'AIEA — Being named after a Greek god can lead to certain expectations.

And when you share that name with a father who was a fierce football standout on Prep Bowl and national championship teams, well, those expectations can get even higher.

But Radford High School senior Thor Salanoa has taken it all in stride.

"I just try my hardest to represent the name," said Salanoa, who will play defensive end for the West squad in tonight's annual HUB Goodwill Senior Bowl. "I just have to persevere and try to make a name for myself."

That hasn't been easy, especially since he was not a starter at Radford until this season, in which the Rams were promoted to the top-tier Red Conference of the O'ahu Interscholastic Association and struggled through a 2-6 campaign.

That meant limited TV exposure and no playoff stage to showcase his talent, but tonight's all-star game at Kamehameha's Kunuiakea Stadium is one last chance for Salanoa and 99 other seniors to make their mark in a high school game.

Kickoff is set for 7:30, with player introductions starting at 7.

"It's a good feeling being part of this game, with a lot of the best players in Hawai'i," Salanoa said. "It's different, because we go to different schools, but we have that same bond."

Salanoa's bond with his school is almost unbreakable. His dad, Thor, was an all-star football and basketball player at Radford and played on the Rams' only Prep Bowl championship team in 1981.

He later played football at Brigham Young University and was a member of the Cougars' landmark national championship team in 1984.

When his first child was born, it was decided he also would be named "Thor."

"I knew there might be some pressure on him, but I've been getting him ready for this day," said Salanoa, who added he was given his name because his father was a big fan of comic books. "I wanted him to be known for himself, and these accomplishments are all for him."

The younger Salanoa was not given free passes along the way. Last season he played behind defensive ends Russell Wantowski and Vasa Kuresa, both of whom were college prospects.

Salanoa's playing time was limited even though his dad is Radford's defensive coordinator and his uncle, Fred, is the head coach.

"It was hard to be both his father and his coach," Salanoa said. "I knew he could play, but if he was going to start, I wanted it to be because he earned it and not just because he was my son."

The younger Salanoa said he "took notes" during his time as a reserve, and this year he flourished as a starter. But team-wise, it was a tough transition to the Red after winning the White title and reaching the Division II state championship game in 2005.

"It was tough, but we just had to roll with what we had and make sure we played our hardest," Salanoa said. "It was good stepping in (as a starter) and showing what I could do."

Fred Salanoa said his nephew's best days still lie ahead of him.

"The biggest thing for him this year was just getting on the field," Fred Salanoa said. "The future is his thing."

Salanoa took a recruiting visit to New Mexico State last weekend and has visits scheduled at Utah and Oregon State next month. At 6 feet 2, 185 pounds, he is projected by most schools to play outside linebacker.

Salanoa said his dad has offered support for whatever decision he ultimately makes.

"He said it's up to me," Salanoa said. "Whatever school I choose, he'll be fine with that."

The elder Salanoa said he's already proud of his son's achievements so far.

"He's done a great job protecting our name," he said.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.