Hurricane Bowl takes new format; introduces rising star


KAPOLEI - And with the first pick of the 2014 Hurricane Bowl Draft, the Black-led team of defensive coordinator Brad Hewahewa takes Ronald Matautia, a linebacker and tailback.

With that pick, the Black easily beat Teal, led by offensive coordinator Darren Johnson, 20-0, Wednesday night at the Hurricanes' stadium in the annual Hurricane Bowl, which marks the conclusion of spring drills. Matautia rushed for two touchdowns and made about 12 to 15 tackles by coach Darren Hernandez, who served as the game's on-field public address announcer.

It was the first time the Bowl was played under game conditions, sans kickoffs, instead of a traditional offense-defense scrimmage. They played four 12-minute quarters under an officiated clock. The game culminated a day of festivities that began with a clinic for elementary- and middle school-aged kids.

"It was a lot more fun for the kids," Hernandez said. "We did a draft, Teal vs. Black. It was very competitive, very fun. We didn't have a front-line team on either side."

The game took on this format because there were some 80 players who turned out for spring practice, Hernandez said. Theoretically, the teams were even, but Matautia seemed to be the franchise. He's expected to start at linebacker, play short-yardage/red zone tailback and wedge buster on special teams.

"He'll be our cash-money guy when we need yardage because the guy can run the rock," Hernandez said.

Matautia, who said he transferred to Kapolei from Waianae at the start of the second semester (January) when his mother moved to Kapolei, rushed for eight TDs and scored two more on defense last season for the Seariders.

"Was a good move for me," Matautia said. "I have more opportunities here than if I stayed Waianae. That's basically why I moved out here."

Hernandez compares Matautia to the legendary Chris Paogofie, also of Waianae, The Advertiser's Defensive Player of the Year in 1995. Paogofie was known for his explosive hits on defense and special teams.



Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at [email protected].