There was a time in the life of Castle’s Dustin Telefoni when the offensive lineman didn’t care much for the game of football. Now that he has exhibited the successes of being a member on a winning football team, he loves the sport.
When asked if playing football was something he always wanted to do, Telefoni said, “Not really. I didn’t think I would like it. Many people around me kept telling me to go out for the team. So when I got to Castle I decided to see what playing football would be like.” The junior said, “I mainly started playing football because I was encouraged by my family and friends who thought this would be a good avenue for me to get into college so that I could further my education.”

Telefoni now expressed thankfulness for the people who encouraged him to try out for the Castle football team. “My dad took me to get a physical exam and during the first week of practice I guess I played really well. I got placed on the varsity and from there I immediately got a chance to be a key contributor for our team,” Telefoni said.
“I have two more years to get better. So I sincerely believe I have a shot at earning a scholarship if I keep working hard in our practices,” Telefoni added. “After I earned a spot on the team I started looking into the various advantages that football would offer me. The more advantages I saw, the better I got at playing this game. I clearly see the connections in how football can help me get scholarship money so I can get into college.”

Getting a higher education is one of several goals for Telefoni. He also wants his team to have great successes on the field. “Last season we lost to Kahuku on the last play of the game (in the Oahu Interscholastic Association playoffs). And they later went on to play in the state championship game. Our team now knows that we were just inches from being capable of playing for a state title,” Telefoni said.

Returning quarterback Jaymason Lee says losing to Kahuku was heart-breaking. “We came so close last year. But that’s something that our team is going to have to put in the back of our minds. This season is brand new. With a lot of heart and determination I hope we can go all the way to play in the state title game. We’ve been working very hard in our practices this summer and everyone is excited to get the season started,” the senior said.

Castle's first game will be a pre-season matchup on the road against Radford on August 13th.  The Knights play on the road again on August 21st at Moanalua in an OIA East Division contest. The team will play its first home game on August 28th against Interscholastic League of Honolulu opponent Damien.

“This season we will be operating the run and shoot offense. Right now we’re working hard to improve upon our running game. But our offense will still rely primarily on passing the ball. It seems like I have more quality receivers this year to throw to. All of the receivers coming back are skilled and have game experience in playing against strong competition,” Lee said.

Unlike Telefoni, William Oku says he couldn’t wait to walk the halls of Castle so you could play football for the Knights.  “I played a season of pee-wee league football. It’s pretty fun. I got a chance to learn the game, but to me high school football is rougher and more exciting. And it’s played at a different game speed,” Oku said. “I get a chance to play a sport that I love. But at the same time I’ve grown in my ability to do my class work. I know that I must do well in my classes if I want to play football on the weekends.”

The senior plays wide receiver on offense and the safety position on defense. “Playing both ends can be pretty tough. You rarely get a chance to get off the field. I’m always out there trying to help the team as best as I can. Hopefully this season I can bring leadership and discipline to our team,” Oku said.  “As a team we can compete competitively against any team. The key to our success is dependent upon how disciplined we play as one team and staying injury free,” Oku added.

The key game for Castle will be the October 8th match up against Kahuku on the road says Lee. “I’ve been practicing with my receivers all summer long for a chance to play Kahuku. I’m sure that our team will be ready for that game. But we already know this game will be a tough. Playing at Kahuku always is,” Lee said.