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Male Athlete of the Week: Jeremy McGoldrick, Castle football
Wherever Jeremy McGoldrick lines up on the field, he always finds a way to succeed.

The 5-foot-7, 140 pound senior receiver was thrust into the starting quarterback role just before the start of the game that caught Jeremy off guard.

"I didn't even know I was starting until right before the game. I only practiced two days at quarterback this week and right before the game coach told me I was starting. I played QB for this team before when I was a sophomore so I know the plays and everything," said McGoldrick.

To snap a four-game losing streak, McGoldrick put the offense on his shoulders to score four touchdowns—two passing, one rushing and one receiving to beat Nanakuli, 30-16. He accounted for 453 yards of total offense and finished with 471 all-purpose yards for the game.

"We had some things going on in practice. We had some inconsistencies so we were designing a package to change things up. We put in a special package in and the plan was to get the quarterbacks rotating. Jeremy had success on the field with what we were doing so we stuck with it," said Castle coach Nelson Maeda.

So far he has scored 10 total touchdowns on the season. He leads the Knights in receiving with 29 receptions for 341 yards and five TDs and he is second on the team in rushing with 203 yards and three TDs.

Castle started its first offensive drive with two runs by Israel Pakele and McGoldrick scored on a 63-yard run which accounted for a big chunk of his 157 rushing yards. He also broke off for a 26 yard run that would set up a score two plays later.

"He made some nice plays. The protection broke down, but he was able to scramble and gain positive yards so it helped us a lot," said Maeda.

"I've always been a scrambling quarterback since I was younger, so it's natural for me," added McGoldrick.

He threw a 25-yard TD to Ulrich Naki and a 2-point conversion pass to Makana Smith and later a 10-yard score to Smith in the second quarter to give the Knights a 20-6 halftime lead. He was able to find Smith for 37 and 34 yard gains to move the ball downfield for 12 of Castle's 15 passing first downs.

"Even in practice I was rusty, I had a couple throws that weren't so good, but as the game went on and I threw a little bit at halftime, and I felt better after that," said McGoldrick.

"He hasn't played much quarterback at all. He was primarily receiver and played some DB, but he was like our third or fourth quarterback. He came in and did a bang up job," said Maeda.

McGoldrick finished the game with 237 yards on 13-of-22 passing. Not bad for being a little bit "rusty".  

The only knock on McGoldrick was that he lost two fumbles on rushing attempts—one was on a red zone drive, but he owned up to it to make sure it won't happen again—especially against the Surfriders.

"That's something I'm going to focus on in practice this week. Make sure I carry the ball better and protect it," said McGoldrick.

The Knights led 20-16 after Nanakuli started gaining momentum. Late in the third quarter, Jaylen Uyemura-Lee came in at quarterback and McGoldrick went back to his normal position at wide receiver. He caught three passes for 59 yards, including a 33-yard TD from Uyemura-Lee early in the fourth quarter to help Castle pull away for good.

"Me and Jaylen have a close bond, I love playing receiver for him. That was a backside route, I actually told him before the play if the front side is not open, I have the backside post and his first read wasn't there so he went backside," said McGoldrick, on the TD reception.

The Knights travel to Alex Kane Stadium to face Kailua to close out the regular season.

-Brandon Ching

Female Athlete of the Week: Kayla Afoa, Kamehameha volleyball
Kayla Afoa has seen it all in her three-plus varsity seasons and her Kamehameha girls volleyball team is putting that to use this season.

Afoa, a 5-foot-9, senior outside hitter, has been a study of consistency for the Warriors and a big part of their three-set win over Punahou at Kekahaupio Gym Saturday afternoon. She put down 11 kills with 17 digs and three total blocks to help Kamehameha to a 25-21, 21-25 and 25-18 victory.

"Her quickness and her ability to see things that are happening around her has been a great asset to us and although it doesn't show up necessarily in the stats so much, she made the appropriate choices at the appropriate times," Warriors coach Chris Blake said.

The Warriors remained unbeaten at 8-0 in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I standings. It was their second win over the Buffanblu this season and just the second time that they dropped a set in a match.

"To be quite honest, it was one of our poorer performances and it was a lot of what Punahou was doing," Blake said. "They served really tough, but the thing about Kayla is she's so steady. Her consistency is a steadying factor and helped everybody stay and trust the process. She understands what needs to be done and she's been doing everything that she can to make sure we do it."

Blake said that Afoa's maturity has been crucial to his team.

"As a four-year starter, she's come a long way. She's definitely a different player than when she showed up on our team as a freshman," Blake said. "It's her second year now as a leader, as a captain of our team, and she understands the things we need because she's seen it as a player and a leader, and that's helped her to continue to grow to help our group."

Afoa mentioned former Warriors standouts Alohi Robins-Hardy and Tiyana Hallums among those that were the most influential to her in her prep career.

"They taught me so much about how I can contribute to the team and how it's always about the team, not just the individual," said Afoa, who has given a verbal commitment to play for the University of Nevada, Reno next year. "They really inspired me to play for my teammates and not just play for myself. They did a great job in nurturing our team and continuing the legacy of our team. Something I want to pass on to the team for next year and the years to come is to always stick together and to trust in the process and always play together and for each other."

Afoa was a freshman when the Warriors won the state title back in 2013. Following that season, she suffered a torn ACL during the soccer season, but was back on the volleyball court for the start of the 2014 campaign.

"She's had some adversity along the way, but after she tore her ACL she came back in nine months and was playing for us the next year," Blake said.

Afoa, who also competes in track and field in the high jump, long jump and 4x100-meter relay events, said the time away from volleyball was difficult, but she stayed positive with the help of her coaches, teammates and family.

"Just from watching and having to sit out a year I was really devastated, as I'm sure anyone would be, but it really helped me throughout the whole rehab process to be mentally strong and just know who I have to support me," Afoa said. "It was a long process, but I think from that I learned to be mentally strong."

Kamehameha returned to the state final that season, but lost in four sets to rival Punahou in the championship match. Last year, Afoa and the Warriors reclaimed the top spot with a thrilling five-set upset victory over tournament top seed and ILH champion Iolani.

Afoa took a match-high 71 swings in the title match, with 11 kills and 24 digs.

"I think it's a testament to her mental toughness, but Kayla always seems to get things right in the end," Blake said. "Last year she had one of her best matches of the season in the state final."

In a straight-set win over Maryknoll Thursday, Afoa had a team-high 12 kills and hit .440 with four digs and a block. Earlier in the week, she notched 19 digs in a sweep of Sacred Hearts.

"She's always contributing to the team in some way and she's a big part of us being successful," Blake said. "Part of it is because of her consistency, she is making it look easy and another thing is she's able to do the little things to ensure team success. She's all about trying to improve and I think that's why she's gotten where she's at — because she's always gone the extra mile."

The Warriors also got solid performances from junior outside hitter Kili Robins (10 kills, six digs, one block), sophomore middle Braelyn Akana (7 kills, three digs, three blocks) and senior libero Kyra Hanawahine (10 digs)

"It was a pretty balanced effort for us across the board. It wasn't like one performance was dominating in all phases for us, and we like that," Blake said. "We believe that the team is the strength of the season."

Afoa and the first-place Warriors host Mid-Pacific Wednesday and second-place Iolani Saturday at Kekuhaupio Gym.

-Kalani Takase

 
AIR RIFLERY
Brooke Barboza, Waialua — Shot a high score of 528 in a win over Leilehua

Madison Hatashi, Pearl City — Shot a high score of 508.16 in a win over Kapolei

Justin Enoki, Moanalua — Shot a high score of 542.13 in a win over Kailua

Justin Pascua, Kalaheo — Shot a high score of 550.17 in a win over Kailua

BOWLING
Jasyn Abadilla, Waipahu — Rolled a high single-game score of 217 in an OIA West girls match

Micah Freitas, Castle — Rolled a high single-game score of 248 and a three-game series of 671 in an OIA East boys match

Kameryn Kaneshiro, Roosevelt — Rolled a high single-game score of 194 and a three-game series of 544 in an OIA East girls match

Chayenne Kuamoo-Malama, Waipahu — Rolled a high single-game score of 268 and a three-game series of 664 in an OIA West boys match

Gwen Maeha, Leilehua — Rolled a high three-game series score of 553 in an OIA West girls match

CROSS COUNTRY
Jordan Jones, St. Andrew's — Won the 5K girls race at Hawaii Prep in a time of 21 minutes, 49.29 seconds

Connor Lehl, Punahou — Won the 5K boys race at Hawaii Prep in a time of 17 minutes, 59.17 seconds

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Lexis Akeo, Kamehameha — Had 20 assists, four digs and a kill in a three-set win over Punahou

Kylee Alos, Mililani — Had 15 digs in a two-set win over Aiea

Trinity Atuatasi, Aiea — Had 15 digs in a two-set loss to Mililani

Hope Carter, Mililani — Had 22 assists, two kills, two digs and a solo block in a two-set win over Aiea

Rhylee Corpuz, Christian Liberty — Had 40 assists and 21 digs in a five-set win over Makua Lani

Chandler Cowell, King Kekaulike — Had 12 kills, four digs and three aces in a three-set win over Baldwin

Chantelle Fiso-Naki, Kaiser — Had 15 kills, one assist, one solo block and a block assist in a three-set win over McKinley

Amalia Hilliard, Punahou — Had 13 kills, four digs and a solo block in a three-set loss to Kamehameha

Destiny Kaumatule, Kaiser — Had 10 kills and eight digs in a two-set loss to Roosevelt

Telly Koon, Christian Liberty — Had 25 kills, nine aces and three block assists in a five-set win over Makua Lani

Kamalei Krug, Anuenue — Had 11 kills and an ace in a two-set loss to Kalaheo

Leslie Mamai-Lagafuaina, Aiea — Had 10 kills, two digs and two assists in a two-set loss to Mililani

Cheylah-Marie Marfil, Nanakuli — Had 20 assists, two digs, two block assists and two aces in a two-set win over Waipahu

Syenna Masaki, Kalaheo — Had 10 kills, eight assists, one ace and a block assist in a two-set win over Anuenue

Keliiakekaipukaamaka McComber, Punahou — Had 11 kills, 13 digs, four aces and an assist in a three-set loss to Kamehameha

Gabriella Puaa, Punahou — Had 31 assists, 11 digs, one kill and a block assist in a three-set loss to Kamehameha

Mary Pratt, Christian Liberty — Had 24 digs and six aces in a five-set win over Makua Lani

Kili Robins, Kamehameha — Had 10 kills, six digs and a block assist in a three-set win over Punahou

Olivia Transfiguracion, Kapolei — Had 23 assists and three block assists in a two-set win over Aiea

Kailee Yoshimura, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Had 14 kills in a three-set win over Kealakehe

FOOTBALL
Noah Alejado, Saint Louis — Caught 11 passes for 147 yards in a win over Iolani

Kaeo Alvarez-Ranan, Kapolei — Caught six passes for 114 yards and a touchdown in a win over Farrington

Seau Amor, Konawaena — Scored on a 75-yard interception return in a win over Kealakehe

Braden Amorozo, Waipahu — Threw for 232 yards and two touchdowns on 23-of-37 passing in a win over Waialua

Cody Andres-Paguirigan, Waipahu — Caught 12 passes for 68 yards and a touchdown in a win over Waialua

Gage Asing, Aiea — Made six tackles, including a sack, intercepted two passes, forced a fumble and broke up a pass in a win over Radford

Kalai Asing, Aiea — Had four tackles, including two sacks, and forced two fumbles in a win over Radford

Helam Baldomero, Iolani — Intercepted two passes and made 7 1/2 tackles in a loss to Saint Louis

Eamon Brady, Punahou — Caught four passes for 101 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Kamehameha

Harmon Brown, Kahuku — Rushed for 152 yards on 18 carries in a win over Moanalua

Chasen Castilliano, Farrington — Scored on a 17-yard interception return in a loss to Kapolei

Kamakana Ching, Konawaena — Caught a touchdown pass and scored on a fumble recovery in the end zone in a win over Konawaena

Austin Ewing, Konawaena — Threw four touchdown passes in a win over Kealakehe

Challen Faamatau, Farrington — Rushed for 130 yards on 38 carries in a loss to Kapolei

Alfred Failauga, Waipahu — Rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries in a win over Waialua

Geoffrey Fiafaimane, Kapolei — Made eight tackles, including two for losses, and one sack in a win over Farrington

Justin Genovia, Iolani — Caught 11 passes for 140 yards in a loss to Saint Louis

Matthan Hatchie, Waialua — Made 10 tackles, including three for losses in a loss to Waipahu

Charles Johnson, Radford — Intercepted two passes in a loss to Aiea

Kekaula Kaniho, Kahuku — Scored on a 30-yard interception return in a win over Moanalua

Dayton Kaopua-Lee, Waialua — Made a game-high 12 tackles and broke up a pass in a loss to Waipahu

Ezekiel Kapanui Reyes, Waipahu — Caught 7 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown in a win over Waialua

Nick Kapule, Punahou — Threw for 298 yards with four touchdowns on 14-of-25 passing and rushed four times for 54 yards in a win over Kamehameha

Shastyn Kekahuna, Roosevelt — Rushed for two touchdowns in a win over Kalaheo

Kaanoi Kelekolio-Rivera, Konawaena — Caught two touchdown passes in a win over Kealakehe

Kame Kim Choy Keb-Ah Lo, Aiea — Caught five passes for 125 yards with two touchdowns and also scored on a 35-yard interception return in a win over Radford

Mark Lagazo, Kailua — Threw for 224 yards and four touchdowns on 15-of-27 passing in a win over Mililani

Leonard Lee, Kapolei — Had three tackles and two interceptions in a win over Farrington

Romance Maae-Liupaono, Aiea — Made a game-high seven tackles, including four for losses, in a win over Radford

Siah Maiava, Kaimuki — Caught two touchdown passes and also scored on a 41-yard interception return in a win over McKinley

Keala Martinson, Punahou — Caught five passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Kamehameha

Christian Mejia, Kailua — Caught two touchdown passes in a win over Mililani

Darius Muasau, Mililani — Rushed 11 times for 102 yards in a loss to Kailua

Bronson Nekomoto, Aiea — Made four tackles, one sack, recovered a fumble and scored on a 40-yard interception return in a win over Radford

Stokes Nihipali-Botelho, Kahuku — Scored on a 98-yard kickoff return in a win over Moanalua

Kaua Nishigaya, Iolani — Made a game-high 12 1/2 tackles in a loss to Saint Louis

Justus Paaluhi-Caulk, Saint Francis — Intercepted two passes, including a 30-yard pick-6, in a win over Damien

Charvis Paia, Roosevelt — Rushed for two touchdowns in a win over Kalaheo

KJ Pascua, Iolani — Rushed for 123 yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries in a loss to Saint Louis

Michael Pritchard, Radford — Made four tackles, including two sacks, in a loss to Aiea

Ethanjames Ramos, Kamehameha-Hawaii — Rushed for a touchdown and also scored on a 17-yard fumble return in a win over Keaau

Rico Rosario, Waianae — Rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries in a loss to Campbell

Tyson Shimabukuro, Saint Francis — Rushed 27 times for 133 yards in a win over Damien

Makana Smith, Castle — Caught nine passes for 162 yards and a touchdown in a win over Nanakuli

Jordan Solomon, Kaimuki — Threw for 138 yards and four touchdowns on 15-of-15 passing in a win over McKinley

Kyle Sudog, Radford — Had two tackles, one sack, and intercepted a pass in a loss to Aiea

Taulia Tagovailoa, Kapolei — Threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns on 19-of-34 passing in a win over Farrington

Tua Tagovailoa, Saint Louis — Threw for 494 yards and five touchdowns on 41-of-47 passing in a win over Iolani

Justice Tihada, Lahainaluna — Rushed for two touchdowns in a win over Maui

Anthony Trevino, Kealakehe — Threw a touchdown pass and rushed for another score in a loss to Konawaena

Kawika Ulufale, Campbell — Threw for 180 yards with a touchdown on 14-of-21 passing and rushed for another score in a win over Waianae

Elvis Vakapuna, Kahuku — Rushed for 179 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in a win over Moanalua

Andrew Valladares, Mililani — Caught six passes for 107 yards with a touchdown and also scored on an 89-yard kickoff return in a loss to Kailua

Joey Vea-Quitog, Nanakuli — Caught 12 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown in a loss to Castle

Kaine Park, Mililani — Ran for two touchdowns in a loss to Kailua

Tanner Wright, Kailua — Caught two touchdown passes in a win over Mililani

Ronson Young, Saint Louis — Caught two touchdown passes in a win over Iolani