By BILL O’REAR
By BILL O’REAR
Tribune-Herald sports editor
With 26 returning seniors and possibly the biggest and most athletic defensive line in school history, Kealakehe may be on the verge of a milestone football season.
The Waveriders, the two-time defending Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division I champion, are talent-loaded and will count on their seniors to lead the way under head coach Sam Papalii.
“This team is a work in progress and we’re counting on our seniors to provide strong leadership,” said Papalii, returning to lead the Waveriders after a coaching stint at the collegiate level on the mainland.
“This is a good group and we’ve identified some seniors that we believe can provide the leadership we’re looking for,” Papalii said. “Some are vocal and some lead by example. But it’s something that will evolve as the season goes along and our team chemistry develops.”
Kyler O’Halloran, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker and reigning BIIF defensive player of the year, is one of the seniors that has stepped forward.
“Kyler is doing a great job as a team leader,” Papalii said. “He’s stepped up his game from last year and has a chance to have another outstanding year for us.
“He’s very knowledgeable, an intelligent player who has a lot of toughness. He works hard on defense and is physical. He may not be the fastest, but he’s quick and has all the intangibles of a good football player.”
O’Halloran has drawn the interest of some college coaches and Papalii believes he’ll get the opportunity to play at the next level.
“Kyler just loves the game and he’s an excellent student,” the Kealakehe coach said. “He’s one of a group of seniors we’re counting on to be a leader on this team.”
Talent-wise, senior Manase Hungalu may be the best of the best on the Waveriders’ squad. The 6-2, 215-pound linebacker has already been offered scholarships from the University of Hawaii, Idaho and Oregon State and is on the radar of several other D-I schools.
“Manase is an athlete playing on the defense and making the plays,” Papalii said. “He’s a playmaker and we’re expecting a great year out of him.
“He’s a tenacious competitor and can make plays in space. That’s what the colleges are seeing on his highlight tape. He can adjust his body in space and make the tackle. He’s not stiff, he can change directions quickly and make the plays.”
And with Hungalu, O’Halloran and Jacob Mareko at linebacker, Papalii believes his hard-tackling corp can match up with any school in the state.
Mareko, a 5-10, 200-pound senior, is similar to his teammates in their physical approach and the trio can often dominate the midfield and reinforce the Waveriders’ strong defensive line.
The Kealake coach also calls defensive tackles David Fangupo and Travis Lualemaga “Division I prospects” and two of the best at their position in the state.
“Both are over 300 pounds and are run stoppers,” Papalii said. “I feel really good about those two. And defense has always been the key when I’ve worked at Kealakehe. If we can stay away from injuries, we have a chance to have an outstanding year.”
Fangupo is a 6-2, 348-pound senior; Lualemaga, a 6-1, 312-pound junior.
Papalii, a longtime prep and college coach, also points to cornerback Giuseppi Zapataoliva as a leader in the defensive backfield. The 6-0, 185-pound senior is a returning starter and a talented athlete who can cover a lot of ground.
“First, we want to win the BIIF and then make a statement in the state championships,” Papalii said. “This is the biggest and one of the most talented teams in skill positions that I’ve had and this could be a really special year if everything comes together.”
Papalii admitted his team’s defense is ahead of the offense, but he feels that will change as his 40-man roster matures with experience.
“We’ve had some injuries with our quarterbacks and a few other positions, but if we get back close to 100 percent healthwise, we should be in good shape to make a strong run this year,” the coach said. “Our linemen are big and athletic, probably as big as UH’s line this year. Now, we need to continue improving and get both the offense and defense working together. But a big part of it will be for our seniors to provide the valuable leadership and help us reach our potential as a team.”
And for Papalii, he’s thrilled to be back at Kealakehe with a chance to see something special happen.
“I’m doing what I love to do — working with the kids,” Papalii said. “It’s great to be back at Kealakehe, it’s an excellent program.”
Schedule
Sept. 8: vs. Waiakea
Sept. 15: vs. Hilo
Sept. 22: at Keaau
Sept. 29: at Waiakea
Oct. 6: at Hilo
Oct. 12: vs. Keaau
Oct. 20: D-I semifinal (No. 3 at No. 2)
Oct. 27: D-I championship
Nov. 9: D-I state championships, first round