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.
27TH IN A SERIES
WAIPAHU MARAUDERS
>> 2016 record and finish: 8-3 (6-1 OIA D-II); beat Pearl City 13-7 in OIA D-II semifinals, lost 36-35 to Waialua in OIA D-II championship game, lost 52-14 to Lahainaluna in first round of D-II state tournament
>> Number of returning starters: 6 offense, 4 defense
>> Number of returning seniors: 6 offense, 4 defense
>> Number of starters lost to graduation: 18
>> Number of seniors lost to graduation: 25
>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections lost to graduation: None
>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections returning: Alfred Failauga, third-team RB
>> Among 2017 key offensive returnees: Braden Amorozo, Sr., QB, 5-11, 170; Alfred Failauga, So., RB, 5-9, 165; Isaac Yamashita, Sr., WR, 5-11, 180; Alika Ahsing, Sr., WR, 5-9, 165; Matthew Fiesta, Jr., SB, 5-7, 140
>> Among 2017 key defensive returnees: Centennial Kulikefu, Sr., LB, 6-0, 190; Amo Monteiro, Jr., DL, 6-2, 235; Kealii Barrett, So., DL, 6-0, 195; Zeondre Benjamin, Jr., DB, 5-10, 185; Kamakana Kahalewai, DB, 5-9, 170
>> Marauders with Division I FBS college offers: None
>> All-time state championships: None
>> All-time Prep Bowl (1973 to 1999) championships: None
>> All-time OIA championships: 10 (8 D-I — 1946, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1957, 1958, 1971; 2 D-II — 2006, 2011)
>> 2017 conference: OIA D-II
>> 2017 state tournament declaration: D-II
Head coach BRYSON CARVALHO on the Marauders’ outlook for 2017:
“There’s been delay after delay on the new (artificial turf) field and we are hoping it will be ready for our first home game (vs. Roosevelt on Aug. 25).
“Otherwise, things are going good. I’m just trying to keep the kids focused. We had a good season last year and I don’t want them to get comfortable. We gotta keep reminding them that although we did good, we didn’t really accomplish anything. We were second in the OIA and got demolished in the state playoffs. We need to keep driving it home that they gotta stay hungry and there is still time to accomplish their goals.
“We are definitely in a better place than we were a few years ago, but we’re not where we want to be. We are trying to stay positive, stay hungry and working hard. We’ve got to keep on them, though. That’s why we’re coaches. We had a special group last year. This is a different group and we think we’ll be bringing them a lot closer together when we have camp this Friday. These kinds of activities in the summer brings the team together and I’m really looking forward to the camp.
“Talent-wise, I think we’re good as long as we understand our one common goal and keep our eyes on the prize. We’ve got about 48 on the varsity and 50 on the JV.
“We’ve really worked on defense. Last year was the first year we were running a 3-4. It was completely new to them and we’ve made huge strides in the offseason. Last year, our coverage wasn’t very good, but that’s something I think is really improved. We have some key guys up from JV helping with the secondary, and we’ll continually be working on it.
“It’s good to have a lot of returnees with offensive skill-sets. Our starting running back (Alfred Failauga) and quarterback (Braden Amorozo) return. That’s always good to have that happen. On the offensive line, though, we lost four starters, with one back from last year and a bunch of guys up from the JV. It’s been real interesting to watch, and I’ve seen progress from March to now. It’s getting a lot better. If you can’t protect the line of scrimmage, you’re not going to do anything no matter what offense you run. We’re trying to make sure they know their assignments, and they’re coming around. We’re a little smaller on the line than last year. But quick. It’s hard to say exactly without the pads on, but I am really excited to see in the upcoming days when we get the pads on.
“We want to remind the players that we’re a good team, but that we can’t ever let our guard down. There were games that we would have lost if we didn’t play our best. Against Kalani, we were up three scores and allowed them to come back (before winning 28-23). Against Kalaheo, we were ahead by three of four scores. They came back and we pulled away (for a 44-21 win) at the end. A lot of that was coverage mistakes and missed tackles, too. It’s all stuff that comes with the game.
“As coaches, I really believe it’s our mission to mold and inspire the players to be positive role models at home and in the community and prepare them for success in life. Teach them to do the things that they need to do … work hard, finishing, giving everything 110 percent. Not give up. Never let your guard down. All those things prepare them for life. That’s what coaches do. That’s the big goal, and also building a brotherhood that lasts a lifetime. Every coach knows what it means to play high school football and that’s why we do what we do. It’s the friendships that we still have today. Winning is a byproduct of that. I stay away from talking about winning and all that stuff. I want to make sure we are doing the right things. That’s what I really stress.”
2017 Waipahu football schedule
Subject to change. Click here for the latest schedule updates.
Friday, July 28
>> Waipahu at Mililani, 5 p.m. (scrimmage)
Friday, Aug. 4
>> Waipahu at Nanakuli, 7:30 p.m. (nonleague)
Saturday, Aug. 12
>> Waipahu at Kalaheo, at Kailua High field, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 25
>> Roosevelt at Waipahu, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 8
>> Waialua at Waipahu, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 16
>> Waipahu vs. Kalani, at Kaiser Stadium, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 22
>> Pearl City at Waipahu, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 30
>> Waipahu vs. Kaimuki, at Skippa Diaz Stadium, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 6
>> Waipahu vs. McKinley, at Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium, 6:30 p.m.
2017 Waipahu varsity football staff
>> Head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks: Bryson Carvalho (9-10, third season)
>> Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator: Siva Savini
>> Offensive line: Peter Villiamu and Stan Guevera
>> Running backs: Warren Alejado
>> Wide receivers: Justice Kaseli
>> Slotbacks: Delbert Austria
>> Safeties: Aaron Cox
>> Cornerbacks: Ed Brown
>> Linebackers: Ron Johnson and Lele Pefua
>> Defensive line: Jr. Veu and Aika Makaula
I notice that the Summer Series that you have on line today is the 27th in a series. I take the regular delivery and never saw anything before today. I can’t find anything on line ( I cannot locate any back issues on line). Did you publish 26 others prior, because I never saw anything?
What about the addition of Jr RB DEACON KAPEA ILH HONORABLE MENTION 2016 OUT OF DAMIEN HE IS GOING TO LIGHT UP THE OIA BEWARE OF THE TRUCK!!! MARK THESE WORD’S TO THE OIA LOOK OUT THERES A RUNAWAY TRUCK COMING!!!