From top left: Kauai's Reggie McFadden, Kamehameha-Hawaii's Ino Teofilo, Lahainaluna's Jared Rocha-Islas and Kealakehe's Riggs Kurashige ScoringLive photo illustration

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Wrapping up the series on running back statewide with a look at the top 15 backs from the MIL, BIIF, and KIF.

Christian Whitehead - Lahainaluna

The wingback/slotback of the Lahainaluna offense has explosive all season long. The 5-foot-6, 170-lb senior has accounted for seven touchdowns and maintained an average of 10.2 yards per carry in four games. Christian Whitehead benefits greatly from having strong running threats at the quarterback and fullback position. Most of his runs come on sweeps and reversals, as well as pitches when the Lunas run the option. Whitehead ran for 101 yards in the 2012 D2 state championship game proving that he has a knack for showing up in big games.

Jared Rocha-Isalas - Lahainaluna

Jared Rocha-Isalas plays the role of fullback and as a power-runner in the Lunas' offensive scheme. When he was a sophomore in 2012, Rocha-Isalas finished the season as the Lunas' second leading rusher. With a year of experience and 15-lbs added on, the 5-foot-9, 205-lb junior is primed to see the most of the action. Rocha-Isalas will mostly see time running in between the tackles, but he will occasionally catch a pass for a huge gain when the Lunas spread the field.

Dusty Flores - Baldwin

Once a one-two punch with quarterback Keelan Ewaliko in 2012, Dusty Flores is now be the main guy carrying the load for the Bears. The 5-foot-7, 160-lb senior recently exploded for 213 yards and three touchdowns on the ground against KS-Maui. Flores is averaging a steady 8.3 yards per game against MIL opponents.

Onosai Emelio - Maui

The main guy running the ball for the Sabers this season is Onosai Emelio. The running back has had a decent of carries dating back to the opener against St. Francis, and averages 6.9 yards per carry. Against King Kekaulike, Emelio combined for 142 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns.

Daniel Kelley - Maui

Daniel Kelley didn't see any action running the ball in the preseason, but has since proven to be a reliable ball carrier. Kelley rushed for a season best 104 yards against King Kekaulike and scored a touchdown against Baldwin.

Ian Armitage - KS-Maui

The leading running back for the Warriors this year is Ian Armitage. Running back is a new position for the 5-foot-10, 155-lb senior, who played wide receiver and linebacker in 2012. Armitage will see a lot of carries and will have opportunities to break a big one as the season progresses.

Reggie McFadden - Kauai

With a name like that, it's no surprise that Reggie McFadden plays the role as primary ball carrier. The leading rusher for the Red Raiders a year ago, McFadden should play a big role for a team that's itching to get back to the state tournament. McFadden rushed for 98 yards and the game's lone touchdown in a tilt with KIF opponent a week ago. With a new quarterback in Kelson Andrade at the helm, the 5-foot-8, 150-lb senior should continue to be the main offensive guy for Kauai.

Leevi Bethel - Kapa'a

Leevi Bethel will be the main guy pounding the ball for Kapa'a this year. The 5-foot-9, 155-lb senior was impressive in a preseason meeting with Lahainaluna this year, averaging 7.1 yards per carry in that game.

Destin Miguel - Waimea

Waimea is the team that runs the ball the most on the Garden Isle, and the key guy bulldozing his way through the competition will be Destin Miguel. The 5-foot-8, 160-lb senior erupted for 270 yards and three touchdowns in the Menehunes' home opener against Anuenue this year. Opposing defenses have to be aware of Miguel's speed, as he is the 100-meter dash champion in the KIF. Miguel also benefits from having unselfish receivers who give solid blocks downfield so that Miguel can reach pay dirt.

Bobby Lum - Hawaii Prep

The 5-foot-8 running back has put on 15-lbs since 2012 and now as a senior weighs 210-lbs.  Any defense that plays Hawaii Prep has to game plan for Bobby Lum because he has been one of the most consistent backs all season. Lum averages 108 rushing yards per game and already has scored four rushing touchdowns against BIIF opponents. He even showed that he is a receiving threat as he totaled up 83 yards receiving and a touchdown last week against Kealakehe. As long as Lum is in the backfield, Ka Makani should be in good hands.

Riggs Kurashige - Kealakehe

Riggs Kurashige wasn't originally slated to be the main guy running the ball, but injuries to Keanu Tiflas has thrusted the young sophomore into action. Despite only being 5-foot-3 and 145-lbs, Kurashige shined in a shoot out against Hawaii Prep. Kurashige carried the ball 20 times for 188 yards and a touchdown in the lost to Ka Makani. The small but fierce back should be a fun guy to watch as the season goes on.

Bubba Ellis-Noa - Konawaena

While most of the attention for the Wildcats has been on quarterback Brandon Howes, running back Bubba Ellis-Noa is quietly having a solid season. Only just a junior, the 5-foot-6, 185-lb back is averaging a stunning 9.2 yards per carry in a pass-happy offense. Ellis-Noa's biggest game came against Honoka'a where he garnered 103 rushing yards. He also has the capability to break off a long one when he scored on an 88-yard catch and run against KS-Hawaii. Ellis-Noa will primarily keep the defenses honest and alleviate pressure of the quarterback.

Devin Preston - Waiakea

One of the most consistent backs in the league, Devin Preston has string together a solid start in 2013, having gone for over 100 yards rushing in four straight games. The 5-foot-10, 185-lb senior is a multi-purpose threat for the Warriors as he also plays defensive back and can catch the ball.

Noah "Pono" Auwea-Landford - Waiakea

Preston might be the main guy for Waiakea now, but Pono Auwea-Landford is anxiously waiting in the wings. In limited carries, the young 5-foot-4, 159-lb sophomore has shown that he is full of talent with his 7.7 yards per carry. He should be a solid guy for Waiakea for years to come.

Ina Teofilo - KS-Hawaii

Rounding out the neighbor island list is the burly Ina Teofilo. The 6-foot-1, 200-lb senior has rushed for a combined 298 yards against Iolani and Konawaena - two D2 teams who made the state tournament last year - so there shouldn't be any knock on Teofilo having inflated stats against lesser competition. Teofilo has the body to withstand 25-plus carries per game, and will keep pounding it against opposing defenses for a dependable gain.