When Ka‘u head coach DuWayne Ke looks around his practice field he sees a lot of one thing — green. And he’s not talking about the grass.
When Ka‘u head coach DuWayne Ke looks around his practice field he sees a lot of one thing — green. And he’s not talking about the grass.
“This whole field is green,” Ke said. “We don’t have a lot of experience returning. Our plate is full this year. But if the kids are disciplined and listen, we will do just fine.”
The Trojans captured the inaugural BIIF 8-man championship last season with a perfect league record. It was the first football title for Ka‘u since 1962.
But it’s not all about winning for the Trojans. Ke remembers his first year at the helm when Ka‘u was winless, and knows there is a lot more to the game of football than the numbers that show up in the win-loss column.
“There are a lot of schools that want to win. But for us, it’s about having fun — win or lose,” Ke said. “If a kid can come out here and have fun, they’re a winner in my book.”
Offense
Ka‘u got a head start on its BIIF competition with an extra year of 8-man experience in 2013. That extra time on the field, combined with the skill of BIIF Offensive Player of the Year Cy Tamura, helped the Trojans outscore their Big Island competition 216-80.
Tamura is gone, and Ke will be looking to replace the production of his multifaceted offensive juggernaut. He is not dwelling on what the Trojans don’t have though. He is already excited about the amount of speed he sees on the field.
“Last year we had some speed, but not as much as this year,” Ke said. “Our kids are all about speed, not size. We will be fast this year.”
First-team All-BIIF quarterback Kamaehu DeRamos returns to help steer the offense.
His top targets in the passing game will likely be junior Kainalu Dancel and senior Evan Manoha. Kalamakoa Waiwaiole will carry the ball and play from the slot.
Center Trieson Pascubillo will lead an experienced offensive line.
Defense
Manoha is the returning BIIF Defensive Player of the Year, and he earned the honor for good reason. His coach admits that the Trojans could have lost some games if it was not for his gutsy performances.
“He is a stud for us and can make up for a lot of mistakes,” Ke said. “He made our defense unreal last year. If it weren’t for him we would have lost at least one game. I know that for sure.”
Manoha will man a linebacker spot, but Ke said he has freedom to roam.
The Trojans also return a few veterans on the defensive line. They will hope to plug up what is expected to be run heavy offenses of BIIF opponents.