Waipahu strengthened by its version of transfer portal
Aug. 7—Nine players have transferred to play football for the Marauders, not that they needed any help.
Waipahu is now a destination spot, and it isn't just about the Skyline rail.
Nine players have transferred to play football for the Marauders, not that they needed any help. In 2022, they marched to an 11-2 season, posting wins over Open Division Leilehua, winning 10 games in a row against Division I foes, including Aiea's best team in years, defending D-I state champion Kapaa, and perennial powerhouse 'Iolani.
Only a 38-28 state championship loss to Konawaena, with eventual Star-Advertiser All-State offensive player of the year Liutama Uiliata hobbled by an ankle injury, derailed the real freight train from "94 Block."
That location descriptor is changing in'23. A talented core of personnel, including linebacker /defensive end Arjay Kelemete, returns to defend the blue and gold. But the nine newcomers are a pleasant surprise for longtime coach Bryson Carvalho and his staff.
Among the new faces is offensive lineman Preston Taumua, who has 21 college scholarship offers and committed to Nebraska on July 16. Other key imports include Taumua's teammate from Aiea, wide receiver Jayden Chanel, one of the top playmakers in the state. Moanalua's gamebreaker, Eric Stephens, has also transferred to Waipahu. Perhaps not coincidentally, former Moanalua head coach Vince Nihipali is on the Marauders staff this fall.
It wasn't long ago when supreme levels of talent trekked from sugar town to play the game at ILH programs, as well as neighboring Open Division schools. Now, Carvalho finds himself as part of a destination site. It's Hawaii's version of the NCAA transfer portal.
"It's different, for sure. It's always good, there's pros to having a four-year or three-year guy. You build chemistry. That's what we've always had, " Carvalho said. "I was able to get kids to stay and develop chemistry through the program. That's a big reason we found success. We still have a lot of those kids. Great returnees. (Wide receiver ) Tai Aipia-Barrett. (Quarterback ) JJ Manu. (Running back ) Anieli (Taleaai ). We have (wide receiver ) Chazen Rodillas-Vesido. We're kind of young at offensive line. (Defensive end /linebacker ) Arjay Kelemete. (defensive lineman ) Caleb Lauifi. We have a lot of guys who have been true to our program."
The unique challenge is melding the old and the new.
"The biggest transition is getting the kids to get on the same page chemistry-wise. We did a good job of that the last few years, " Carvalho said. "Expectations are pretty high because of the talent that came, but at the same time, we've got to build the chemistry. They're great kids with good attitudes. Their integrity level is great. I'm impressed with guys that never really played together and what they've done in four months together. Still, there's so much more room to grow. The potential, you don't want to stop short of what we're capable of doing."
Possibly the only downside to all of Waipahu's momentum is Taumua's knee injury. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound senior tore his left ACL in the offseason. Two years ago, it was the right ACL that gave way. Zachery Mauga, the former OC at Aiea, was released from his duties in the offseason and found sanctuary at Waipahu with Carvalho, a longtime friend. Soon enough, the avalanche of arrivals began.
Taumua is expected to return to the field in six weeks, though Carvalho is cautiously optimistic.
With D-I and Open teams playing a merged regular-season schedule in the OIA for a first time, some programs lose talent while others gain. Chanel had 69 catches for 1, 129 yards and 13 TDs for Aiea in'22—in Mauga's offense. He grew up in Waipahu, which makes this a homecoming of sorts.
Stephens led Moanalua with 38 receptions for 571 yards and four TDs in just six games last season.
Kelemete learned the high school system and terminology as a seventh grader, playing for the Waipahu Silverbacks.
"I feel like we don't recruit and try to find people. Whatever we receive is what we work with, " Kelemete said. "Open is going to be a good experience. We played one Open team last year (Campbell ). We bounced back and I truly believe we have what it takes to compete this year. The goal will always remain the same. Everybody will hold each other accountable, just compete at our highest levels no matter what division. Representing Waipahu is to play black-flag football. Perseverance, continuing to go on, not worrying about what the outcome may be or who the competition is. Playing your heart out for the person beside you."
