Defensive stars Jamora, Yap join Manley as elite of 2009

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Actually, it took two.

In a football season featuring a deep crop of defensive linemen, Kahuku’s Hauoli Jamora and Kamehameha’s Beau Yap were selected Defensive Co-Players of the Year on the 2009 Honolulu Advertiser All-State Division I team.

Leilehua’s Andrew Manley closes his storybook career as the Offensive Player of the Year.

The Players of the Year were selected by a cross-section of Division I coaches; the rest of the selections were based on consultations with coaches, media and independent sources who followed the game, but are not affiliated with any of the programs.

Manley, who shared the top offensive player honor as a junior with Punahou’s all-purpose selection Robert Toma in 2008, narrowly edged Kamehameha’s sparkplug running back Ryan Ho for this year’s honor. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound senior led all Division I passers with 3,108 yards. He completed 245 of 402 passes with 27 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

Manley concluded a dream career in which he led the Mules to a 25-7 record, including 12-4 in postseason. Manley guided Leilehua to three consecutive state tournaments, reaching the finals twice. He helped the Mules capture the 2007 state title after being promoted from the JV during the O’ahu Interscholastic Association playoffs.

“Without Manley, (the Mules) are not the same team,” Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said. “He’s the guy that makes that team go. He’s a big-time player. You could put him on any team and he would make them better.”

Manley, who has verbally committed to New Mexico State, finished his career with 7,641 passing yards and 66 touchdowns.