Ka’u defensive back Kamaehu DeRamos has seen enough of Kohala’s rushing attack. He’s thinks an adjustment is in order.
Ka’u defensive back Kamaehu DeRamos has seen enough of Kohala’s rushing attack. He’s thinks an adjustment is in order.
“I personally feel we need to stuff the box,” DeRamos said.
An extra defender or two near the line of scrimmage to help stop the run would have been helpful in the team’s first two meetings this season. Both times out, the Cowboys essentially stuffed the ball down Ka’u’s throat.
“There is always room for improvement,” DeRamos said.
The Trojans better hope so if they want to have chance at holding on to their title.
While 11-man teams are just gearing up for the postseason in Week 7, unbeaten Kohala can wrap up the BIIF eight-man title when it welcomes the Trojans at 2 p.m. Saturday in Kapaau.
In their second year of eight-man, the Cowboys (3-0) have been the class of the three-team league, outscoring the Trojans (2-2) and Pahoa by a combined 99-28.
After acclimating itself to the wide-open aspects of the eight-man game in 2014, the Cowboys have favored a physical approach this season. In a 30-8 victory at Pahala on Sept. 19, Kohala ran for 245 yards. In a 42-14 win at Pahoa a week later, the Cowboys ran for 155 yards.
The Trojans hoped they turned the corner defensively last week in slowing down the Daggers’ passing attack in 42-22 victory.
With Evan Manoha wracking up his second 200-yard plus game on the season on the ground, the effort was more what coach DuWayne Ke expected to see at the start of the season before inclement weather interrupted the practice schedule.
“It’s always hard when we miss practice,” DeRamos said. “We need practice.”
Especially when preparing for Kohala’s rushing attack.
Keaau (0-6 Division I, 0-7) at Hilo (4-2 Division I, 4-4), 7:15 p.m. Thursday
Neither matchup in Division I carries any playoff significance.
Ahead of its semifinal next weekend against Waiakea, the Vikings could be ripe for a letdown coming off an overtime loss to Kealakehe – or they could be out to prove a point,
Hilo has been susceptible to giving up big gains this season, but the Cougars haven’t generated many big plays since falling behind against Kamehameha in Week 4.
Honokaa (2-4 Division II, 2-6) at Konawaena (5-1, 7-1), 7:15 p.m. Friday
Unless Honokaa pulls off the upset – and Hawaii Prep beats Kamehameha – the Dragons and Wildcats will match up again next weekend in the BIIF semifinals.
Sophomore quarterback Austin Ewing’s return (270 yards and two passing scores) spurred Konawaena to a 41-6 win against Hawaii Prep last weekend as the Wildcats performed like one would expect a good team would coming off a loss.
Honokaa and quarterback Nainoa Falk have been stifled since a 2-1 start in league play, combing for just 12 points during a three-game losing streak.
Waiakea (2-4, 2-7) at Kealakehe (5-1, 6-3), 7:15 p.m. Friday
Quarterback Marcus DeGrate played a full game against Hilo, and the positive result was two-fold for the Waveriders. DeGrate not only showed a knack for coming up with big passes even when the Waveriders had poor field position, but Anthony Trevino’s move from QB to wide receiver gave Kealakehe another playmaker. Add in running backs Riggs Kurashige and Kobe Antolin, and the Waveriders could be on to something.
While the Waveriders await a visit from Keaau in the semifinals, the Warriors expect to get back quarterback Makoa Andres. That will in turn allow Gehrig Octavio to play wide receiver, adding to the list of Waiakea’s playmakers.
Hawaii Prep (2-4 Division II, 2-5) at Kamehameha (4-2, 7-2), 7:15 p.m. Saturday
In a likely playoff preview, the Warriors are working on a shutout streak that extends to 10 quarters. In fact, Kamehameha has yet to give up a touchdown to a league Division II opponent.
Ka Makani has turned to Kekoa LeBlanc at quarterback in recent weeks, allowing Justin Perry to switch to wide receiver, but the passing game struggled to produce in the loss to the Wildcats.