When asked how much he learned in his first season as head coach of Honokaa, Morgan “Hana” Hanohano had a quick response.
“How much time do you have,” the Dragons’ head coach responded with a chuckle.
An up-and-down 2-6 campaign in 2014 was definitely a learning experience for the Dragons. Wins against Division I foes Waiakea and Keaau were highlights, but some games got away from Honokaa in the second half. Hanohano is bringing a renewed focus to playing 100 percent until the clock hits zero.
“Leadership is going to play a big role for us,” Hanohano said. “We played really well in the first half of a lot of games last year, but died out in the second half and stopped believing in ourselves.”
With the BIIF consistently churning out a very competitive DII field, Hanohano knows the climb to the top of the mountain of Big Island football might be tough. However, the second-year head coach has his team heading in the right direction.
“I really love this team and I have high hopes. I see us battling it out with all of the heavyweights in Division II,” Hanohano said. “I’d like to be up there competing for a BIIF championship. That’s where I would like to see us, and I feel we can get there. The boys have to give it their all and us coaches have to be ready to lead them there.”
Quarterback
Much of the Dragon’s offensive production will rely on senior quarterback Nainoa Falk. With a dual-threat skill set, Falk demonstrated last year that he could rip off an 80-yard run for a score, or sit in the pocket and toss a deep pass for six.
“I see him stepping up even more than last year and controlling that offense,” Hanohano said of his QB. “He stepped up so much last year and I expect him to do that again for us this year.”
For Honokaa to have a chance in a stacked BIIF DII, Falk will have to limit his mistakes. In the two preseason games against Waialua and Saint Francis, Falk threw six interception to just two touchdowns.
Jonathan Charbonneau could also get a look behind center, but is a valuable asset at wide receiver. He racked up 176 yards in the Dragons two preseason games.
Skill positions
While Falk will give the offense a feeling a familiarity, there will be some new faces at the other offensive skill positions. A versatile group that includes Charbonneau (6-1, 160 pounds), Quin Fojas (5-11, 170), Christian Olivera (5-8, 155) and Kealakai Lindsey (5-8, 140) should have a hand in helping Honokaa move the ball.
“Last year we had the big heavy runners — no left or right, just straight ahead,” Hanohano said. “This year we have a group of running backs and wide receivers who can really create some separation.”
Offensive line
Hanohano said the Dragons will run an offense with some spread and zone-read principles, but he has also asked for an old school wishbone formation — which will likely get his guys in the trenches excited.
The pillars of the offensive line will be Kalena Roldan (5-8, 190), Kale Pahio (5-11, 205) and Jason Yadao (5-7, 155).
“Those three guys will be key for us,” Hanohano said. “Our line is young but they will step up and give you all they got.”
Defense
The Dragons’ base defense will be a 4-3, but Hanohano said he has introduced the more assignment-heavy 3-4. He hopes it will not only prevent big plays, but also teach his players more about the finer points of football.
“These country kids, they see man with ball, hit man with ball and then all 11 go to ball. Even if the ball goes the other way. Then we are beat,” Hanohano said. “The 3-4 is assignment defense and relies on everyone doing their job. It fits our boys and requires a bit more discipline and learning more about the game.”
The sturdy centerpiece of the defense will continue to be junior middle linebacker Keaka Swift (5-11, 220).
“He always does his job,” Hanohano said. “Just an awesome, athletic linebacker for us.”
Defensive end Riley Rechiro (6-0, 240) and outside linebacker Trueston Andrade (6-1, 185) will help bolster the Dragons up front.