Kamehameha coach Dan Lyons has an indicator he likes to use to measure the stability of his program. ADVERTISING Kamehameha coach Dan Lyons has an indicator he likes to use to measure the stability of his program. In 2012, the
Kamehameha coach Dan Lyons has an indicator he likes to use to measure the stability of his program.
In 2012, the Warriors started the season with 34 players on academic probation. That number has steadily nosedived, from 24 two years ago, to 14 last season all the way down to its current level: goose eggs.
“That’s the focus of our program,” said Lyons, who worries about intangibles such as discipline and leadership long before he stresses about X’s and O’s. “Having kids understand that school is going to get them where they want to go.”
Here’s another indicator of stability: When first-year starting quarterback Kamakana Pagan went down with an injury in the preseason opener at Kalaheo, the Warriors inserted DallasJ Duarte into the lineup. Despite never having played competitive football before, the sophomore — the guy backing up the guy who was supposed to replace all-league quarterback Micah Kanehailua — helped Kamehameha to three victories and the Warriors’ offense looks like it hasn’t skipped a beat.
It helps that there are myriad safety blankets for a young quarterback to use at his disposal.
“We’re all there to help Dallas through,” senior wide receiver Kainalu Whitney said. “I’ve tried to coach (him) on how I want the ball so we can gain a connection.”
The Warriors dethroned Konawaena last season and won their first Division II championship since 2010, then they defeated Nanakuli to become only the third BIIF team to win at the HHSAA playoffs.
“We felt a lot of pressure to win the title,” senior linebacker Lukela Chin said. “This year, we feel we have to do better than last year.”
Pagan saw time in the preseason finale, and whoever starts at quarterback Friday in the season-opener at Kealakehe will be walking into a goldmine. There is an all-BIIF at running back in Kaeo Batacan and a plethora of playmakers at wide receiver and slotback.
“It gets very competitive at practice, especially when everyone wants to go in at the same time,” Whitney said of the battle for playing time. “Everyone wants to get reps and everyone wants to start.”
The depth is as equally impressive on the offensive line, and a defense that returned just three players who saw an abundance of playing time looked athletic and up to the task in the preseason, allowing just 20 points in three games.
“Our goal is to have great guys that leave a great legacy,” Lyons said. “They move on and someone steps into their shoes. That is an indication that our program is working.”
Offense
Quarterback
Pagan, a junior, lead Kamehameha to touchdowns on the first two drives of the preseason before reinjuring his foot. He saw time in the third preseason game after Duarte proved more than capable to spreading the ball around to get the Warriors’ athletes in space.
Both are athletic. Pagan has been in the system longer, but Duarte played with more and more poise as the preseason progressed.
“Before the injury, everything with (Pagan) was looking good,” Whitney said.
Running back
Asked to list Batacan’s strengths, Lyons goes on and on about the shifty 5-foot-5 senior.
“Character, heart, determination, speed, strength, quickness, eyes,” Lyons said. “He is what we all would aspire to be.”
Sophomore Abishai Campbell will get second crack at carries.
Wide receiver/slot receiver
Sure-handed Whitney, at 6-0, headlines the deep corps of receivers, and 6-1 junior Makana Manoa also is tall and fast. Senior Tre Evans-Dumaran is a track star who won four golds at BIIFs earlier in the year and has shown better hands of late, while sophomore Ayston Motta showed glimpses of his potential in the preseason.
Senior Noah Perreira also will try to help move the chains as a possession receiver.
At slot, senior Bayley Allen-Manliguis was all-BIIF last year and promises to be a go-to player once again, and sophomore Israel Bowden transferred back to Kamehameha from St. Louis School in Honolulu.
Offensive line
This senior-laden unit has grown up together, led by left tackle Kelii Montibon, a 6-3 specimen who is attracting attention from FBS schools such as Army and San Diego State.
Center Joyden Madriaga, 5-10 and 250, enters his third year as starter and Icher Pule-Annes, 6-2, 235, and Kanaiela Decoita, 6-2, 250, also are seniors. Junior Joe Hooper, 5-11, 245, also has one spot on the line locked up.
“Pretty good size. We were bigger last year, but some have lost weight,” Lyons said. “A very athletic group.”
Defense
Defensive line
The headliner is junior Wayne Decalio, who moved from linebacker to rush end after making all-BIIF last season.
“He’s looking like an animal over there,” Chin said. “We’re more aggressive this year. Everyone likes to hustle to the ball.”
Madriaga will occupy one spot at defensive tackle, while junior Nainoa Rosehill is one of the Warriors biggest players, listed at 6-1, 300.
Senior Trenton Kuamoo got seasoning last year and will play end, and Sedrick Mahi brings more athleticism to the unit.
Linebacker
The steady Chin returns as a starter, and senior Iokua Manuia started two years ago before missing time last season with an injury.
Junior Ethan Ramos is another athletic option, and junior Trey Galigo will man the strong side.
Defensive backs
This may be one of the rawest units on the team, but like most everywhere else on the field, Lyons likes the group’s athleticism.
Sophomore Justin Kenoi and Daylen Calicdan are competing for time at free safety, and the cornerbacks are senior David Kelii and sophomore Kaili Kekuawela.
“Kaili is just a stud and deserves to start as a sophomore,” Lyons said.
