Waiakea was only able to play 20 minutes of soccer, but these days that’s a lot for the Warriors.
Freshman John Grover scored two goals Monday and Waiakea beat Christian Liberty 4-0 in a BIIF match that was called midway through the first half because of lightning at Ken Yamase Memorial Stadium.
Senior Gehrig Octavio and freshman Kai Biegler also scored for the Warriors (2-0), who must be getting restless. The BIIF season is two weeks old, but thanks to inclement weather Waiakea has only played 100 minutes of match time.
“The boys were saying that this seems like the slowest season ever,” coach David Urakami said.
But business is about to pick up during a stretch in which the Warriors will play four times in eight days, highlighted by matches Saturday at home against Kamehameha and Dec. 20 at Hawaii Prep.
One of the longest-tenured boys soccer coaches in the BIIF, the pinnacle so far for Urakami came in 2011 and 2012 as Waiakea finished BIIF runner-up, first to Hilo and then to Kealakehe, twice advancing to the HHSAA tournament
With a solid core of seniors and a premising group of freshmen, the talent on this year’s team could be comparable to those teams, Urakami said.
“We can do things a little differently because we have all the (holes) filled,” he said.
Seniors Michael Scott – who collected a hat trick last Saturday against Pahoa – and Max Adolf possess speed up top at striker, and Octavio is an experienced playmaker with a strong leg at center midfield.
Grover can play all over and has three goals this season, while Biegler can pinch in at center or forward. Both have club experience.
“Everybody says our freshman class is pretty strong,” Urakami said.
While Hilo and Kealakehe dominated the all-BIIF voting last season, many Warriors made honorable mention, including Brennan Yamamoto, now senior, at fullback.
Ryden Quitoriano earned the abbreviated shutout Monday, but sophomore Ka’iolana Kon also will see time at goalkeeper this season.
The pieces are assembling at Waiakea, now all the Warriors need are some matches.
“Come check out our stadium,” Urakami said.
