21st IN A SERIES
Next: Radford Rams
PEARL CITY CHARGERS
>> 2015 record and finish: 3-5 (3-5 OIA D-II); did not qualify for the OIA D-II playoffs
>> Number of returning starters: 6 (4 offense, 2 defense)
>> Number of returning seniors: 18
>> Number of starters lost to graduation: 16
>> 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
>> OIA D-II All-Stars lost to graduation: Christian Punsalan (second-team DL)
>> OIA D-II All-Stars returning: Brody Padilla (first-team DB), Jason Pong (second-team OL)
>> Among 2016 key offensive returnees: Nalu Simon (QB, Sr.), Patrick Nunez (WR, Sr.), Isaiah Asinsin (WR, Jr.), Jason Pong (OL, Sr.), Calvin Mock (WR, Jr.)
>> Among 2016 key defensive returnees: Brody Padilla (DB, Sr.), Kasey Kikuyama (DB, Jr.) Zion Tupuola-Fetui (DL, Jr.), Robert Yamasaki (DB, Sr.)
>> Chargers with Division I FBS college offers: None
>> All-time state championships: None
>> All-time Prep Bowl (1973-1998) championships: None
>> All-time OIA championships: None
>> 2016 conference: OIA D-II
Head coach ROBIN KAMI on the Chargers’ outlook for 2016:
“I’m very excited for this year. Last year, we finished off with a 3-5 record and we learned a lot of lessons. Our goal this year is finishing the game strong. We have to play for four quarters not three or three and a half.
“In our offseason training, we changed our lifting and running techniques to improve our strength and endurance so we can last for the entire game. Our turnout this year is excellent. More players are putting in the hard work and realize the offseason is key to having a competitive season. Every year we lose many seniors to graduation, but it helps that our JV program sends us players that have basic fundamentals and are ready to transition to the varsity level. Our JV program does a great job every year for us.
Waipahu and McKinley are coming to D-II this year. Along with Kaimuki, which made it to last year’s championship game, Division II is getting tougher.
“We are traveling to Lahainaluna for our preseason game. Lahaina usually ranks in the top 5 (in D-II). I’m hoping we can grow and bond in Maui and come back a tight-knit ohana and be ready for a competitive season.
“As a coach I’m just trying to keep the kids’ dreams alive and try to get them to college. It doesn’t matter what level because at the end of the day, it is all about the degree and nobody can take that away from them. The last three years we have had around 15 to 18 football players/student-athletes that went to college and continued their dream of playing football and continuing their education. Academics, attitude and being a good role model is what I try to teach and preach to these players.”
2016 Pearl City football schedule
Check here for the latest schedule updates: http://bit.ly/2958rWe
>> July 28: at Campbell (scrimmage only)
>> Aug. 6: at Lahainaluna
>> Aug. 13: vs. Kalani, at Aiea High field
>> Aug. 19: at Roosevelt
>> Aug. 26: vs. Kalaheo, at Aiea High field
>> Sept. 2: at Wailua
>> Sept. 9: vs. Waipahu, at Aiea High field
>> Sept. 16/17: Bye
>> Sept. 23/24: Bye
>> Oct. 1: vs. McKinley, at Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium
>> Oct. 7: Kaimuki
2016 Pearl City varsity football staff
>> Head coach: Robin Kami (18-13, fourth season)
>> Offensive coordinator: Cajo Cabato
>> Quarterbacks: Russell Cabato
>> Running backs: Tom Castillo
>> Running backs: Darryl Anguay
>> Wide receivers: Bryson Alpiche-Kanae
>> Tight ends: Robert Godinet
>> Offensive line: Alii Hauanio
>> Defensive line: Matt Utu
>> Defensive line: Joshua Anguay
>> Defensive backs: Sean Alterado
>> Defensive backs: Andrew Blue
>> Defensive coordinator: Kel Kusano
>> Linebackers: Robin Puahala
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