For the Waimea High School football squad, getting the most out of a thin squad (33 on the roster) is the name of the game and the biggest test for this year’s Menehune team. “We got our work cut out
For the Waimea High School football squad, getting the most out of a thin squad (33 on the roster) is the name of the game and the biggest test for this year’s Menehune team.
“We got our work cut out for ourselves and the pressure is on us, but we have a special team this year,” head coach Liko Perreira said.
This year also marks new territory for the Menehune, who come into the KIF season without the title of defending champs since 1992.
“Yeah it’s different for us, but every year is the same for us as we take it a game at a time and we don’t look at it as if we have a coconut on our backs,” Perreira said.
With nine players nursing some type of injury, including key senior Chavez Woolsey, the already slim squad is using the preseaon to heal injuries.
Looking towards the competition, Perreira feels that Kapa‘a has the size, speed, and aggression to help them contend for the title, and Kaua‘i should be right there at the top as well.
Senior quarterback Max Hadwin, who transferred from Kaua‘i High School is hungry and ready to bring the title back to the westside.
“We love Max, he’s tough (playing with 2 sprained ankles), very coachable, and we’re just lucky to have him,” Perreira said.
Other key Menehune player’s include brothers Kenny and Justin Estes, who should play an important role for Waimea both on offense and defense. Senior Eric Oroc looks to grab the spotlight in his last year in a Menehune uniform.
On the ground, Jon-Anthony Reyes is as quick as a rabbit, with Barry Sanders-like moves, as he looks to keep the Menehune ground game on the rise.
Defensively, Waimea will have to count on seniors Fia Moe, Aina Emayo, Michael Girod, as well as Justin Estes to stabilize opposing offenses.
But according to Perreira, the Menehune are banking on special teams as the ticket to their attack.
“That’s (special teams) really the key for us and if we execute, then we should be right in there,” Perreira said.
What really makes the Menehune a special team though, is the fact that creating unity, playing together, and developing character amongst players remains the highest on their priority list.
“Football is football, but what you do after that is what’s really important,” Perreira said.
With coaches like Perreira, it’s no wonder why Waimea has been the model program for high school football on Kaua‘i.
“I was an assistant to Jon Kobayashi (former Menehune head coach) for two years and I learned a lot from him and the rest of the staff, who did a tremendous job, and I’m just trying to keep things going” Perreira said.
The Menehune take the field today against Hilo High School on the Big Island for their last preseason game.
Tonight, Kaua‘i High School faces San Clemente at Vidinha, with JV action starting at 5:00 p.m. The varsity contest commences at 7:35 p.m.
Kapa‘a High School’s last preseason contest happens tomorrow against Lahainaluna on Maui.
The KIF season begins on September 10, with the Warriors and Red Raiders battling at Vidinha Stadium.
