Q: How has the new coaching staff affected going into this season?

It took some adjusting to the new coaching staff--but really not much, maybe just in the beginning of the season.

Coach Reggie is one to always identify what the rules and guidelines are right up front.

The first change, or adjustment Reggie made as head coach, was to introduce the team to a mission statement; it reads, "Together we prepare to be the BEST".

The real adjustment was that we knew coach Reggie was consistent, and that when he says something, he means it.

And we expected that, because he was our Junior Varsity head coach the two years we were in the JV program, and he lead us to win the OIA (JV) Championships in both years.

He brought that same winning attitude and coaching quality with him to the varsity level, which is what we had anticipated.

But one of the most outstanding roles that he plays in the program is that of more than just a head coach; it is his role as a mentor not only on, but also off the field.

If anyone has problems or any misunderstandings we know Coach Reggie's door is always open, he's makes himself available for us; he's a good listener. During the season games he's always the first one there and the last one to leave. He's really helped the team make a smooth transition.

As the season progressed, communication between team and coach became clearer and easier for us.

Now, for the first time, there wasn't going to be any misinterpretation of what the team's rules and expectations were. We know what coach wants and we know what not to do. No matter what, we knew coach Reggie was going to enforce consequences for any infractions. Maybe we didn't know it at the time, but that was the stability we needed to become united. After seeing things from coach Reggie's view, we knew these changes were better for the team.

Once all of that was out of the way we could concentrate on the goal, which was first to win the OIA championship.

Q: Thoughts/feelings on going into this championship game.

For my senior class teammates and me, to win the state championship became top priority because this is our last year.

We knew we had to get focused and committed both on and off the field. Any baggage that anyone carried needed to be left behind, and only then we could concentrate on being unified.

One thing that I kept in my head throughout this week preparing for the championship game is the sign that hangs at the door of our locker room that says, "Play Like Champions" with the picture of our mascot (Kahuku Red Raider Indian) next to it.

It's very exciting for me and I feel that it's a privilege to play in the state championship game in my last year playing football as a Kahuku RR.

We learned not to take anything for granted. This past game against Baldwin (a 22-20 victory on the last play) was like a great lesson taught in the game of life; not everyone gets second chances.

Going into this game against Saint Louis, speaking on behalf of the offensive linemen, one of the biggest things that Coach Reggie (Torres) has emphasized to us is the importance of the little things.

The little things WILL make a difference in this game. Like a quote that one of our captains made during practice, "When it all comes down to it, football is a game of inches."

Q: What it means to be a "Red Raider"?

I was raised with the saying "Red Raider For Life."

For most kids who are raised on the North Shore, the drive and desire to be a Kahuku Red Raider is bred into them. So being a RR means a lot to me; ever since I was little I've always dreamt of being a "Kahuku Red Raider."

I'm proud to be a RR and to be able to represent the legacy of those athletes who came before me.

I think that it's this desire and drive to be proud of who we are and what we represent that gives Kahuku its edge.

Our pride has to come from somewhere because it sure doesn't come from anything of material value.

Being a RR also means having the support of our communities, family, friends, faculty and coaches. I can guarantee that every time Kahuku plays a home game, it gets so crowded it's hard to find a place to sit, most of the time people just stand along the fence and watch the game.

I feel that not just anyone can be a RR; at times it means hard work. It takes extra work and effort to be a good role model both on and off the field. This added pressure makes you feel that you're always under a microscope.

The North Shore communities have at least five teams in various "Pop Warner" divisions. Most of these youth hope to one day be a "Kahuku Red Raider."

Whether we want to or not we become examples to them. I know we're not perfect, we make mistakes and have problems like any other team, but it's how you overcome adversity that makes a RR.

Being a RR and being part of this schools athletic legacy has been important to me. It's been worth any amount of work the coaches ask for; if that's what it takes to return to the championship, I was willing to put out.

When coach Reggie said that things such as academics, attendance, attitude, and respect, were priorities of a RR, those of us who were committed got it done.

These are lessons I can take with me wherever I go — in or out of school, student or alumni.

I will always be a "Red Raider 4 Life."