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Self-described as a clumsy freshman, Shimabukuro recalled a JV game at Kea'au in which he had trouble holding on to the ball.

"It was a funny moment," he said. "Well, not at the time. It was a preseason game and they wanted me to get some reps. My hands were sweating. I was shaking and everything."

These days, it has been Kaua'i's opponents breaking a sweat trying to stop the 6-foot-1, 185-pound quarterback. With a lot of work and summer football camps, Shimabukuro has developed into scoring threat. He is third in the state among Division II passers with 1,465 yards and 17 TDs and was named the Kaua'i Interscholastic Federation Offensive Player of the Year.

"You wouldn't believe it's the same person," said Kaua'i athletic director Ross Shimabukuro, who is not related to Trey.

Shimabukuro will lead the Red Raiders (10-0) against two-time defending champion 'Iolani (10-2) in the First Hawaiian Bank Division II state football championship, 4:30 p.m. Friday at Aloha Stadium.

He has become so adept at his position that Borerro has loosened the reins. He said Shimabukuro has earned the right to audible on the line to change a play from the bench.

"Trey has a good mind in reading coverages," Borerro said. "He's got a good, strong arm. He's not going to be a guy who's going to be running all over the place; he's a pocket guy. He really resembles Timmy Chang. He has a quick release. He's very knowledgeable about the game.

"Because he's a bright young man, I allow him to do some things on the field, audibilizing in and out of certain plays. He's very valuable. I don't know what I'm going to do without him."

Shimabukuro credits just about everyone for his success. He said Borreri speed and quickness and later Nike Sparr drills helped correct his clumsiness. Attending summer camps, such as Colorado, Oregon State and NIKE in Oregon, helped his overall game. He said previous Kaua'i QBs Kekoa Crowell (1,945 yards and 21 TDs in 2004) and Andrew Renaud (1,563 yards, 21 TDs in 2006) were good mentors.

"They knew how things went, the speed of the game," Shimabukuro said. "Those guys were a big help."

His turnaround from a nervous freshman JV QB to a poised varsity leader started last season, when he passed for 1,779 yards and 24 TDs. Again, he deferred credit.

"The talent at the receiving position is key," Shimabukuro said. "And the O-line just gets better and better. The offense doesn't go anywhere without the O-line."

Kaua'i's leading receivers are Kalena Rodero-Workman (27 for 492 yards, 6 TDs) and Taran Tani (46 for 484, 5 TDs).

Running back Paleku Yasay provides balance as the leading ground gainer with 847 yards and 6 TDs. Shimabukuro's cousin, Shea Shimabukuro, has 42 special teams points (38 PATs and 5 field goals). Plus he has two receiving TDs.

Shimabukuro also maintains a 3.0 grade point average, crediting to his teachers for their help, as well as his parents for getting him a tutor to try to improve on his SAT scores. He wants to major in physical therapy or psychology.

"I'm really fortunate for those things in my life," he said.

LARGUSA SELECTED

Kaua'i High all-purpose player Cameron Largusa will represent his league in the second Aloha Prep Bowl, Dec. 12 at Aloha Stadium, Kaua'i AD Ross Shimabukuro said.

Largusa, a safety, spot receiver and return specialist, was named the KIF Defensive Player of the Year.

Largusa has scored four TDs this season, two from four pass receptions. He also scored on a 51-yard punt return and 80-yard kickoff return.

The Aloha Prep Bowl is a doubleheader that features a Hawai'i/Polynesia team against a Mainland team in the nightcap after a game between the East and West made up players from the two O'ahu leagues.