Kahuku and Punahou check in as the state's top two teams entering the season.
The 2004 Kahuku team, pictured here, advanced to the state semifinals. Last year's team eclipsed that with a state title, and this year's team is our frontrunner to win it all again.
File photo by Todd Shurtleff
12-1
Head coach: Reggie Torres
The defending Division I state champions return standout quarterback
Viliami Livai, who threw for two touchdown passes in the state final win over Punahou. Running back
Aofaga Wily will run behind a big offensive line that features BYU commit
John Wa'a and junior tight end
Lamone Williams. In the
list of Hawaii state champions from the past 10 years, you will find Kahuku listed four times.
2. Punahou (Honolulu)2011 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Kale Ane
Punahou fell just short against Kahuku last fall but returns a wealth of young talent, including junior quarterback
Larry Tuileta, who played very well as a sophomore. Defensively,
Isaac Savaiinaea should be a force at linebacker, but keep an eye on tenth-grade phenom
Canton Kaumatule. The 6-foot-8 defensive end, whose brother Luke signed with Stanford in February, has the makings of a national recruit. Punahou has a lot to replace, as it topped the
list of Hawaii players signed to Division 1 college programs last season.
3. St. Louis (Honolulu)2011 finish: 6-4
Head coach: John Hao
Despite a disappointing 6-4 finish last season, St. Louis should once again be among the state's elite in 2012. Receiver
Jeremy Tabuyo is one of the state's most explosive offensive weapons, while
Reeve Koehler may be the state's top offensive lineman. Linebacker
Colton Goeas will anchor the defense. An early-season matchup with Nevada powerhouse Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) will provide an opportunity for St. Louis to reassert itself on the national scene. The school has already established itself within the state, as it tops our list of
Hawaii's most consistent football programs.
4. Farrington (Honolulu)2011 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Randi Okimoto
In 2011, Farrington began the season 10-0 before dropping its final two games. This season, the team is poised for a stronger finish.
Tyler Taumua was as good as any running back in the state last season; he'll be relied upon heavily as a senior. Twins
Michael Boyd and
Mitchell Boyd will once again open holes up front. Farrington will be very young but talented on defense. Sophomore defensive end
Breiden Fehoko, the youngest of the Fehoko clan, is already fielding Division I offers. You can find plenty Farrington players on the
list of Hawaii 2011 All-League football teams.
5. Kamehameha (Honolulu)2011 finish: 7-4
Head coach: David Stant
While not always as talented as some of the state's other top programs, Kamehameha is always competitive. Last season, it stunned both St. Louis and Punahou during the regular season before falling to Punahou to end its season. Dynamic quarterback
Cid-Makoa Camanse Stevens will commandeer the offense. The defense, particularly the defensive line, needs to be retooled for the Warriors to make a serious run in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu. Kamehameha ranks fourth in the
Top 10 Hawaii football dynasties list, published in June of 2011.
