There are potholes to any destination and travel far enough and chances are there will be an uncomfortable bump at some point.
As the county’s highway maintenance chief, Neil Azevedo knows how to deal with people from South Point or Kapaau or Hilo who call and complain about some hole in the ground.
It’s the same fundamental philosophy the first-year Waiakea coach employs with his Warriors, his coaches, student helpers, and anyone he talks to: treat people like how you want to be treated, with respect.
“I make it a point to return a phone call, no matter what time,” said Azevedo.
That personal touch doesn’t only apply to the general public. He wants his players to be invested in the program but more importantly in themselves.
At a recent practice, before Azevedo started to break down his team, he offered a roadblock story.
“We had a team meeting where the players introduced themselves to the parents and most wanted to get off the stage pretty quick,” he said. “At the end of the season at our team banquet, I can guarantee that we’ll have to pull them off the stage.”
What’s the big deal about public speaking, anyway?
Azevedo figured if his players are quiet as a mouse how can they interview for a job or a job promotion someday. Also, the Warriors need every boost of confidence possible.
Last season, the Warriors finished winless in the BIIF (0-7, 1-9 overall) for the first time in school history and lost nine in a row.
Their 40-20 loss to Keaau in the BIIF season finale summed up a lot of their issues. Waiakea had five turnovers, all interceptions, and rushed for under 100 yards.
That’s the definition of beating yourself: turning the ball over and going three-and-out, No. 1 and 2 on the priority pole of Don’t do that.
All coaches have their take on the culture they’ll bring to a program. By all accounts, Azevedo is spreading a good vibe among the Warriors, who last won the BIIF title in 2001 and relied on their speed and strength built from the weight room and the spread offense, which fit their personnel.
“Coach Azevedo is really positive and lifts us up,” said running back Xavier Toyfoya.
“I feel we’re more engaged with each other. With coach Neil, he’s been eager to work with us one-on-one. He takes time to know that player,” said defensive lineman Ka‘iolana Kon, who volunteered to opt of the quarterback derby to help a depleted area.
“Coach Neil is trying to make us bond with our teammates,” center Shannon Torres said.
It’s meaningful that seniors like Kon and Torres have bought in. If their teammates wonder what a BIIF title feels like, they can share that experience. Both are members of Waiakea’s BIIF boys canoe paddling championship.
It also speaks to the new environment that standouts from other sports — Kala‘i Rosario and Safea Villaruz-Mauai (both baseball), and Peter-Kalani Suiaunoa (volleyball) — are on the gridiron. They have brighter futures in their other sports.
Time to rewind a bit.
There were three vital keys to Hilo’s 35-19 win over Damien for the Division I state championship: personnel, play design, and disciplined defense.
The Vikings had two offensive difference-makers in Kaleo Apao and slasher Kahale Huddleston, whose presence opened holes for QB runs, and the unpredictable play-calling kept the Monarch off-balanced. Defensively, they don’t give up explosive (20 yards or more) scoring plays, aside from a 94-yard kickoff return.
That was Waiakea’s formula back in the day during its dynasty run (BIIF titles from 1994 to ’97). Like Hilo, the Warriors never had the biggest guys, but they compensated with speed and team-oriented play.
Azevedo is working overtime to get the teamwork part down, and he picked Marshall Kanehailua to run the spread. He’s the father of former Kamehameha QB Micah Kanehailua and 2018 Hilo graduate and receiver Makana Kanehailua.
“There are some teams really good at stopping the run and some at stopping the pass. We’ll have to make our game plans on which team we’re playing,” said Kanehailua. “My philosophy is to take what the defense gives you and put the kids in a position to succeed.”
The new OC already got a thumb’s up from one of his weapons, senior Cheyn Tam-Switzer, who started in the secondary last year.
“The coaches like coaching us with positive reinforcement,” Tam-Switzer said. “That helps with the football environment. We’ll have a good offense. It’s smart with the play-calling, and it’s exciting.”
There are three QB candidates: senior Noah Eblacas, who drew starts last season, junior Justin Nakamoto-Baltazar, and sophomore Vance Kamau, who all bring valuable traits to the table.
Azevedo highlighted Eblacas for his “all-around ability,” Nakamoto-Baltazar for his “quickness and good decision-making,” and Kamau for his “strong arm, athleticism, and willingness to attack (holes).”
Layne DePeralta, who’s also a linebacker, David Cabebe, and Branon Perreira will share reps with Toyfoya at running back.
Tam-Switzer, Suiaunoa, Jason Kua-Cantan, Matthew McBraun-Keiki, Kaikeao Kane-Kalua, and Kahiau Kua-Silva will rotate in the slot and wideout spots.
Azevedo is a 1987 graduate and was a tough dude linebacker back in the day. He’s also got a soft spot for the tough little guys, like junior McBraun-Keiki, who’s 5 feet 5 and 117 pounds.
“He’s got a big heart and works hard for a small kid,” Azevedo said. “He attacks (the defense).”
Torres will be flanked by guards Ambrose Robinson and Kaylen Ramos. The left tackle is Kashis Omerod-Wong, and the right tackle is Makoa Ramirez. Kona, Joe Pakani, Kremien Debrum, and Hunter Lonokapu are backups.
“They’re willing to learn. They’re always asking questions and picking each other up. They’re a fun group of guys, and they work every day to grow as players and people, too,” said O-line coach Kelii Kailipaka, a 2014 Kamehameha graduate, whose sophomore brother Kamaha’o will see time in the secondary.
Azevedo acknowledged he’s still waiting for someone to step up as a team leader on offense. That’s where the coach’s Public Speaking 101 class comes in.
Defensively, the Warriors have an anchor in DePeralta (5-10, 153 pounds). He’s not the biggest guy, but his leadership outweighs his frame.
“He’s like a coach on the field,” Azevedo said. “He understands the defensive game, and he’s always coaching the kids on the field.
“He’ll get everybody who is not in alignment into their gaps.”
Also at linebacker is Kade Kamau, and the Mike or middle ’backer is Christian Pataray. Abel Pacatang, who started last year, and junior rookie Villaruz-Mauai will draw reps as well.
Anson Spain, a judoka and wrestler, will start at noseguard and be counted on to use his leverage skills to hold the point on the line of scrimmage.
Lonokapu, Pakani, Pacatang, Kon, and Suiaunoa, who’s long and lanky, will rotate on the D-line.
Samson Thomas, Jaron Nash-Johnson, Rylan Evangelista, and Isaac Sumera will start in the secondary.
Kaikeao Kane-Kalua earned the job at kicker, and Toyfoya and Rosario are competing for life as the punter.
The road to a championship is rarely straight and easy, but, at least, Azevedo knows how he wants to get there.
“We want to contend for the BIIF title,” he said. “We have to play as a team and believe in each other. It’ll take all 50 guys to win a championship and take us to the top.”