ScoringLive staff
August 9, 2024, 2:04pm
ScoringLive photo illustrationList of Division I offensive and defensive players to watch, as compiled by ScoringLive staff.
OFFENSE
Sylas Alaimalo, Damien, RB, Sr. – Registered 125 carries for 1,098 yards and 15 total TDs as a junior; averaged 8.8 yards per rush and 156.9 yards per game; in three games vs. Iolani last year, totaled 71 carries for 680 yards and nine TDs; First Team All-Hawaii selection
Jayce Bareng, Moanalua, WR, Sr. – Recorded 27 receptions for 368 and three TDs as a junior, including a 10 catch, 126 yard performance against Nanakuli; received Honorable Mention All-Hawaii Open Division recognition
Evan Daligdig, Kapaa, QB/WR, Sr. – Had a TD reception in both state tournament games in 2023, both 48 yard scores, one vs. Konawaena and the other the game-winner vs. Lahainaluna; received Honorable Mention All-Hawaii recognition
Kekama Kane, Iolani, WR, Jr. – Caught 52 passes for 805 yards and 12 TDs as a sophomore; in three games vs. Damien last year, recorded 35 receptions for 541 yards and nine TDs; Second Team All-Hawaii selection in 2023
Elijah Mendoza, Aiea, QB, Jr. – Passed for 2,849 yards and 34 TDs against 10 INTs as a sophomore at Waipahu; season-best game was 415 yard, four TD performance in state D1 title game vs. Konawaena; All-Hawaii First Team selection
Diego Pettypool, Keaau, QB, Sr. – Dual-purpose threat had 1,896 yards passing with 26 TDs against six INTs and added 685 yards rushing with four TDs; received Honorable Mention All-Hawaii recognition
Austin Takaki, Konawaena, WR, Sr. – Led entire state with 90 receptions as a junior last fall; Recorded 1,257 receiving yards and 10 total TDs; also recorded six INTs on defense; First Team All-Hawaii defensive back, Second Team All-Hawaii wide receiver in 2023
AJ Tuifua, Damien, QB, Jr. – Passed for 2,130 yards and 31 TDs against 12 INTs as a sophomore; helped Monarchs average 44.1 points per game in 2023; received Honorable Mention All-Hawaii recognition
CJ Villanueva, Iolani, QB, Jr. – Threw 28 TD passes and was intercepted just once last season; averaged 299 passing yards per game and completed 73.5 percent of passes; Honorable Mention All-Hawaii in 2023
DEFENSE
Nash Burkhart, Kapaa, DB, Sr. – Had 11.5 tackles, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery in two state tournament games in 2023; All-Hawaii Second Team selection
Doogie Kalama, Kailua DL, Sr. – Had four tackles for loss and a sack in 2023 campaign
Zion Junk, Iolani, LB/DB, Sr. – All-Hawaii Honorable Mention
Gabriel Liua, Leilehua, DL, Sr. – Recorded five sacks and a defensive TD as a junior; All-Hawaii Honorable Mention
Elias Malapit, Konawaena, DL, Sr. – Racked up 42.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks in thirteen games in 2023, All-Hawaii First Team selection
Javin "Kaui" Nakamoto, Leilehua, DB, Jr. – Had two interceptions and three passes defended as a sophomore; All-Hawaii Second Team selection
Tyven Self-Gomes-Kealakai, Damien, DL, Jr. – Racked up six tackles for loss and a sack as a sophomore, which included recording eight tackles, three of them for loss vs. Farrington; All-Hawaii Second Team selection