Aiea's Olie, Kapaa's Malafu earn Division I preseason POY honors

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ScoringLive Preseason Football Players of the Year - Division I

Offensive Player of the Year: Ezekiel Olie, Aiea, QB, Jr.

After a sophomore season that saw Olie pass for 1,522 yards and 14 touchdowns, along with a league championship and state tournament appearance for Na Alii, there is much reason for optimism this fall. Although Olie threw 13 interceptions in 2021, 10 of those came in his first three games. His best showing came in a blowout win over Waipahu, when Olie threw for 379 yards and five TDs on 23-of-35 passing, a season-best completion rate of 65.7 percent — all without a pick. Olie's top five targets from a year ago all return, including slotback Geronimo Ulgaran (37 receptions for 502 yards, 4 TDs) and split end Jayden Chanel (29 for 483, 7).

Others considered (in alphabetical order): Sylas Alaimalo, Damien, WR, So.; Ian-Jay Cabanilla, Lahainaluna, RB, Sr.; Micah Hoomanawanui, Iolani, QB, Sr.; Kawelu Kaiawe, Konawaena, RB, Sr.; Iapani Laloulu, Farrington, OL, Sr.

Defensive Player of the Year: Solomone Malafu, Kapaa, LB, Sr.

After his breakout performance in the Division II state title game last December, when Malafu registered 152 rushing yards and four touchdowns on only four carries, he could certainly make a case to be picked as Preseason Offensive Player of the Year in D1. The thing is, he's even better on defense; three of his five total tackles against Kamehameha-Maui in the D2 final were in the backfield. He also recorded one of the Warriors' two interceptions and broke-up another pass in the 61-7 rout. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Malafu got his first FBS offer from Arizona State back in January and is now up to 10, including UCLA, Utah, Boise State, Arizona and Cal.

Others considered (in alphabetical order): Bishop Foumai, Aiea, DB, Sr.; Jacob Gaudi, Iolani, LB, Sr.; Kamuela Kaaihue, Roosevelt, LB, Sr.; Lance Morikawa, Lahainaluna, DL, Sr.; Sila Unutoa, Aiea, DL, Sr.