Without intending to do so, Aiea football head coach Wendell Say summed up what is wrong with Hawaii high school football’s competitive balance.
It was after Na Alii’s 50-7 loss at Kahuku on Friday night, when he said, “Playing a strong team like this doesn’t define us. What defines us is how we played, and we didn’t quit.”
Sure enough, Aiea played well … or at least as well as any team can possibly play in a 43-point loss. Na Alii didn’t make many mistakes. They were just beaten by a superior team. People knew that coming in and people knew it going home. Say even added that the Red Raiders were “physically superior.”
When he made the “doesn’t define us” comment, he wasn’t trying to be the poster boy for a three-tier system that many fans overwhelmingly favor according to a Honolulu Star-Advertiser non-scientific poll. As a matter of fact, we don’t even know where Say stands on the issue.
What we do know is Say was the beneficiary the last time a long overdue competitive-balance proposal was ushered in. In 2003, the first year of Division II, Aiea defeated Damien 9-6 in the first D-II state championship game. OK, so now, here we have Aiea up in D-I and being fairly competitive until they play the iron of the division — the Kahukus, the Mililanis, the Farringtons.
The press (Star-Advertiser, Hawaii Prep World and some TV and radio outlets) will likely continue to harp on this issue until it’s taken seriously by the powers that be. If it’s not workable and an agreement can’t be forged, tell us why. Have open discussion.
Open discussion is a possibility in the near future. The Hawaii High School Athletic Association’s state football committee may do just that, but it’s not certain that they will. The Oahu Interscholastic Association did not vote on a three-tier proposal that would have given them $3 million over three years. The Interscholastic League of Honolulu voted overwhelmingly in favor of it in the spring.
A year ago, Kahuku beat Campbell 50-0 in its home opener. As it stands right now, Campbell and Aiea (1-1, 1-1 OIA Blue) are simply on a lower tier right now. There’s nothing wrong with that. ‘Iolani, a D-II powerhouse for so long, got beaten up in D-I last year. Those are the types of teams that should fight in the second tier. Let the big boys such as Punahou, Saint Louis, Kamehameha, Kahuku, Mililani and Farrington go for the biggest glory, and add in any other program that wants that type of competition. Then the real small schools can play in the third class with most of Hawaii’s schools in the middle.
Other than the scoreboard, it was a defensive battle Friday night. Aiea gave up just 225 scrimmage yards while gaining only 81. The Red Raiders (2-0, 2-0 OIA Blue) took full advantage of field position, starting all eight of their possessions in Na Alii territory.
Aiea starting quarterback Zelius Maae-Liupaono played in the first half and went 7-for-20 and was more effective than Kobe Kato, last year’s starter, who went just 1-for-8. Both QBs threw one interception.
“It’s (the starting job) is still up in the air right now,” Say said. “There’s still a question mark, but we’ll be fine.”
Kato was a late-comer to the football team due to his involvement in summer baseball.
Gage Asing, a receiver/defensive back, threw Aiea’s lone touchdown pass, a 35-yard flea flicker to Ty Matsunami. Asing also contributed with a tackle for loss on defense. Alan Keohokapu and Tome made some other tough defensive plays as well.
TeeJay Tome came up with a sack of Kahuku backup quarterback Cameron Renaud, who suffered a concussion on the play and is apparently OK. He went down and stayed down until an ambulance took him to Pali Momi Medical Center. Kahuku coaches believe Renaud will be fine, but it was a scary few minutes when he was motionless and being attended to by medical personnel.
MJ Soyon made the initial stop of Renaud, but Renaud stayed up and tried to get away before Panuelo came along. It appeared Renaud’s head snapped back and then hit the ground.
“That can happen when you turn into a defensive guy that is coming at you 100 miles an hour,” Kahuku head coach Vavae Tata said.
Added Aiea’s Say, “I hate to see kids get hurt. It’s a tough part of the game. When you see it, you always wish it din’t happen.”
Panuelo was asked what he thought.
“I hope he’s all right and hope he is doing good,” he said. “It’s the sport we play; we gotta do what we gotta do. I wish the best for him. The coaches came by and told us he’s all right, so …”
Renaud finished 3-for-7 for 53 yards, but two of his passes were dropped.
“(Starting quarterback) Sol-Jay (Maiava) had a little bit of a slow start,” Red Raiders offensive coordinator John Hao said. “Cameron looked good. I gave him a shot. In practice, he’s been completing the ball and his timing was coming out. This was a good confidence booster, and he ended up doing his part until the very last play. He’s telling me on the sidelines,’Coach, let’s throw the ball. I want to throw.’ You know he’s a senior. I’ll give him an opportunity.”
Elvis Vakapuni played in his first game for the Red Raiders, rushing four times for 38 yards and catching four passes for 47 yards.
The transfer from Utah was elated to finally hit the field for a real game. He called Steven Lombard, his cousin who scored three rushing TDs, “a beast.”
Last fall, Vakapuni played for Bingham (Utah). He was supposed to return to Utah after his junior year, but the family situation called for him to remain in Hawaii.
“It’s kinda good playing with family (Lombard) because coming from Utah, I don’t really have that much family here to play with,” Vakapuni said.
As for the “Elvis” name, he was not named after Presley. He was named after his late uncle who was named after Presley. His uncle’s mom was pregnant with his uncle when the movie “Blue Hawaii” came out.
Cornerback/place-kicker Stokes Nihipali-Botelho, who kicked five extra points and a 29-yard field goal, intercepted a Maaae-Liupaono pass and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown. Nihipali-Botelho’s cornerback mate, Kekaula Kaniho, returned a kickoff 65 yards to the house. Kaniho’s brother, Kaonohi Kaniho, got into the act with an interception of Kato in the second half.
Linebacker Miki Ah-You had a stellar game for the Red Raiders and came up with a sack of Aiea punter Kame Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo and made another tackle for loss. Defensive linemen Sedric Iafeta and Aliki Vimahi each went up high to bat down a Na Alii pass, and linebckers Toalei Lefau and Tema Lindsay were right in the thick of things defensively and both came up with a tackle for loss.
Tata and the top-ranked Red Raiders play host to No. 4 Waianae on Friday in what could be a smashmouth extravaganza.
“We have another opportunity next week,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the challenge. As long as we’re on the ascent each week, that’s all we’re looking for.”
Aiea and Campbell (those two teams mentioned above who could be fighting for a second-tier championship if Hawaii moves to three tiers) play next Friday in a battle of 1-1 teams.
Big game next week! It reminds me of the 70’s where the run and defense was king! Go Big Red!
The oia is just fine the way it is, last year Kahuku beat waianae 30-0 so does that mean waianae needs to drop a tier, no, they regroup and come back stronger the next year. aieas problem is that their elite halawa kids are playing at mililani or in the ILh, the oia needs to crack down on transfer rules. Imagine vaevae malepai playing for his home school of aiea, imagine marcus mariota and tua tagovaloa playing for their home schools of campbell.
Look a transfer playing at Kahuku but its a family member and not a stranger only there for the sport
Elvis is from Utah but Kahuku also lost 4 players who went to Utah (two of which could be starting for big red). Kahuku giveth and they receiveth.
It’s just funny how Kahuku been coming up with these big time running backs the last couple of years. Hmmm, his family been here longer than the mormons right? Cheee Hoooo
Kahuku is a physical team and will always have size like Waianae & Farrington.
I blame Kahuku’s OC for that QB getting hurt, 4 minutes left in the game leading 50-7 and they still trying to throw bombs, run da ball run da clock game over. NO Class!!
Renaud is a better Qb who can throw better than Maiava. Maiava is overrated. He is just an athlete who is fast. He will not play Qb in college because he is inaccurate with throwing. He would not have started in the ILH. Thank God Maiava is fast cause he would not have gotten that offer from Michigan. Yeah John should have ran the ball. Maybe that’s why St. Louis fired him.
Smash mouth football is always great!!! I can’t wait for Kahuku vs BG game !!!
I agree, Aku Bird. The blame for Renaud’s injury lies squarely on the coach. Kahuku is known to run up the score and play with very little class, but that’s more a function of their coaching than the kids themselves. Kahuku, of course, will never develop a sophisticated passing offense because they don’t have the skill position players and possibly the football acumen to run it, but because of their physically superior athletes, they will win almost every time.
Aku ake! the team needs plenty of work to prep for Gorman and the post season, at this point in time I think its a crap shoot between the top 3 teams so Kahuku needs to find their form, the backup QBs specialty is throwing so the best thing for him to do is throw because they will need it eventually.
What is spooky about Rends injury is that they had to go all the way to Pali Momi, sheesh.
So much hate towards a 13yr old and a State Championship coaching staff…. The kid is 13. What were you doing 13 wolverine? Probably choking dat chicken……
So much hate this early in the season. lol
Family lines run deep on the Northshore…..kid’s and families go back and forth between the Northshore and the mainland like the ocean tides. But, no one outside of the Red Raider family understands that, so lets just call this issue as a draw.
Nothing wrong with trying to develop the passing game, especially with backups. Big Red is continuing to prove that with this years squad, there isn’t too much drop off in the running game, regardless of who is in there.
Puns go bombs away against Leilehua, but they’re not classless cause….they be a private school from the ILH with a top notch passing O….I get it.
Maiava is a freshman. He may not throw as a nice a ball as Taulia or Gabriel did in there freshmen years, but he does have an arm. You honestly think Harbaugh offered Maiava simply because he’s an athlete? Then he must be an exceptional athlete(not qb, not rb, not cb, not lb), for a high profile coach from a high profile program from a high profile conference to be offered a scholarship before even taking his first snap in high school. We all pray that he continues to progress to justify that offer, but he still is a freshman learning to play high school ball, so, it’s up to you, but maybe some of you can get off the hatorade.
Looking forward to next week. Seariders definitely going to come after our freshman qb, and they have something to prove after “barely” losing in states last year.
RRFL!
87, (work?)
The best place to work on your passing game is in practice against the best D (Kahuku)! not Aiea who’s D is DII level and thats why your OC got your QB hurt. Auwe!!!
Aku ake! thats why the coaching staff went undefeated last season, they know what they doing and its scary to think that the 1st and 2nd string QBs are only at 30% of their potential of executing a passing attack. When do you want them to work on that other 70% in the playoffs? cmon no one complained when Punahous backup QB was throwing TDs in the 4th quarter against Lelilehua for 73 points cause the playoffs is too late to work out the kinks and practice time can never simulate a real game.
The “Hater-ade” is flowing this year. I guess that’s how it is when you just keep winning. When St. Louis had their run everyone talked a lot about their recruiting and domination. When Mililani began winning and building their program, more of the same was being discussed. Now the haters and critics are coming out and dissing Kahuku. Yes, Maiava, is only a freshman. He has a lot to learn and improve on. Maybe he’s not up to the level Taulia or Gabriel were as freshmen last year. But just let the growth process develop. Defensively the Red Raiders have allowed 21 points in the past two games. So the knock is that the defense is not as strong as last year’s. The writer also points out that Kaula Kaniho is being called for pass interference penalties consistently so far. Alluding that maybe it could be a habit. Maybe he is becoming more aggressive. The test will be next week when Waianae goes to Kahuku. It will be a huge game for both teams. But as the Star-Advertiser sportswriters, critics, and haters see it, Waianae, the way they’ve played their first two games, are going to be the favorite. Oh well, maybe 7-11 has a sale on “Hater-ade.”
Ummmmm yeah for the record RR4L and Aloha chef,
Sol Jay repeated in school. He is already 15 since March. So dat means like all the other kids he should be a sophomore right now. So that means he’s not really a freshman. But once again for 15 yr old Qb he is just an athlete who can run. You can say all you want papi but he is a great athlete. Jordan M throws better than him. Good luck against Waianae. By the way Las Vegas has BG -21 against Kahuku. Lol
Let the haters hate! They all just jealous because kahuku has a passing game now and it’s a freshman QB that is doing it.
Akubird….are you serious? You sound like one sour 5th grader. This isnt flag football. It was mercy rule anyways and the clock was continually running. The article mentions the kid WANTED to throw the ball, thats his strength. Killing me…and Jeezy33. Kahuku’s backups go in and the score still goes up….what we supposed to do? Put in our cheerleaders so the score doesnt run up??
Why people can’t ignore trolls on here is beyond me. Bring on the super conference. You can’t please anyone. And when Kahuku keeps taking the titles, well, we’ll have to make a 4-tier conference. Tier 1 – Kahuku, Tier 2-4 everyone else lol.
Waste time ILH
bro he is 14 and it dont matter cause he wont have to sit out of the state tourney his SR year like how some ILH kids used to
14? So why would you lie? Sol Jay is 15. Go look at his parents Facebook page where they celebrated in mar his birthday turning 15. Regardless of him playing in states he will be 19 when he graduated from Kahuku University. Lol
Yes, this coming week the east against the west game for all you full time and side line commenters and like Sol Jay will be 2-3 seconds quicker in his release, like 15mph faster in his spiral and his running will be youthful whirlwind quicker like the opposition will be penalty frustrated to take him out; his game against Aiea didn’t make him older but wiser and more
important his confidence to self and toward his team mates will sure make the Red Raiders unstoppable; surely Sol Jay Maiava will enjoy razzle dazzling against Waianae defense.
RR4L even after my watch.
No can razzle dazzle vs Aiea, but you razzle dazzle vs Waianae? Ummm, okay LMAO
ZzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz…
Game’s over. Excited for Waianae next week. They’re legit.
How about you guys go spend some quality time with you families instead of troll so’o
ZzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz
YouWeesh,
4 minutes left in the game, score Kahuku
50 Aiea 7, “still throwin bombs” Kahuku QB Knocked Out. (Karma)
@ Aku Bird
Trying to figure out what your angle is. Is your anger directed towards the Coaching? Are you rooting for any school in particular?
@TooMeke – 47-31 is legit? Gumon mayun!
nice go to fakebook for all your information, no can these trolls!
@Aku Bird, you are some disgrace to our bird species almost like a stuffed bird that can’t fly yet looking for tender loving attention; well you found the domain that has more smarts then tenderness yet we condone you but welcome your kind on Goat Island, home of the Sea Gulls;
@Good Story, try not to figure out Aku Bird since he has no angle meaning that he only flies in circles if you notice his comments they make a lot of U-turns Enjoy..
@goodstory,
Being up that much and still throwing bombs got the QB hurt. Of course I mad at the coaches!! He’s a good QB and Kahuku will need him down da road.
I fly circles around paper crane’s 🙂
Wow, nothing has changed on the comment section here, every year and every week, it’s complaining, complaining, complaining. Every time Kahuku wins, it’s always the same people trying to make excuses. And when Kahuku loses the Island Celebrates. Everywhere.
The Boys just work so hard to get where they are at. That’s all.
I agree with Aku, if you was the parent of that kid that got hurt you would be mad at the coaches too.
OK, it’s time to call timeout; somehow it seems that we can read and notice upbringing for some are without or incomplete but most of you heard that saying that life is a gamble whereas each morning I pray that I’m safe from any accident, injury, illness, or induced crime; like life is a full of gamble whereas unannounced or unforeseen bitter sweet and just getting up in the morning is a gamble and everything you do after has some gamble in it but during the course of your day whatever unforeseen experience good or bad may happen and if it so happened to you well your (gamble) number came up; people need to be realistic but honest whereas think with your head and not your heart when you pass judgement, point the finger, or bad mouth others whereas unannounced Cameron Renaud number came up so now hear me out whereas why didn’t he get injured earlier whereas Coach Hao sent him in then and another thing try to understand the intensity on the sideline whereas when everyone is playing hard and winning and like most all the players get pumped and want more game time and so WHO WOULD WISH ANYONE TO GET INJURED; so give the coaches a break and another thing it may sure have happen to Sol Jay instead; lastly, team sports are all about game strategy and play assignments and you can ask any coach and they’ll wholeheartedly despise any player getting injured and that’s their own or the opponents. Enjoy RR4L
Besides my above read, how about most of you should be concern about Cameron’s condition and rather the coaches so called bad call; I have not to read any comments about prayers or blessing for Cameron’s recovery;…sad wonder why?
@Tutu Kane Ale, you the man or you the old man and you right about having concern about Cameron’s recovery like now these commenter can think with their hearts and sent prayers and blessing to him, his Ohana, and the coaching staff.
Yes indeed, prayers and well wishes to our young men and Renaud at this time. If any blame be given it should be taken by the adults so the coaches should accept blame regardless of what and how it happens on the field. That is one thing I like about Coach York, he always blames himself and staff.
Now after saying that I would like to point out that I remember Renaud in the St. Louis game getting hit and injured in the first series, then coming back in the 3rd quarter and getting hit hard again by the crusader LB while going for the end zone, both times he did not prepare for the hit and left himself vulnerable. Coaches need to teach the Kahuku RBs/QBs and any ball carrier how to deflect oncoming hits. If you dont know what Im talking about go watch tape on how Malepeai and Milton ran the ball the past 3 years…the knew when to run over, run out of bound, take a slide etc..
MrWendall would you happen to be a Mililani fan? Haha
Next weeks game is going to be a good one. We have returnees and lower class men move up to the varsity squad on both sides. Kahuku with the better hand because both vars and jv came up victorious last year. Though Waianae are hungry, Kahuku are always hungry. Moanalua scored 31 points on supposingly said to be a tough Waianae defense. We’ll see this coming Friday.
No excuses, waianae coming to kahuku. How its been for the longest time. Tutu kane said maiava going razzle dazzle all over waianaes D, should be interesting to see.
Hate to break it to you oia#1 but a quarterback that can razzle and dazzle is so 1990’s, Maiava is on path to be the next Darnel Arcaneux. If you dont know who that is then I have proven my point. He might help Kahuku win another title but now days its all about a quarterback that can razzle dazzle and throw the ball, Mariota took the position to another level with his speed and throwing ability, Milton was sort of a miniature Mariota with those same impressive set of skills – Tua and Taulia has raised the bar even higher with superhuman abilities. Just sayin!
@annnywaaays Its darneLL, but pls dont make no excuses if waianae shuts him down. Sorryboutit
vs Aiea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZpP5Ucb1Vo
Why would anyone be jealous of kids who will barely graduate, can barely read and write, and many of them will not have a college degree? And the reward is you can play football? I’d rather lose every game, do well in reading and math, go to college, and make 6 figures. But I guess that really isn’t the model out there.
What is the state title worth in 5 years? Maybe about $2.00 and a bowl of soup? Yeah, that’s great.
And for the record, I love 88! He’s my hero! I saw him last night! (WINK WINK).
How is it that kahuku never make the trip out to the west side, but waianae travel everywhere else to challenge kahuku??….when was the last time kahuku. Fans?!!!!..
RR4Lifers…. LOL!!! What a bunch of fake fans… Come to St. Louis kids where we treat each other like family and we got each others back win or lose baby! Sojay come to the hills of kalaepohaku where coach Vinny can help you take your game to the next level like Tuaman! Kahuku doesn’t have the coaching for QBs and we sure don’t don’t talk crap about our players like these bum RR4Lifers! Come one come all and join the brotherhood! We can make u successful even after football!
RednBlue we play hard and love hard too, all the smack talk we all family at the end of the day so nobody feelings hurt its just motivation, something the crusaders lost bcause you all are soft…too much love dovie you making this whole island soft thats why we had to haka you guys b4 the game last year to see if you guys respond like warriors but your position coach said you guys got all starry eyed I bet you guys wet in your pants cause you played like it, either that or recruiting aint working out to well 4 u guys.
87 shadddddddup u krimzon, oh and I would rather they make Kahuku vs. Waianae at the stadium cause for either team to make that travel is too far.
My bad didnt mean to attack the team, but the wheels aint always rolling good when they aint winning, just like any other program.
87,
I’m sorry if u got offended… I’m just calling it like I read it! Kahuku still wins and all you RR4L guys keep complaining about the team and coaches! Then u guys complain about the media…LoL! I thought Farrington fans were bad but Kahuku fans by far are the worse fans on the island! Love hard??? I think not… Bad mouthing kids here on social media isn’t tough love and sure doesn’t give them the sense that the community got there backs! 90% of the comments all I see when I read RR4Lifers comments are a bunch of crybabies n whiners about a team that’s 2-0 on the season… I bet none of you guys even know what your talking about!!! HAHAHAHA….
Kids and parents come to the hills of kalaepohaku where we will teach your kids to become men and respectable adults even after football! We don’t judge we just support! REDnBLUEALLDAY brah!