Cougar Coach: ‘We Have A Chance To Beat The Best’
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usGiven Kahuku’s football-related resume, it goes without saying that the Red Raiders are the marquee opponent on the schedule of every team they play.
In the last decade alone, they’ve won five state championships in addition to eight OIA titles.
With his Cougars set to host Kahuku at 7 p.m. Friday, Kaiser first-year coach William Lobendahn is eager to gauge his own team’s progress.
“There’s nothing better than facing the best and having a chance to beat the best - there’s a measuring stick there (in playing Kahuku),” said Lobendahn, who played at Saint Louis School in his own prep days. “As a coach, you always like to go up against a storied program like Kahuku.”
It’s a rare meeting between the schools since Kaiser has been in Division II in recent years. For their part, Kahuku comes to Hawaii Kai looking very much as a favorite to win the state title, having returned multiple starters from last year’s team, which finished as runner-up to Kamehameha. They overwhelmed Kailua Aug. 21 in their OIA Red East opener 54-25 and were equally impressive in week one, posting a 27-7 win over a good Waianae team.
Conversely, Kaiser’s players are a bit of a mystery to their upcoming opponents, having been without the full complement of their roster due to injuries and academic issues. The Cougars were hard-pressed to move the ball against Pac Five in week one at the Father Brey Classic and were done in by five turnovers in a 28-12 loss to Farrington Aug. 21.
“They always say the offense takes a little longer to come together than the defense and, hopefully, it will catch up sooner than later,” Lobendahn said. “We’re still working on our timing. We’re still working out the kinks, and we’re trying to get everyone on the field. We haven’t meshed as well as we need to as an offensive group.
“But the kids believe, and they’ve been working their butts off every day. As coaches, we hope we can put them in the right spots on the field.”
Cohesiveness isn’t a problem on the defensive side in Lobendahn’s view, especially up front. He praised his front four: Seth Keolanui, Bret Kanoa, Jordan Luamanuvae and Lopeti Fonokalafi. They’re being tutored by defensive line coach Matt Faga, a former UH standout.
“They’re the heart of our defense,” said Lobendahn, who also praised the efforts of defensive coordinator Sam Purcell. “Their chemistry is really good. They really know each other and what the other is going to do. They work well together in setting up the other.
“Our defense has been very aggressive and disciplined,” he added.
Kahuku always has been known for its power run game, but it’s also using spread sets now to better utilize the field and get the ball to their weapons.
“That’s what’s making them so deadly this year, their being so balanced,” Lobendahn said. “They’ve always been able to run the ball. Having that dual threat is something to really contend with, and we’re going to face one of the best offensive lines in the state.”
Kahuku’s won its first 12 games a year ago before dropping the state title to Kamehameha. Kaiser went 4-4 in Division II last year under Pat Samsonas, who resigned at season’s end to spend more time with family.
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