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Kaiser Fine-tuning Seasoned Players

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Cougar quarterback Skylar Chan
grips the ball. Photo by Byron Lee,
staff photographer.

For all the challenges of playing a good Nanakuli team on the road this Friday (6:30 p.m.), Kaiser head football coach Pat Samsonas is emphasizing his own team.

With a veteran squad that boasts 30 seniors, the Cougars are hardly lacking in leadership.

“Every Monday we watch film of the team that we’re playing and then we watch a little of ourselves. But we want to do our own stuff right first and then we worry about the other guy,” Samsonas said.

“We don’t have to do as much technical coaching with this team. They’ve been around, so we can get more into the Xs and Os.We’re fine-tuning more, which is nice as coaches.”

The Cougars were to play neighborhood rival Kaimuki Sept. 1 in their OIA White Conference opener. The only other game prior to that was their cross-over contest Aug. 19 (a 28-14 loss) with Pac-Five of the ILH, which won’t count against their record in a bid for the post-season. Considering that the Golden Hawks competed in Division I last season, they could represent one of the bigger hurdles for the Cougars in their campaign for a league title.

“Playing there, halfway across the Island, the bus ride is something we have to overcome right away,” Samsonas said. “Coming down from the (Division I) Red (West), they are used to playing against top talent. They’re a scary team with good coaching. Their quarterback (Chase McGill) is a play-maker - we have to stop him first.And their offense (a version of the spread) is something we don’t see that often.”

Possessing the ball on offense and holding off Nanakuli’s own offense could go a long way to help, even with Kaiser’s quick-score skills.

On that note, the Cougars figure to benefit greatly from a seasoned offensive line, which should rate among the White Conference’s best in 2006. Leading the way is center Brice Kahalewai, a First Team All-OIA selection last year, who packs 260 pounds into a 6-foot frame.

“He’s tough, and he’s very smart,” Samsonas said.

Also back up front are tackles Andrew Wingert and Rayce ChunMing, and guards Lono Awong and Justin Inagaki.

“They’ve been very solid for us. Their cohesiveness is their strength.”

With a star-studded unit in the trenches, the skilled players should benefit greatly, especially senior running back Isaac Saffery, who is regarded as one of the state’s most capable at his position. Saffery comes from a family well-known to Cougar followers. His father George and uncle Lyle were both standouts for Kaiser during their playing days.

“Isaac is our focal point,and every team knows that, too,” Samsonas said of Saffery, who is also a starting linebacker. “He’s worked extremely hard; he’s in the weight room from November on.”

The Cougar offense also features quarterback Skyler Chan, who was a wide-out in 2005, and wide receiver (and defensive back) Jake Esteban, whom Samsonas calls “the emotional leader of our team.” Like Saffery, Chan’s and Esteban’s families both have deep football roots with the Kaiser program.

An already talented receiver corps received an added boost three weeks ago when junior Kalua Noa transferred from Saint Louis.

“We’re real excited about him,” Samsonas said.“He should have an immediate impact here.”

Kaiser’s ability to be multidimensional on offense remains one of its best assets, the coach said, and could figure big against Nanakuli.

“We have enough (versatility); we think that if teams load up the box (against the run) against us, we can loosen them up with the pass,” he explained. “We can also run with Isaac, so we can be pretty balanced. We have a great situation.”

Down-lineman Tukia Aholelei and linebacker C.J. Criado anchor the defense,meanwhile.Aholelei was a 2005 First Team all-OIA selection.

“He’s very solid - Pac-Five double and triple-teamed him. To be double-teamed is an honor, but he might have a hard time putting up the numbers he did last year. We also have him playing some fullback and slot back. C.J. had 14 tackles against Pac-Five, and he averaged 11 last season.”

Following their game at Nanakuli, the Cougars will play Anuenue Sept. 16, travel to Waialua Sept. 22 and Pearl City Sept. 30. Cougar home-coming is Oct. 13 against Kalani.