Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Del Sol quarterback gets a second look

Palo Verde defeats Del Sol

Stephen R. Sylvanie / Special to the Home News

Dragons quarterback Saie HuiHui lets a short pass go while being pressured by Panthers defensive back Albert Metzger during a game at Del Sol High School on Friday.

Before his senior year, Saei Huihui was known more for his lanky 6-foot-4 frame and sports goggles than his play on Del Sol's football team.

With older brother Pono Huihui, a former All-Sunrise Region offensive lineman, it was tough to stand out.

"No one really noticed me until this year," said Saei Huihui, now the Dragons' starting quarterback.

Saei Huihui is getting plenty of looks this season, and not just for the sports goggles he still prefers to contacts.

Huihui has thrown for 342 yards and four touchdowns in his first four starts to help Del Sol open the season with three wins in four games.

The Dragons offense, known for its strong running game, has had an increased passing attack with Huihui at the helm.

Huihui's potential was most evident in his first start when he passed for 126 yards and a touchdown and also ran for a score in a victory against Valley.

"He didn't have the position locked up in the spring, but he brought the most tools by being a tall kid with a strong arm," Del Sol coach Preston Goroff said. "He's very athletic — probably the most athletic quarterback in town."

Huihui may also be one of the most subdued quarterbacks in town. He is known for being calm and collected in the pocket.

The laid-back nature has come with maturity and experience on the field.

"My coach always said don't get too hyper because I'm the one who's supposed to keep everyone calm," he said. "I used to be very energetic but over this year I have changed a lot."

With his older brother graduated, and playing at Victor Valley College, Huihui is not only without a top lineman but one of his biggest football influences.

The brothers reunite most weeks, when the family travels to watch home games in San Bernardino County, Calif.

"He's had to step out of the shadow of his big brother a little bit," Goroff said. "His big brother was an all-state lineman for us. But so far so good."

Huihui's toughest test came Sept. 12 against Palo Verde. The Panthers, considered to have one of the strongest defenses in Southern Nevada, limited Huihui to 10 yards passing with two interceptions in a 34-6 loss.

"It was a big shock to us," he said. "We thought we were ready for them. We knew this game would be like a measuring stick for us, but we just made a lot of mistakes. That game was like a reality check."

Del Sol rebounded on Sept. 19 with a 41-39 win against Rancho. Huihui passed 97 yards and a touchdown.

With the Dragons pre-league schedule over, they are now focused on the Southeast Division play, which begins Sept. 26 against Liberty.

Del Sol took second in the league last year and reached the Sunrise Regional finals for the second straight season.

"The most difficult thing is living up to how good last year's team was," Huihui said. "Last year we had a really good team, the quarterback was good. Now it's all about filling those shoes."

Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].

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