After a two week break from spring ball, summer practices are up and running at Kauai High. The guardians of the garden isle made their presence known in 2013 with a 10-1 record, a state title game appearance and a 28-7 road victory over six-time defending Division II state champion ‘Iolani in the state semifinals. Now with the interim tag gone from head coach Tommy John Cox’s job status, the Red Raiders look to build on their success from last year. 

One of the biggest challenges the Red Raiders face is replacing a superb graduating senior class. Gone is quarterback Kelson Andrade, Kauai Interscholastic Federation Offensive Player of the Year Reggie McFadden, center Devan Ferreira, ScoringLive All-Hawaii Defensive Player of the Year James Bukoski, safety Kaiea Iwasaki and a whole slew of key contributors. Even though it will be almost near impossible for Kauai to replicate the talent it lost, coach Cox is noticing that the taste of success has ignited the group he has now.

“I don’t think we can, that was just a different group of guys. That bunch, they were special,” Cox said on the recent graduating class. “This year is a whole new bunch, different mentality. Last year they were mellow, laid back. This year they got a little more fire. No one expected that (we could make it far last year), so now that they realize how close they can get, they work a little more harder.

“You can see (it), in the small things. In the drills they give extra effort, especially with the guys that were here last year; they know that it can be done. They push themselves harder and I think that’s going to make us a little better.”

Kauai isn’t without some stud returnees however. A big name returning for the Red Raiders is all-purpose Kalawaia Judd. Judd is a big 6-foot-2 receiver that isn’t afraid to play with a little contact and make plays in the run game. He also sees time on special teams and as a pass rusher against spread offenses. 

“He’s a gamer,” said Cox. “He’ll show up to play and he’ll make big plays. Last year he saved us in couple of games against Kapaa, making first down catches and stuff.”

Another role to add to Judd's duties could be quarterback. He will be competing with sophomore Aaron Renaud, who is back at Kauai after playing at Saint Louis his freshman year.

Cox on Judd: “Through the years I’ve kind of see him mature. This year he is really focusing on what he has to do. I think he is going to do big things this year.” 

Cox also had some praise for Renaud: “He’s got a good arm, he’s always have a good arm. I think he’s about 5-9, 5-10, 180-lbs right now. He’ll get a little bigger. He’s just an athlete.”

Regardless of who comes out as the starting quarterback, the other player will still receive playing time on offense as a receiver.

Much like last year, Kauai will rely heavily on its offensive line to help move the chains. Although Nate Herbig has left for Saint Louis, the Red Raiders will still have a talented bunch returning in Jared Astrologio, Clint Matais and Shawn Apilado. Astrologio and Matais were All-KIF offensive line selections, and Apilado was used in spurts when Matais shifted over to fullback. They will also have the services of Waimea transfer Anu Callahan. 

“I think right now, our O-line is probably our strong point, so we looking to run the ball behind them,” Cox said on the team’s offense. “This year hopefully we can throw it out a little more but we want to control the football and get first downs. I’m fine getting three, four yards a crack, controlling the line of scrimmage. We’re not about airing it out hanging 35, 40 points. It’s just not our game. I think the defense with coach Todd (Tanaka), they just make it easier on us. We want to get first downs and give them rest and help them out a little bit too.”

Carrying the brunt of the carries this year will be Jhustin Balisacan and Kyrus Rapacon. 

A big name to look out for defensively is linebacker and All-KIF selection Kelii Efhan. Efhan was productive in the postseason, racking up 15 tackles and a sack during the state tournament. 

“Efhan is back, he’s big time,” Cox said on Efhan. “Last year he played right next to James Bukoski. He’s probably the second best defender we had last year. He’s going to be a big help.” 

The Red Raiders also return three more starters defensively, linebacker Nicholas Gabriel and cornerbacks Damien Butac and Shadeon Tallano.

Cox says the numbers are in the 30’s for the varsity program, so he’ll probably have to play some players both ways.

“I’m going to say we’re going to have some guys that got to go both ways this year,” said Cox. “Last year we were kind of luckier, everybody can go one way – but I think we’re going to have to go both ways so they are going to have to get in shape.” 

So can Kauai get back into the state championship game and win the whole thing? Cox says they just have to take it one game at a time. 

“Obviously that’s everyone’s goal, but we got to go one game at a time, you cannot look past anybody in the KIF, that’s not what we want to do. Kapaa is tough. I think defensively and offensively they are going to be better. Waimea too is going be tough. Their JV got some big boys last year.”

Kauai is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and a state title could probably be the best accessory to the party. The Red Raiders journey back to the top of the mountain begins with a visit from Damien and a trip to face Konawaena.