Top Players, updated 9/20*

(Tuesday, Sept. 25 — Corrects scholarship offers to Fitou Fisiiahi, per Rich Miano.)

(Saturday, 12:30 a.m. — Removes Drew Wilson [graduated]. Thursday, 11 p.m. — Corrects vital info for Joey Anglemire, Adam Noga. Adds info for Faaolaina Teofilo.)

After six weeks, there is a foundation of evidence. If you’re going to be really good, it probably has shown by now. Then again, there was Andrew Manley some years ago, showing up on the Leilehua varsity after the regular-season, leading the 3-3 Mules to a state championship in 2007. Not bad for a JV quarterback.

OFFENSIVE LINE

On the cusp:
Micah Kapoi, Kapolei (6-4, 282, Jr.)
Colin Ka’alele, Farrington (6-2, 361, Sr.)
Austen Koki, Pearl City (6-4, 295, Sr.)
Spencer Kiehm, ‘Iolani (5-8, 172, Jr.)
Davis Miyashiro-Saipa‘ia, Punahou (6-2, 274, Jr.)
Walter Gaisoa, Kailua (6-3, 248, Sr.)
Marcus Malepeai, Kailua (6-1, 288, Jr.)
Stansen Fonoti, Waianae (6-3, 305, Jr.)
Mana La’ulu, McKinley (6-3, 265, Jr.)

Sleepers:
A.J. White, Farrington (6-1, 311, Sr.)
Kaiwi Chung, Kamehameha (5-10, 235, Jr.)
Ian Kukahiko, Kamehameha (6-2, 220, Sr.)
Nolan Eseroma, Farrington (6-1, 303, Jr.)
Davis Miyashiro-Saipaia, Punahou (6-1, 268, Jr.)
Dhavin Spencer-Basa, Molokai (C/NG, 6-3, 285)
Damien Matautia, Waipahu (6-5, 290, Sr.)
Sam Mahelona, Konawaena (5-10, 260, Sr.)
Jared Malaga, McKinley (6-1, 260, Sr.)
Sakkalala Hungalu, McKinley (6-3, 275, Jr.)
Jacob Lewis, Damien (6-3, 251, Sr.)
Derek George, Kalaheo (OL/DL, 6-1, 255, Sr.)
Keenan Greenbaum, Hawaii Prep (6-2, 280, Jr.)
Triton Reich, Honokaa (6-2, 250, Sr.)
Jesse Kaluhiokalani, Kamehameha (5-10, 275, Sr.)

The skinny: Semisi Uluave. O-line play is about teamwork as much as any other place in football, maybe any sport. The consequences of mediocre O-line execution are dire compared to other sports, for the most part. Uluave is Punahou’s best lineman on the offensive side, a big reason why Tui Tuileta has been largely untouched by defenses while racking up monster statistics. Other than that, no compelling reason to adjust this list right now, though I am clearly biased toward O-linemen on productive offenses. Highly productive. Note that Reeve Koehler (Saint Louis) played through a knee injury last week. That’s a knee injury that the school has not confirmed, but is widely known about.

QUARTERBACKS

On the cusp:
Montana Liana, Farrington (5-11, 188, So.)
Isaiah Hernandez-Fonoti, Aiea (6-0, 190, Sr.)
Levi Castanares, Leilehua (5-7, 160, Jr.)
Syles Choy, Damien (5-11, 160, Jr.)
Noah Brum, Kalani (5-9, 150, Jr.)
Kiko Kohler-Fonohema, Lahainaluna
Micah Kaneshiro, Moanalua (5-7, 170, Jr)
Fresno Masaniai, Kapaa
Brock Teixeira, Pearl City
Drew Kell, Hilo (6-1, 175, Jr.)

Sleepers:
Viliami Livai, Kahuku (6-0, 190, Sr.)
Alzon Kahana, Kapolei (5-10, 160, Jr.)
Kahaku Iaea, Kailua (6-2, 218, Sr.)
Denzel Kalahiki-Gasper, McKinley (6-1, 180, Jr.)
Keha Wong, Keaau
Kean Wong, Waiakea
Connor Yap, Kamehameha-Maui

Injured:
Kawai Mook-Garcia, Saint Louis (5-11, 180, Sr.)

The skinny: Tuileta has surpassed, in all likelihood, even the most optimistic expectations. He is at 67-percent accuracy (76-for-113) with 14 touchdowns and just one pick. The yardage: 1,408 yards. That’s a yards-per-attempt average of 12.5. Insane. And his passer rating (211.04) is second in the state, and against some Top 5 competition (Kahuku, Kamehameha, Saint Louis). … Foy has been stellar (22-for-34, five TDs, 274 yards against Saint Louis) despite the lack of a strong running game at ‘Iolani. … Karratti has the most impressive numbers (68-120-3, 23 TDs, 1,449 yards) but is hampered by a lack of competition in the BIIF. … Morikawa is clearly one of the top leaders, let alone passers, in the state. The Trojans’ ball-control, short-passing offense hasn’t helped his numbers (112-205-6, 12 TDs, 1,040 yards, 110.71 passer rating), but as he goes, so go the men of Troy.

Player	School	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
1. Abraham Silva	Farrington	5-10	212	Sr.
2. Aofaga Wily	Kahuku	6-0	202	Sr.
3. Adam Noga (INJ)	Saint Louis	5-10	175	Jr.
4. Kainalu Kaleo	Anuenue	5-9	191	Sr.
5. Tyler Taumua	Farrington	5-11	199	Sr.
6. Ryan Tuiasoa	Punahou	5-11	214	Sr.
7. Kai Gonda	Kaiser	5-11	190	Sr.
8. Anuenue Tui	Anuenue	5-7	192	Sr.
9. Keoni Tom-Millare	Pac-Five	5-11	180	Sr.
10. Jarrin Young	Kailua	5-7	171	Sr.
11. Faaolaina Teofilo	Kamehameha-Hawaii	6-1	205	Jr.
12. Jacob Kukahiko	Kapolei	5-11	210	Sr.
13. Lennox Jones	Kealakehe	5-6	150	Sr.
14. Ishmil Scott	Moanalua	5-1	198	Jr.
15. John Kamoku	Konawaena	5-10	175	Sr.

On the cusp:
Devin Preston, Waiakea (5-9, 175)
Waika Alapai, Kauai (6-2, 235, Sr.)
Paul-Andrew Rhoden, Campbell (6-1, 210, Sr.)
Kyle Sato, Damien (5-10, 170, Sr.)
Mana Kaahanui, Aiea (RB/TE 5-10, 210, Jr.)
Malaeloa Liua, Anuenue (RB/LB 5-8, 165, Sr.)
Willie Lynch, Kalaheo (5-9, 180, Sr.)
Cristian Johnston, Kalaheo (5-7, 145, Sr.)
Gavin Kim, Kalani (Sr.)

Sleepers:
David Fangupo, Kealakehe (6-2, 348, Sr.)
Reggie McFadden, Kauai
Matapua Tulafale, Waipahu (5-10, 195, Sr.)
Kody Mento, ‘Iolani (5-7, 177, Sr.)
Abraham Reinhardt, Baldwin (5-11, 180, Sr.)
Brandon Kahookele, Kamehameha (5-6, 175, Jr.)
Kaulana Apelu, Kamehameha (5-10, 185, So.)
Soli Afalava, Kahuku (6-1, 184, So.)
P.J. Liua, Kahuku (FB, 5-9, 222, Jr.)
Noah Oleyer, Pac-Five (FB, 6-1, 275)
Randon Tuitama, Kaimuki (5-9, 155, Jr.)
Johnny Vance, Keaau (5-10, 180, Sr.)
Tristian Pebria, Campbell (5-5, 175, Jr.)
Koa Basque, Konawaena (5-8, 145, So.)
Ikaika Piceno, Leilehua (5-7, 160, So.)

---

The skinny: As the season envelops, coaches figure out what’s working and what’s not (if they hadn’t already). Farrington’s sticking to its version of the Pony Express (I like Sole Express better) of Amo Silva (921 yards, 11 TD) and Tyler Taumua (568 yards, 8 TD). That’s 100-foot-high wrecking-ball-all-day-and-night action for defenses lining up against the Bamboolas offensive line. … Anuenue’s battering ram combo of Kainalu Kaleo (1,029 yards, 11 TD) and Anuenue Tui (649 yards, 4 TD) probably lead all RBs in bruises, but they haven’t let up. Tui had 186 yards against Pearl City. … No major changes to the list. Jarrin Young finally enters the Top 10, stepping up since a slow start. He rushed for 266 yards against Kaimuki last week. … Lennox Jones is a name to watch, a multiple-skilled performer who is a classic scatback, a baby Darren Sproles, maybe. A lot of RB talent. It just takes time to find out who’s got the goods when you’re a coordinator, especially in a system that isn’t necessarily geared to run a lot. … Props to Kealakehe coach Sam Papalii and his staff. They decided to stick with a run-first mentality — they still throw some — and that mindset led to a trio of 100-yard rushers against Hilo last week. The sleeper is 6-foot-2, 348-pound fullback David Fangupo. Yes, 348 pounds.

RECEIVERS

Player	School	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
1. Kanawai Noa	Punahou	6-0	170	So.
2. Dylan Pakau	Waipahu	5-10	174	Sr.
3. Jeremy Tabuyo	Saint Louis	5-11	180	Sr.
4. Keoni Piceno	Leilehua	5-9	170	Sr.
5. Domonic Morris	Konawaena	5-8	155	Sr.
6. Kenan Gaspar	Konawaena	5-10	175	Jr.
7. Daicorri Briscoe	Pearl City	5-11	175	Sr.
8. Tanner Nishioka	‘Iolani	6-0	175	Sr.
9. Kainoa Abreu	Saint Louis	6-0	180	Sr.
10. Christian Clapp	Kaiser	6-1	170	Sr.
11. Isaac Amorin	Pearl City	5-9	165	Sr.
12. Kamakana Apelu	Aiea	5-9	155	Jr.
13. Fano Tuisila	Kaimuki	5-11	157	Jr.
14. Nainoa Frank	Kalaheo	6-6	200	Sr.
15. Ekolu Ramos	Mililani

On the cusp:
Kainoa Wilson, Mililani (So.)
Erren Jean-Pierre, Mililani (Sr.)
Jameson Pasigan, Radford (5-9, 150, So.)
Alii Pedrina, Kamehameha (5-9, 175, Sr.)
Brannon Bantolina, Campbell (SB, 5-7, 145, Sr.)
James Hashimoto, Farrington (5-7, 128, Sr.)

Sleepers:
Shem Sukumaran, Kalaheo (6-1, 170, Sr.)
Devan Stubblefield, Saint Louis (6-1, 185, Jr.)
Colton Dayacos-Gaspar, Mililani (SB, Sr.)
Josh Jenks, Leilehua (5-9, 165, Sr.)
Mataio Fualema, Waipahu (5-11, 161, Sr.)
Tyler Liana (TE), Farrington (6-0, 225, Sr.)
Jayce Bantolina, Campbell (6-0, 175, So.)
Amosa Amosa Jr., Campbell (5-9, 170, Jr.)
Keanu Chee, Punahou (6-0, 175, Sr.)
Isaac Amorin, Pearl City (5-9, 165, Sr.)
Jay Braun, King Kekaulike (transfer from Seabury Hall) (5-9, 190, Jr.)
Noah Willey, Punahou (6-4, 190, Sr.)
Enrique Gruver, Kalani (Jr.)
Tyrell Tuiasosopo, McKinley (6-1, 170, Jr.)
Francis Evagelia, Farrington (5-9, 171, Sr.)
Keanu Chung, Waianae (6-1, 175, Sr.)
Pookela Noa Nakamoto, Waianae (5-11, 160, Jr.)
Kama Vincent, Kamehameha-Hawaii
Dayton Kiko, Waiakea
Giuseppi Zapataoliva, Kealakehe

The skinny: 35 receptions, 732 yards, nine touchdowns. That’s 20.9 yards a grab. That’s 146 yards per game. Kanawai Noa is not your ordinary sophomore football player. What’s interesting is that he ran a ton of in and out routes against Saint Louis (8-198-2), which is telling. He still went deep, but the Punahou offense — and Noa — is still developing and evolving. … Daicorri Briscoe (Pearl City) hasn’t played in two weeks. I haven’t heard back from the school about his status (injury?), but he is still one of the top receivers in the state (24-454-3). … Dylan Pakau isn’t in what would normally be considered a passing offense (the double-slot spread option), but he is still making huge plays, averaging 23.2 yards per reception (21-558-7). … Christian Clapp (Kaiser) is quietly putting together a stellar season (23-468-4). At 6-1, 170 pounds, he’s caught a touchdown pass in four straight games. … Jeremy Tabuyo (Saint Louis) has put together back-to-back 100-yard games against ‘Iolani and Punahou. But with running back Adam Noga out (hamstring), it’ll be interesting to see how defenses adjust. … Keoni Piceno is steady and consistent, to say the least. The Leilehua senior now has a state-leading 40 receptions (10.9 yards per catch) and three touchdowns.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Player	School	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
1. Kennedy Tulimasealii (DT)	Waianae	6-2	280	Sr.
2. Ualesi Sale (DE)	Aiea	6-3	225	Sr.
3. Scott Pagano (DT)	Moanalua	6-3	280	Sr.
4. Titus Failauga (DE)	Pac-Five	6-4	245	Sr.
5. Kamalei Correa (DE)	Saint Louis	6-3	245	Sr.
6. Tovia Tufaga (DT)	Kahuku	6-0	246	Sr.
7. Lamone Williams (DE)	Kahuku	6-3	238	Jr.
8. Dakota Turner (DT)	Mililani	6-3	255	Sr.
9. Miki Fangatua (DT)	Baldwin	6-1	248	Sr.
10. Jeremy Taua (DE)	Leilehua	6-1	210	Sr.

On the cusp:
Amate Savusa, Campbell (DE, 6-2, 205, Sr.)
Moto Heimuli, Farrington (6-1, 229, Jr.)
Colton Goeas, Saint Louis (6-0, 246, Sr.)
Hercules Mata’afa, Lahainaluna
Una Masaniai, Kapaa
Jeremiah Taleni, Kailua (6-0, 327, Sr.)
Siaumau Mapu, Kahuku (5-10, 280, Sr.)
Devin Horswill, Kamehameha (5-10, 225, Sr.)
Mika Tafua, Kamehameha (6-3, 205, So.)
Kalei Meyer, Kamehameha (6-2, 255, Jr.)
Thor Latu, Kamehameha (5-2, 225, Sr.)
Kingston Fernandez, Kamehameha (6-3, 225, Jr.)
Canton Kaumatule, Punahou (6-7, 265, So.)
Ruairi Brady, Punahou (6-4, 240, Jr.)
Marc Ma, ‘Iolani (6-1, 201, Jr.)
Renno Sagapolu, Farrington (6-1, 227, Sr.)
Senio Samisoni, Waianae (6-0, 285, Jr.)
Lisala Kanongata’a, McKinley (5-11, 220, Sr.)

Sleepers:
Austin Failauga, Pac-Five (DE, 6-4, 200, Sr.)
Albert Crighton, Aiea (DT, 6-3, 250, Sr.)
Chayne Bohol, Konawaena
Kui Williams, McKinley (DE/TE 6-3, 215, Sr.)
Cleghorn Borge, Waianae (DE, 6-2, 185, Sr.)
Sione Moala, Kaimuki (6-0, 300, Sr.)
Shem Sukumaran, Kalaheo (DE, 6-0, 170, Sr.)
Faoato Atanoa, Kalaheo (DL/OL, 6-2, 260, So.)
Breiden Fehoko, Farrington (DE, 6-2, 230, So.)
David Fangupo, Kealakehe (6-0, 350, Sr.)
Isi Holani, Hilo (6-1, 250, Jr.)

LINEBACKERS

Player	School	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
1. Isaac Savaiinaea	Punahou	6-3	231	Sr.
2. Johnny Tapusoa	Kahuku	5-10	194	Sr.
3. Solomon Leano	Campbell	5-11	220	Sr.
4. Wesley Nagaseu	Waipahu	6-0	240	Sr.
5. Fitou Fisiiahi	Kaiser	6-2	240	Jr.
6. Syndreck Dsio	Farrington	5-11	217	Jr.
7. Aisea Tavae (MLB)	Farrington	5-10	224	Sr.
8. Mathias Tuitele-Iafeta	McKinley	5-11	235	Jr.
9. Jordan Hoiem (INJ)	Baldwin	6-4	208	Jr.
10. Rashaan Falemalu	Kahuku	6-1	192	Sr.

On the cusp:
Micah Paris, Kapolei (5-10, 211, Jr.)
Ikea Ikehara, Kamehameha (6-2, 210, Sr.)
Nela Otukolo, Saint Louis (5-11, 220, So.)
Teva Eldridge, Baldwin
Joshua Situmeang, ‘Iolani (6-0, 198, Sr.)
Sua Atanoa, Kalaheo (6-0, 220, Sr.)

Sleepers:
Mike Rabara, Konawaena (5-11, 175, Sr.)
Austin Faumui, Farrington (OLB, 5-11, 176, Sr.)
Brandon Johnston, Waianae (6-0, 185, Sr.)
Josaiah Hoopii, Waianae (5-9, 175, Sr.)
Anuenue Tui, Anuenue (5-7, 192, Sr.)
Kuali‘i Moefu, Kaimuki (5-9, 135, Jr.)
Jamel Tyler, Campbell (5-11, 180, Sr.)
Omar Silva, Kalaheo (LB/RB, 5-11, 200, Sr.)
Kyler O’Halloran, Kealakehe (6-1, 225, Sr.)
Justin Kawamoto, Honokaa (5-11, 230, Sr.)
Taz Preston, Waiakea (5-10, 170, Sr.)
T’shaquille Pe’a, Hilo (5-11, 200, Sr.)
Suwaiter Poch, Waiakea (5-11, 200, Jr.)
Matthew Winters, Keaau (5-9, 170, Sr.)

The skinny: Fitou Fisiiahi received scholarship offers from Utah and Oregon State* Hawaii, UNLV and Washington State on Wednesday this week. It’s just the beginning for the explosive junior, who has a 3.4 grade-point average and is already an NCAA qualifier. He has already taken Algebra II, a UH requirement. … Jordan Hoiem is out at least a few more weeks with a stress fracture of a foot. … McKinley’s hard-nosed defensive performances against smashmouth offenses (Kahuku, Farrington) is largely due to a front seven led by linebacker Mathias Tuitele-Iafeta, a junior.

* Corrects scholarship offers, per Coach Rich Miano

---

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Player	School	Ht.	Wt.	Yr.
1. Kawehena Johnson (S/WR/QB)	Kahuku	5-8	163	Sr.
2. Shaun Kagawa (CB/LB/RB)	KS-Hawaii	5-11	171	Sr.
3. Pali Galdeira (S)	Saint Louis	5-11	194	Jr.
4. Manly Williams (S)	KS-Hawaii	6-2	194	Jr.
5. Nick Kwon	Pac-Five	5-9	170	Sr.
6. Setefano Lavatai (CB)	Farrington	5-8	187	Sr.
7. Max Look	‘Iolani	5-6	152	Jr.
8. Kaeo Kanoa	Kapolei	6-0	190	Sr.
9. Devailo Motuga-Galeai (S)	Kahuku	5-10	181	Sr.
10. Jayven Mohetau	Kahuku	5-11	174	Sr.

On the cusp:
J.T. Los Banos, ‘Iolani (6-0, 163, Jr.)
Jacob Lacaden, Saint Louis (6-0, 190, Jr.)
Dade Apao, Kamehameha (6-1, 180, Sr.)
Andrew Okimura, ‘Iolani (5-9, 162, Sr.)
Tre Boyd, Farrington (5-8, 143, Jr.)
Kiko Kohler-Fonohema, Lahainaluna
Chaz Shizumura, Punahou (6-0, 175, Sr.)
Shai Pulawa, Leilehua (5-11, 170, Sr.)
Branson Funakoshi, Leilehua (5-10, 185, Sr.)
A.J. Aleaga, Aiea (5-8, 170, Sr.)
Jordan Hussey, Waianae (5-8, 140, Sr.)
Brandon Rojo, Waianae (5-11, 150, Sr.)
Koali Opunui, Waianae (5-11, 170, Jr.)
Yuuya Kato, ‘Iolani (5-9, 185, Sr.)
Tytus Lucas, Lahainaluna

Sleepers:
Chase Takaki, Konawaena
Zac Bastatas, Kaimuki (CB, 5-10, 150, Sr.)
Chansen Exzabe, Kaimuki (5-10, 155, Sr.)
Jonah Lapitan, Kaimuki, Jr. (5-9, 160, Jr.)
Kama Vincent, Kamehameha-Hawaii (6-0, 170, Sr.)
Drew Kell, Hilo (6-1, 175, Jr.)

Paul Honda, Star-Advertiser