The Kahuku football team has played great thus far this season. The Red Raiders have won all three of their games highlighted by a memorable 49-27 victory over Interscholastic League of Honolulu member Saint Louis on August 27th in a contest that was televised state-wide on OC16.

Despite the early wins, Kahuku coach Reggie Torres says he knows that the true test of a successful season is measured by what happens at the end.  “Sure, we have gotten off to a positive start, but it’s still early,” Torres said. “Our team must remain focused in order to accomplish the goals which the team is striving to achieve.”

Kahuku’s early success has been dictated by a total team effort by every member of the team. The offense has put points on the scoreboard and the defense has limited opponents to low production numbers. The starters have played splendidly and the reserves have performed honorably.

“The whole team has contributed,” said quarterback Evan Moe. “We as a team are aware that other schools want to beat us. So we work extremely hard in our practices to keep that hunger of wanting to win.”

Individually, Moe has had standout performances in Kahuku’s three wins. Against Saint Louis the senior showed his leadership qualities in piloting a balance offense of running plays and passes.  Moe completed nine of 13 pass attempts for 166 yards and one TD. On running plays, Moe masterfully handed off to his running backs which resulted in 192 ground yards. But more importantly, Moe showed maturity in getting the maximum execution from his offensive unit against a team that is stock with future Division 1 college players.

Besides Moe, tailback Aofaga Wily and receiver Punga Vea have contributed mightily to Kahuku’s high-octane offense. For the season, Wily has rushed 36 times for 332 yards. But most impressive is his 9.2 yards per carry average.  “I just go out there and try my best,” Wily said. “We have a good overall offensive unit and they give me lots of support in providing good blocking. Then all I have to do is find an opening. But I have to be quick about it because gaps on the offensive line can close suddenly.”

Vea is the team’s leading receiver with 11 catches for 330 yards and five TDs. The senior said the competition for playing time on past Kahuku squads was a factor in his progression over the years as a skillful receiver.  “Sometimes the competition for playing time is harder than playing games,” Vea claimed. “Everyone wants to play so in practices we have fierce battles for starting positions. I think that the competition within the team help give us the extra drive to make sure that we do well in games.”

Torres addressed a question about the team’s kicking game which in the past has been considered by experts to be a weak spot. “We work daily on improving our special team play. This year we do have a kicker that is very capable of kicking field goals when we need them,” Torres said.  In three games, Josh Sorensen has kicked 14 extra points in addition to constantly kicking the ball deep into the opponent’s field of play on punts.

According to Torres, the team is aware that opponents are gunning for them.  “We know that every week we face teams that get pumped to play us,” Torres said. “But our team has a lot of pride in wanting to win. They also know that if they want to play that they have to work hard in practice as well as work hard in the classroom. At Kahuku we stress good academics because we do our best to place as many students as possible into colleges.”

Future games include road games against Kaiser on September 3rd, Roosevelt on September 17th and Moanalua on September 24th.  Kahuku returns home to play Farrington on October 1st and Castle on October 8th.