Injuries Healing As Mules Launch Their 2008 Offensive
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usWhen the Mules officially began practice in July, depth was not among head football coach Nolan Tokuda’s concerns, since participation is at an all-time high in the program.
Two weeks into the season, he’s hoping that assessment will hold true. With a rash of injuries to key players in recent weeks, the Mules are looking to turn loose a few relative newcomers.
“We’re lucky to have a break early in the season,” Tokuda said of this week’s bye. “What we need now is for our second- and third-string guys to become more involved. We need to get some guys coached up so they can step up for the remainder of the year. In preseason, everyone plays some, but once we get into our league (games), the most prepared guys are going to play.
“Not everyone can be a starter, so getting guys to know their roles is important. That’s what we had with our team last year, and it made the difference.”
Lest anyone forget, the Mules delivered the school’s first state championship last season by defeating Saint Louis in the title game in November, and took a state-best eight-game win streak into last Friday ‘s showdown with fellow OIA Red West powerhouse Mililani. Aside from contending with a talented Trojan team, they also were expected to be without the services of offensive lineman Jiniki Timoteo (concussion) and defensive lineman Bradley Iaulualo (ankle). Both had great preseasons and are among several assertive team leaders.
“It took its toll on our players,” he admitted. “We stress family and that we are a brotherhood here, and when one gets hurt, it affects everyone. Bradley is probably our most effective dlineman. He brings it on every play.”
The Mules are hoping to have both players back for next week’s game verses Kapolei, which handed Leilehua its worst loss of 2007 in a 21-0 defeat last October. On the bright side, defensive lineman Jaydon Cuesta returned to the lineup for the Mililani game after having missed both games following a preseason scrimmage injury.
On the field, the team has been right on course, with wins over Radford and Iolani to begin the season. Tokuda liked the progress his team made between Week One and Week Two.
“It’s nice to see the kids improving every day and week-to-week. Against Radford, we got into the red zone seven times and only scored twice. We were there four times against Iolani, and we scored four times. In Week One, our quarterback, Andrew Manley, was hit nine times. Last week, he was hit only twice, so after making some adjustments with our line, we did well.”
Defense carries the day typically for the Mules, who have been among the state’s best on that side of the ball for three seasons. Stellar play in the trenches has allowed them to keep on pace this season so far.
“Guys like Sione (Sami) and Bradley have made it possible for our linebackers (Kalua Ellis, Nate Hall and Ali’i Tuitoelau) to make plays. We’re headed in the right direction. The kids we have are good kids; they’re very coachable and willing to listen. The younger guys follow them. Having that in place is a good thing. When you have good captains, you’ll have a good team.”
Nine different Mules have been captains so far this season.
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