Campbell’s Amosa Says Defense Is Key Against Rival Aiea
By Jack Danilewicz
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Amosa Amosa’s reputation as a coach has long been that of an offensive mind and teacher of the runand-shoot. As his Campbell football team prepares for a much-anticipated matchup with Aiea Friday night, however, the first-year coach is all about defense.
“I think that’s the key - our defensive team,” he said of the matchup between Campbell’s defense and Aiea’s offense.“It’s the strength of our team right now. Our offense is slowly clicking, and we’re trying to do the best we can to make the most of our opportunities.”
For his part, Amosa figures to have a grasp on Aiea’s offensive personnel - and with good reason. He was the offensive coordinator at Aiea the past eight seasons under Wendell Say and coached many of Na Ali’i's players.
Homecomings can be bittersweet, but this one will be good for all involved, he said.“It will be strange - I had been there (at Aiea) for awhile - but at the same time, it will be strange in a good way. We worked closely together for eight years, but he’s happy for me to be running my own program at Campbell. We’ll let the kids do the playing,and may the best team win.”
Added Say: “I just saw him over the weekend when we were both scouting, and it’s a little awkward not having him around all the time.
As much as we would have wanted him to stay, it’s good for him. He brings a lot, and he’s the perfect fit for Campbell.”
Friday’s game stirs up interest for yet another reason. Lest anyone forget, it was last year that a melee broke out between the teams in their game at Aiea, resulting in each school having to forfeit a game in the ensuing weeks. That evening seems a long time gone as this year’s game approaches, according to Amosa, who dismissed the skirmish as “a spur-of-the-moment thing” that took place in the heat of a game.
All signs point to a highly competitive rematch. Aiea’s offense under new offensive coordinator Jeff Matsuzaki, a former coordinator at Saint Louis School, was impressive in its season-opening game Aug. 15 against Pearl City, as Na Ali’i put up a score in every quarter en route to assuming a 27-0 lead through three quarters.Among the highlights for Aiea was the play of sophomore quarterback Kaau Kuia, who hit on seven of eight passes for 80 yards and a touchdown,and running back Sean Malepeai, who rushed for a pair of scores.
“We still have a long way to go, but we’re getting better every week,which is good,“Say said.“We’ll have to try to control the tempo against them. Our best defense is probably keeping their offense on the sidelines.”
Campbell, which edged Roosevelt 13-6 in Week One, will counter with an imposing defensive line that includes Christian Keli’i, Isaac Agiga,Aizea Anderson and Odanaus Mataio up front.“Our defensive line has been doing a great job,“Amosa said.“Roosevelt always has great athletes every year, and their quarterback was very active. To hold them to six was good.”
Amosa is also hoping for solid play from linebackers Isaac Torres and Leo Soa as well as Nicholis Daniels and Kevin Faller in the secondary. Offensively, he was pleased with the play of quarterback Lalo Respicio,a Nanakuli transfer.He finished 11-of-22 for 268 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Campbell’s win at Roosevelt. “He did a great job last week.Although he had two interceptions, one had gone through a receiver’s hands. For us, we have to eliminate turnovers and win that battle.”
Part of Amosa’s stamp on the team is attention to discipline on and off the field. “It’s a good unit. Everyone has been conforming to our expectations, and we’ve made a lot of positive progress in our overall attitude. We’re even hearing it from parents and teachers. It’s been a pleasure to work with both the JV and the varsity here. I’ve been pleased with the composure of our kids. They’re having a lot of fun out there.”
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