In the Koolauloa world of athletes, former athletes, sports enthusiasts and just plain fans, football is king . . . and it's that time of the year when annual all-star honors go to the best of the best.

Punahou linebacker Manti Te'o of Laie Point leads the list of the Honolulu Advertiserer's 2008 All-State Football Team as the Defensive Player of the Year for his role in helping his team win the state championship with 129 tackles, including 11 sacks, three forced fumbles, four tipped passes, and 19 quarterback "hurries." He also grabbed three interceptions, returning one of them 49 yards for a touchdown as well as picking up a blocked punt for another TD. Going the other way, Te'o rushed for 176 yards, including four more touchdowns. He was also named the ILH Defensive Player of the Year.

Other First Team All-State football honors went to Kahuku High defensive backs Kamalani Alo, Jray Galea'i and Aulola Tonga.

Kona Schwenke was named to the Advertiser's Second Team All-State Team, and Honorable Mention went to St. John Lessary III.