From left: Kamehameha's Brandon Kaho'okele, Saint Louis' Adam Noga and Punahou's Wayne Taulapapa. ScoringLive photo illustration

Purchase image 1 of 1

The third-part of a four features a look at some of the best running backs in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu.

Brandon Kahookele - Kamehameha-Kapalama

Coming into this year, everyone knew that there would some changes in the Warrior football program. With Coach David Stant stepping down to coach college football in Japan and quarterback Makoa Camanse-Stevens graduating, there were some big shoes to fill. Kamehameha eventually hired a new head coach in former Dallas Cowboys star in Doug Cosbie, and even hired a new defensive coordinator Byron Beatty. If there was any form of continuity, it was in 2012 leading rusher Kaulana Apelu.

In 2012, Apelu averaged 6.4 yards per carry and scored eight touchdowns on the year. There was a lot to look forward to in 2013 from Apelu, especially after posting back-to-back games of over 100 yards rushing against the likes of Punahou and St. Louis.

However, a season-ending ACL-injury has sidelined Apelu from returning to his role as the leading rusher.

Enter Brandon Kahookele.

In what may come down as the biggest blessing in disguise all year, the Warrior running game has not missed a beat with Kahookele in the backfield. After five games this year, Kahookele's 699 rushing yards has already surpassed Apelu's 2012 season rushing totals.

Kahookele might not be the biggest guy at 5-foot-6, but he sure does run with a lot of heart. The senior running back is a consistent back that has a second gear if you make him angry. Instead of letting his emotions get to him, Kahookele prefers to let his play do the talking.

With such a low center of gravity, taller defenders will have a harder time trying to tackle veteran running back. Kahookele is averaging an outstanding 139.8 rushing yards per game, a trend that the Warriors and Kahookele hopes to continue on with their aspirations for a state title.

Kainoa Simao - Kamehameha-Kapalama

Another senior running back who gets to see more playing time this year with Apelu injured is Kainoa Simao. With a similar stature to Kahookele, Simao also doubles as the punt-returner and is a viable change of pace back to spell Kahookele. Simao averages 6.5 yards per carry and actually had more rushing yardage than Kahookele in Kamehameha's early season tilt with St. Louis.

Together with Kahookele, the pair of seniors has filled in more than admirably in Apelu's absence.

Adam Noga - Saint Louis

Probably the most known ILH running back heading into 2013, Adam Noga provides the running component in the explosive Crusader offense. Despite only averaging nine carries per game, whenever Noga does have the ball in his hands good things tend to happen. The 5-foot-10, 180-lb senior is averaging an outstanding 9.1 yards per carry, which is almost good for a first down every time he touches the ball.

He might not see that much action running the ball, but he provides relief to junior quarterback Ryder Kuhns. The running game takes pressure off of Kuhns with defenses having to account for Noga. An efficient day running the ball for St. Louis almost guarantees an efficient day for the Crusader offense.

Raymond Caayon - Saint Louis

If there's another guy who should see more action than Noga, it is 5-foot-9, 175-lb Raymond Caayon. The junior averages a draw-dropping 23.8 yards per carry and even has already as much rushing touchdowns as Noga does. Caayon's carries might have come against second-teamers, but there's no denying his speed and big-play ability.

Kotoni Sekona - Punahou

Kotoni Sekona is a guy you just look at and feel sorry for any defender attempting to take him down. The 6-foot, 237-lb senior is a tall, beefy back, which resembles former NFL-star Brandon Jacobs. Sekona got off to a great start in the season, running for 97 yards and a touchdown in their opener against Mililani. However, a foot injury suffered in Punahou's matchup with Helix has the towering running back sidelined for a couple of weeks. A healthy Sekona will be crucial to Punahou's championship aspirations.

Wayne Taulapapa - Punahou

The 5-foot-11, 185-lb sophomore is averaging a decent 103.3 yards rushing per game and has filled in admirably while Sekona is out with injury. Wayne Taulapapa does a great job finding running lanes and following his blockers.

Buffanblu faces a tough test this week against Kamehameha and they'll need Taulapapa to have an effective game to counter the Warrior's ferocious pass rush.

Jordan Ross - Iolani

The big void left behind from three-time winning state championship quarterback Reece Foy has been filled in many ways by the emergence of running back Jordan Ross. Just a sophomore, Ross already has 556 yards rushing and ten touchdowns so far this year. Ross' presence has also helped bring along, as well as relieve pressure off of, new Raiders' quarterbacks Austin Jim On and Easton Tsubata.

Iolani runs a lot of pass plays and misdirection in their offense, and if you don't account for Ross, he'll make you play.

Trevor Caspillo - Damien

Trevor Caspillo doesn't see a whole lot of touches in the Monarch's offense, but he does provide a decent running style that can move the chains averaging a respectable 4.9 yards per carry. The 5-foot-6, 141-lb running back actually does most of his damage in the passing game, averaging 12.5 yards per reception.

Jarrod Infante - Pac-Five

The Wolfpack is one of the more pass-oriented teams in the state, so running back Jarrod Infante doesn't see a whole lot of action. Infante is only a sophomore, and should get better as his high school career progresses.

Ranan Mamiya - Saint Francis

Ranan Mamiya originally was slated as the team's running back, but will now see time under center for the Saints. Nevertheless, Mamiya looks to be the main offensive weapon for the Saints, and will be a threat no matter what position he lines up in.