Kaiser senior Isaac Saffery was regarded as one of the top running backs in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association's White Conference since his sophomore year.

After this season, his excellence was affirmed when league coaches named him OIA White Offensive Player of the Year in a recent vote.

At 5 feet 9 and 195 pounds, Saffery had a combination of power, speed and cutting ability that resulted in huge production throughout most of the season.

He finished the year with 1,381 yards and 18 touchdowns rushing on 208 carries (6.6 ypc). In two of his bigger games, Saffery ran for 202 yards and three TDs in a victory over Waialua and 164 yards and four touchdowns in a win over Roosevelt.

His rushing total was fourth-best in the state, and his 108 points scored ranked third.

One team that was able to contain Saffery was Kaimuki, which held him to a combined 37 yards on 21 carries in two victories, including a 26-13 win in the OIA White semifinals. Leading the Bulldogs' defense this season was lineman Keone Reyes, a 5-11, 250-pound senior.

Reyes' athleticism and versatility — he played both tackle and end and also some middle linebacker — was a key part of Kaimuki's success. The Bulldogs finished as White runners-up and qualified for the Division II state tournament, and coaches named him Defensive Player of the Year.

"Keone was a dominant force for our defense all year long," Kaimuki coach Daniel Mafua said. "Most of our guys had to play both ways and they really had to suck it up, but Keone enjoys playing defense and he always had that extra push to be a leader. He led by example, through his actions."

Reyes, who helped the Bulldogs win the OIA basketball championship last season en route to Advertiser All-State first-team honors, used quickness and a variety of moves to be effective against the run and pass.

"He doesn't look quick, and his speed is deceptive because he has those long strides," Mafua said. "But he would catch a lot of (opposing backs and receivers) and run them down. He would do all that on defense, and then turn around and play offensive tackle. He really grew as a player this season and helped us achieve what we did, getting to the championship game."

Kaiser led the way with seven all-star first-team selections: Saffery, wide receiver Kalua Noa, offensive linemen Lono Awong and Brice Kahalewai, defensive linemen Tukia Aholelei and Bronson McMoore, linebacker C.J. Criado and defensive back Jake Esteban.

OIA White champion Waipahu was next with six: offensive linemen Castro Masaniai and Mike Tevaga, defensive lineman James Tivao, defensive back Neil Paguyo and linebackers Aaron Pa'ahana and Lele Pefua.

Kaimuki and Waialua each was represented by three players. The Bulldogs placed Reyes, defensive back Joshwa Salvador and utility player Dolly Ainu'u.

Waialua was represented by quarterback Caleb Fore and receivers Adam Foster and Edwin Rubio. Pearl City placed two: running back/utility player Antoin Dewalt and defensive back Alfred Paclib. Nanakuli offensive lineman Kemika Kaimi rounds out the first team.

Waialua's Lincoln Barit was named Coach of the Year after leading the Bulldogs to a rare playoff berth.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.