Senior leaders on the Lahainaluna High School football team include (from left): front — Makoa Tama Palau Agdeppa, Ian Jay Cabanilla, Lance Morikawa, John Kailila’au Balisco, Aukai Hokoana and Jeremy Kahahane Lived; back row — David Hong, Kade Cunningham, Jaysen Akahi Vida, Solomon Kana’au Castro, Keawe Kane Keahi, Josese Anu Kaina and Jay Pua (Emmanuel Manny Latu is not pictured).

LAHAINA — The high road of success of the Lahainaluna High School football program is traditionally influenced by the senior class leadership of the team, and the 2022 campaign is no exception.

With 14 stalwart senior athletes contributing to the Lunas’ continuing dominance of the Maui Interscholastic League and the Hawaii High School Athletic Association — including 14 consecutive MIL championships at the Division II, and moving up to D-I last season, levels, and four state titles and a runner-up finish in 2021.

That core leadership group — some with eight years and more of experience with the Lahainaluna system, with roots in the West Side’s Pop Warner and Big Boys (intermediate) programs — includes dedicated student-athletes.

Lance Morikawa, Jeremy Kahahane Lived, Ian Jay Cabanilla, Aukai Hokoana, Keawe Kane Keahi, David Hong, Jaysen Akahi Vida and John Kaililaau Balisco are the stalwart veterans among the seniors.

Their classmates on the squad include Makoa Tama Palau Agdeppa, Jay Pua, Emanuel Manny Latu, Josese Anu Kaina, Solomon Kana’au Castro and Kade Cunningham.

The future plans for these seniors includes a religious mission, military service, practical job training, and attending college, with some planning to continue their careers on the gridiron.

Luna Co-head Coach Dean Rickard said, “These guys lead by example, as they understand the team philosophy of the strong work ethic and unity of the program. They are committed to the success of the team and getting back to the Division I championship finals.”

Lahainaluna is gunning for a first round bye in the expanded (from four to six teams) D-I HHSAA State Championships.

The Lunas should get that slot as they look to complete an undefeated MIL regular season moving into the playoffs in mid-November.

“The players, especially the seniors, know what’s at stake. Led by these seniors, they know that we need to take one game at a time and have the mentality to improve week to week. We are where we want to be, and the energy level is up as their hard work is paying off. We need to keep it going,” Rickard said.

Coach Rickard added that injuries are affecting that effort. “We have 12 total players with injuries that could keep them on the sidelines in the upcoming games. Three starters are out. We’ll try to do what we always do of using varied ball carriers to control the tempo of the game. Ball security is important.

“On defense, we will adjust to who the opponent is and what they do. That will take place in the coming weeks as the teams — Iolani, Kapaa, Waipahu, Aiea, Kailua, Farrington, Kona and Hilo finish their regular seasons.”

Coach Dean saluted the seniors in saying, “Thank you all for all of your years and dedication to the program. You set a great example for younger kids of the Lahainaluna programs — not only in football, but in all sports. You have helped set the standard for future teams as well. As the saying goes, ‘The champions of the past, are the champions of the future.’ This is a great opportunity for the team.

“And where else do you find a community that supports the team like here on the West Side? Everyone knows that, and the players always give everything they’ve got in return. Thank you to everyone. It’s time to take care of unfinished business.”