawaii
#saltyballs
🧂🧂🧂🏈🏀⚾️🥎🏐
LOL
It doesn’t matter what school the kids are from. We are in Tier 1 which means no organized outdoor sports with more than 5 kids.
@Bulldogs, Tell It Like It Is, MiliLouis, Jonuce,
Are you saying it is okay for these kids to blatantly break the rules? You seem to be defending it. My children play baseball and softball now. My nephew just came back from a baseball showcase.
My children are anxious to get back to sports but understand there are rules and they need to be followed. Are these kids special and do not need to follow clear rules?
I am reading your posts and no where do you say it’s wrong that rules were being broken. Instead you are saying it’s not a Punahou Practice. Who cares if they kids are from Punahou, Kaimuki, Damien, or Sacred Hearts for all we care.
Wrong is wrong. And these kids breaking rules are no more important that anyone else.
And my nephew’s team had to play on the mainland. But unfortunately they couldn’t practice since the coaches followed rules.
What is being taught if the kids are being taught that rules can be broken as long as you don’t get caught.
These are some sad replies.
@Mililouis,
Regardless of how COVID reported it, were there more than 5 kids present? Based on what people are writing, no one said that there was 5 or less kids.
Assuming this is true and there are more than 5 kids, may I ask why you are complaining about getting the school incorrect versus breaking a law?
I mean, my kids are hungry, does that mean I can go into the market and take whatever I want since I think it’s important?
I don’t get it. There are kids here. Everyone knows the rules. And it’s being blatantly broken.
And your reply is “HEY U GOT THE SCHOOL INCORRECT?”
SMH…….
@Kirby…
Lol. Totally agree with u.
🤣🤣😂😂
@kirby
My comment wasn’t intended to address the issue about covid or that practice > following rules (that can be an entirely separate article and thread). Nothing that I stated disputed the importance of the covid issues. Plus, got people like you to enlighten us about this.
Since it wasn’t clearly addressed, could it be possible that there were about 30 kids that were in groups of five (6′ apart) and 6 or 7 different groups spread out 25 or 30 yards apart? Breaking the rules? Maybe/maybe not.
Commenting what was witnessed is fine, but what’s the purpose of falsely accusing a school of doing something wrong or illegal? Stating false statements such as the first sentence in post #2 is flat out wrong (said with 💯 certainty).
Do you teach your baseball and softball children that it’s OK to accuse another student of breaking the rules without knowing the facts? You probably teach your kids to go to the administration at school and report on other kids if they “think” they did something wrong, but don’t really need to know if it’s true or not. Wait, you’re probably “that” parent to report it for them.
Maybe next time I’ll add a disclaimer, “Covid and adhering to rules is serious, but the following comment is solely a separate issue on….”
Bruh.
SMH…..
And what was the purpose of Covid is Real reporting the same comment on 3 different articles?
To share the importance of following the covid rules?
I think not….
Laters ✌🏽
@MiliLouis. It doesn’t matter if 30 kids were 5 feet apart. The tier 1 rule states that there is not organized outdoor practices that consist of more than 5 people. Social distancing doesn’t matter. Please learn the rules guys. It’s episodes like this that can kill our Kupuna. And selfishly speaking, I don’t want my grandparents to die.
And who really cares if COVID is REAL writes about it one 1000 different articles on 100 blogs. The fact is a law was broken and it compromises the safety of people and the community.
I think you are really missing the point since you keep talking about the Covid person writing about it.
I get it if there were 3 kids. But it doesn’t look that way.
This is to help you out – https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2010105-CCH_Honolulus-COVID-19-Reopening-Framework-distribution-signed.pdf
TIER 1 – Outdoor sports (no permits required) – Maximum # of People – 5
I find it kind of disturbing that you are trying to turn this into:
1) Incorrect Schools info was given.
2) Covid is Real user wrote it a few times on a blog (from what I am gathering. And no, I am not looking through this site to see which stories the user posted on).
You are completely missing the point. No on is saying reporting incorrect info about a school is right. But, trying to defend it and saying 30 kids might have been social distancing is just crazy? This is a football practice right? How do you have a football practice with 30 kids being 6 feet apart? What are they doing? Footwork drills? LOL.
The main issues are a law was broken and breaking laws that have to do with COVID during this pandemics compromises lives and safety. And it can cause the virus to spread in this community.
And if you are not a part of this community, do you know how selfish and ignorant that is? This is a potential to spread and I am guessing some of the kids do not live in Manoa.
If you don’t think practicing rules to be safe is important. Maybe have all the kids come into your home, sit on the coach, watch film, and potentially pass the COVID virus to your family.
Better yet, have the 30 kids sit on the court and around the dining table and make sure all of your Kupuna are around.
I don’t think your Kupuna would appreciate that or enjoy that.
@ Mililouis, you state,
“Nothing that I stated disputed the importance of the covid issues. Plus, got people like you to enlighten us about this.”
You decision not to comment about the important of following laws and the severity of this virus implies that it might not be important.
Instead you choose to focus on someone posting incorrect info about a school. And then try to water it down by saying “It is possible 30 kids were social distancing?”
Many people’s loved ones are dying. I hope it doesn’t take something like this to make you realize the VIRUS IS REAL, and when people’s loved ones die, it really sucks.
And people who do not follow the laws regarding COVID add to the problem and add to deaths.
Gotta go to work. Luckily I still have a job, but due to the virus some of my loved ones and good friends are still unemployed. I will mention to them that the major issues regarding COVID is people writing on a blog 10 times (or however many they are) and they inaccurately wrote about the wrong school.
But clearly, not following COVID laws isn’t the main issue as you have eloquently pointed out.
To Mililouis,
I had the opportunity to discuss with some colleagues this morning. Also got a chance to talk to the officer since I work out of the same station.
There were more than 5 players. They were not in groups spread out. And as for teaching my kids about breaking the rules? It is a fact that rules were being broken. That is why the officer drove his vehicle onto the field. From what I was told, the practice was on the outfield of the baseball field closest to the steam and Kahaloa Drive entrance to the park.
The office estimated 30-40 players practicing and not social distancing. Nor did most of them have on face coverings. At times they were in groups larger than 10-20 at the same time.
Also, if my kids witness others (children or adults) break a law, I hope they definitely would go to the correct people to report it.
I believe in upholding the law, to protect and save.
I also agree with what “really” has said. This is an issue of safety, not an issue of getting what schools the kids came from.
I am very disappointed in your response. I hope you are not one of the parents or coaches because you are really setting a poor example for the teens.
typo, “Closest to the stream.”
One last thing. Assuming you are a parent or coach. Do you feel your kids are more important that they can blatantly break the law while other kids follow the rules and laws?
And no kids were “falsely” breaking the rules as you say. If these laws weren’t being violated, why did the team end practice and was asked to leave by the officer?
The mere fact that the officer drove onto the field and made them leave means that what COVID IS REAL reported is an absolute fact.
I am ashamed for our community that there are people who would rather “discuss” reporting the incorrect school versus telling kids it is okay to break laws so we can practice.
There is no reason why rules should be broken. What’s worse is people trying to make like it’s okay. What’s worse than that is fools on here talking about what if the kids are in small groups and yadda yadda yadda. C’mon. We know this is one football practice. We know they not social distancing. Anyone who is tryna make like they was following rules is full of crap. Hey we all like practice but got rules for one reason. This is just some cheap ass crap. And more worse is the parents who like come on here and call people out. Brah u the ones breaking rules so no act. U no like get turned in or talked about then no break rules and no one would be taking ah? And to insult one dad who is writing on here and to say his kids would run to admin and stuff. That’s bush league and weak. MillLouis, I hope you aint from the Lou. Take some accountability. Shut your hole. Be Humble. Apologize. The kids learn something. Don’t do it again. And all pau.
Not come on here. Try hide em. Point fingers at others. Be weak. No take any accountability. What the kids learning by doing that other then telling them it’s okay we got caught. We go find one other spot. Brah, what you thinking?
And not one comment about UH practicing! Fair is fair smh! It’s only ok for some but not all. Just like some businesses are essential, just not yours, that’s total bs. Welcome to the People’s Republic of Hawaii. And for all you people out there that say follow the science, the science says kids should be in school and participating in athletics. If you say otherwise, then you’re advocating for no school or sports every year during flu season bc the flu kills way more kids than covid. That’s an indisputable fact! Play ball!
Please show us where the Science says kids should be in school and participating in athletics? I am on health line and Harvard medical website.
While is says being in school and participating in sports/dance cast be advantageous for kids. They also say, “Opinions vary as to how vulnerable children are to COVID-19.” And given that many are unsure, they don’t know is the risk is worth the reward.
I have yet to find any credible medical site that says in black and white that kids should be in school and playing sports given COVID is in our communities.
I’d love to read that site to educate myself. Thank you.
FTR:
1) I viewed post#2 as 2 parts (a) covid issues &
(b) defaming or slandering a school and
not just stating incorrect school info as
you mentioned
2) I chose to just comment on the latter, but no
where did I dismiss anything about the covid
related issues
3) You assumed by me not addressing covid or
breaking rules that I condoned that (which
is not true because I would have said it)
4) Why not look at my initial comment
differently, and think the slander part was
being addressed and the covid issue was
accepted and not try to spin what I
specifically wrote
5) Please pt out where I stated “no kids were
falsely breaking the rules” as you have
mentioned above. Nah, don’t.
6) If you want to stand on your soap box and
conduct your surmon abt covid, the dangers
of covid, & following the tier 1 rules then
please do so
Oh, and the comment of 30 kids in a cluster or not was merely making a pt that I wasn’t there so I can’t confirm what was going on.
Again, laters ✌🏽 and I’m not looking at this article again…..so feel free to write what ever you want to.
My apologies, comment #23 was being addressed to @kirby & @really
Wait.
No one is condoning anything.
Putting one school on blast without knowing the facts was my issue.
They, whoever they are, should be following the rules when working out. Period.
Im surprised thats what people got out of MilliLouis’s comments.
And even more surprised that none of them pointed out that it was ALSO wrong to falsely accuse someone of wrongdoing. Dont they teach that in the academy? I think so.
And to the Lou Gang, idk if you guys in a position to throw rocks.
Halawa Park/ DLINE & OLINE working out with coaches during a period they werent supposed to.
Parents on the wide bringing their kids to work out with the DL coach.
So here is a question directly to MillLouis and IloveHawaii.
We are in Tier 1. Rules clearly state outdoor teams can’t have more than 5 kids. There were more than 5 kids. It was a team practice. They were all together in 1 group.
Why is is okay for your kids to break the law? This has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with false info about a school. Stop trying to camouflage the fact that the kids broke a law.
Are you okay with your kids and their teammates breaking the law?
The fact that breaking this law can lead to deaths and you are more concerned with “someone gave the wrong information about a school” tells me that you think you are above the rules and was hoping you would not get caught.
In what world is the topic of potential deaths skipped or neglected so we can talk about someone saying it’s the wrong school.
This attitude it the reason the laws were broken. Your kids get it from you.
Sad.
Kirby-
4th line down.
“They, whoever they are, should be following the rules when working out. Period.”
Answered.
Yes, not following rules, is bad, spreading the virus to our Ohana for the sake of playing football is not PONO.
AND……… PO KIrby, so is falsely accusing someone of wrongdoing.
I know they teach that in the Academy. Maybe you was absent that day.
Since I agree with not breaking the law, can you comment on the false accusations?
Please stop with the virtue signaling.
Wow.
You must not be a good officer with this type of attitude.
No fact checking. Not able to thoroughly decipher information correctly.
Unwilling to view a situation from multiple perspectives.
And the best one, resort to personal attacks on ones character and insults children when in disagreement.
I think you need to go back to the Academy for some remedial training.
All Pau.
Thank you for the debate or whatever it was.
Agree that following the rules is important for saving lives during this pandemic.
Disagree that Punahou shouldnt be slandered.
Ad hominem attacks are not good.
Sad that you would even compare anything else with potential loss of life. I hope none of your loved ones die. Unfortunately, you are the kind of guy that doesn’t understand how serious this is until someone dies. And based on how off your priorities are, I don’t know if that would still open up your eyes. You are the kind of guy who thinks the sun rises when you open your eyes.
You can tease me and say I need to go back to the Academy. But while I am risking my life through a pandemic and even before the pandemic, may I ask what you are doing to keep people safe. I mean outside of hiding behind a fake name.