Kahuku Red Raiders

Head coach/Offensive coordinator: Sterling Carvalho (3rd season)
Defensive coordinator: Nihoa Pule

Players to watch: LB/WR Liona Lefau (6-1, 210, Jr.), S/WR Brock Fonoimoana (6-2, 190, Jr.), LB Leonard Ah You (6-2, 195, Jr.), LB/WR Kruze Keanu (6-0, 215, Sr.), WR Kainoa Carvalho (5-7, 170, Jr.)

Coach's words: "Everyone can expect Kahuku to play hard-nosed Kahuku football and an offense and defense that will showcase the talents of our athletes. Every team in the state will be hungry and grateful to be playing football this season. We feel that we can match the intensity of any team in the state and will be ready to compete with anyone. We play anyone, anytime." - Sterling Carvalho

SL's take: As is the case with so many Kahuku teams over the years, defense will once again lead the way with this group. Lefau is rated as a four-star recruit by a few national publications, while Ah You and Fonoimoana are three-star players - all of them are just juniors, which bodes well for Red Raiders come the 2022 season. Lefau can play any of the LB positions and even WR, if need be. Ah You excels on the edge and has a motor much like that of his older brother Miki - a former Kahuku standout and current-University of Washington LB - according to Carvalho. Keanu is another versatile backer who will see time on offense. DE Manuel Marquardsen (6-3, 240, Sr.) is the top player on an inexperienced DL. Cornerback is an especially deep position for the Kahuku defense. Junior Toilolo (5-10, 165, Jr.) picked up several MVP awards are camps over the summer, while Horyzen Farley (5-11, 190, Sr.) is a bigger CB and can also play LB. S Wahi Emmsley (6-1, 186, Sr.) can also play the rover position. Over on offense the QB battle is between senior Jason Mariterangi (5-11, 175) and junior Toa Crawford (6-1, 170), but there is a clear hierarchy at the RB position, where Lalio Kaluna (5-11, 190, Sr.) is the starter, Clyde Taulapapa (5-10, 185, Jr.) is the backup and Manulele Ah You (5-11, 170, So.) is the No. 3 guy. Kaluna ran for 325 yards as a sophomore backup to All-Hawaii First Team pick Zealand Matagi in 2019 and is a 'jack of all trades,' while Taulapapa is more of a power back complementary to Ah You's speed and quickness. Chansen Garcia (5-10, 185, Jr.) brings track speed and can play WR, SB, RB and even DB. Kainoa Carvalho, the nephew of the head coach, is another quick and elusive player who can make an impact at any number of positions, including KR and PR on special teams. OG Sione Heimuli (6-4, 350, Sr.) and OT Judah Kaio (6-2, 305, Sr.) bring experience to the OL. Kahuku has a new defensive coordinator in Pule, who has been a longtime assistant with the team. The Pride of the North Shore won't have the opportunity to play any home games this season as work is being done at Carleton R. Weimer Field to replace the natural grass field with a long-awaited artificial surface.

SCHEDULE

Fri Oct 15	@ Kapolei		W, 41-7
Sat Oct 23	@ Farrington		W, 75-6
Sat Oct 30	@ Leilehua		W, 55-0
Sat Nov 06	@ Waianae		W, 50-7
Sat Nov 13	@ Mililani		W, 55-20
Sat Nov 27	@ Campbell		W, 49-23
Sat Dec 04	Waianae	at Farrington	W, 33-7
Fri Dec 10	Mililani	at Leilehua	W, 21-14
Sat Dec 18	Campbell	at Farrington	W, 21-0
Thu Dec 23	Saint Louis	at Farrington	W, 49-14