WR Ricky "Malu" Ralston makes a grab in the end zone in a 7-on-7 workout against the other two KIF teams during the summer. Michael Lasquero | SL

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Kauai second-year coach Jason Apilado watches his team during a 7-on-7 workout in mid-July. Michael Lasquero | SL

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Kauai coach Jason Apilado's first-ever high school coaching gig got off to a hot start in 2018.

Apilado, who spent nearly a decade coaching Pop Warner, helped guide the Red Raiders to five straight wins to start the season last year, which included wins over MIL Division I champion Maui and eventual Division II state runner-up Kapaa.

Kauai also had a strong start defensively and did not allow a touchdown against KIF teams during the first half of the regular season — but the Red Raiders got shutout to the Warriors in the rematch and the rubber match and were left sitting at home during the postseason.

Apilado, who also doubles as the offensive coordinator, said he takes full responsibility for those losses.

"Basically I take it on the chin. I relive every play and every down for those last two games. It was tough, but I'm the head coach. I made the decisions and it turned out that way. Hats off to Kapaa," said Apilado.

But the past is the past, and with every new year, there's reason to believe that Kauai can get over the hump in 2019.

During a 7-on-7 workout with the other KIF teams in mid-July, Apilado noted that a full offseason with his staff in charge has paid off on the field so far.

"This year, as far as starting off in the spring, we put in some different workout regimens with the kids. This year's group, both strength wise and speed wise is much better and faster," he said.

Kauai second-year coach Jason Apilado watches his team during a 7-on-7 workout in mid-July. Michael Lasquero | SL    Purchase image

Apilado also added that this year's group is also good with the cerebral aspects of the game.

"Football smarts wise we got a lot of kids that are very intelligent. They are going to be able to make really good decisions as far as game play and quarterback decision-making. All that stuff is going to come into play this year."

One thing that should help the Red Raiders have better results this season is that it will be another year in the same offensive system — for Apilado that is.

Apilado, a Waimea grad who is more accustomed to using a Wing-T run-first offense, decided to stick with the four-wide spread offense that was already in place when he first got hired at Kauai.

"Last year it was crazy just getting into the saddle and trying to get a grip. The pace was very quick, so I had to learn a lot of things on the fly. I threw away all my offensive principles, basically took in what the school was already running, learned it, kind of turned it into our own. Now, going into our second year, I think we're comfortable both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball."

The second-year coach also credits last year's senior class for easing his transition into the varsity coaching ranks.

"They basically took me in and pretty much taught me the system. Not too many coaches are going to admit that, but I was given the job to coach and take over the ship, and I did what I think was best for the program, which was not to change anything to make the learning curve large where they had to learn a brand new system, and you know what, I fell in love with it and I'm not changing a thing," Apilado said.

"Every coach is hard-headed. They have the things they want to run, but you know what, that's why I love this game. It kind of humbles you and teaches you about yourself. Sometimes if a scheme isn't going to work, you have to get rid of it and start from the ground up."

Regardless of the decision-making that is involved with football, Apilado said that football isn't just about X's and O's.

"To me it's more about developing upstanding, young productive men and women," said Apilado, who noted that he does have a female kicker on the team, Kaylee Alapai, who kicked a pair of 38-yard field goals in 2018.

"I'm focused on these kids and that they are worked with on a daily basis and that we keep them on a straight path and focused with academics. People can criticize my style and that's fine, but I think if you take care of all of those things, football is going to come natural right after you take care of all the important stuff."

Among the key returners for the Red Raiders this year are seniors Keawe Parangao and Easton Luis. Parangao figures to be the starter at quarterback while Luis makes the transition from an outside receiver to the inside. Junior lineman Kaisen Rapozo, who is 6-foot-2 and weighs 225 pounds, also figures to be a solid contributor.

Kauai opens up its 2019 schedule Friday night against Kalaheo at Kailua's Alex Kane Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 30 minutes following the 5:00 p.m. JV game between Kalani and the Red Raiders.