Hurricanes A Banged-up Bunch Going Into Friday Game
By Jack Danilewicz
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The forecast for Friday night’s Kapolei-Waipahu matchup is for a quick encounter. Fans of both teams should expect to be home by 9:30 p.m. - that is if all goes according to the script,and the game clock runs nonstop as both schools try to impose their run-game on the other.
“We’re the two ground-and-pound, run-based schools,” Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said.“Every week in the West you have to prepare for either the aerial circus or a punishing ground game.”
This week, it’s Waipahu’s punishing ground game that Hernandez is concerned with, although he has been splitting his time between sizing up the Marauders’ tendencies and monitoring Kapolei’s extensive injury report.
Among the injured is safety Shaydon Akuna,who is currently rated as the top college prospect in the state by Rivals.com. He has been sidelined for all four of Kapolei’s games with a sore hamstring and hip flexer.
“There’s only one remedy for that, and it’s rest,” Hernandez said of Akuna’s injuries.
The Hurricanes also have been without the services of fullback/linebacker Dustin Elisara, running back Onosai Faumuina, outside linebacker Tuulauena Lolohea, defensive end Pouesi Togiailua, safety Keanu Solidum, and slot back Matt Moses, who all have missed significant time to date. Senior quarterback Noah Pascua also has been banged up and was limited to a quarter of action in Kapolei’s 42-6 win over Nanakuli Sept. 5.
“It goes on and on - we’ve been a M.A.S.H. unit,” said Hernandez,whose Hurricanes were 1-1 in the OIA Red West entering last weekend’s game with Leilehua. “We haven’t been healthy for any of the games. That’s not an excuse. Injuries are part of the game, and we’ve been pretty fortunate here over the years. This year, we’re being challenged more (injury-wise).
“It’s a good and bad thing. The back-ups get a chance to step up and show their stuff, but sometimes that’s a process.”
Among the relative newcomers who have been making an immediate impact is Brandon Vaitautolu, a 5-10, 170-pound junior running back.In three appearances this season, he already has 395 rushing yards (and five touch-downs) on only 18 carries for an unheard-of average of 21.9 yards-per-carry. His efforts have complemented the strong play of fellow backs Keaka Fernandez and the aforementioned Faumuina.
“He’s a speed guy with great moves and great vision,“said Hernandez.“Keaka is a slasher,and Onosai is a power back. Together, they’re a three-headed monster.”
Kapolei’s depth in the back field should only aid its cause this week. In Waipahu, the Hurricanes will face the spread option offense, which Kapolei employs itself. Hernandez downplayed any advantage either team has in defending the other.
“Even though you see it all the time,it doesn’t make it easier,” he said. “They’re always a physical team and well-coached. They always have a lot of plays in their arsenal.”
Hurricane Notes: OC16 will televise Friday’s game live at 7 p.m. from Waipahu. The game will be replayed at 10:30 a.m. Saturday ... 2009 marks the second year in a row that Kapolei has more DI college prospects among the state’s top 15 than any other program, according to Rivals.com. In addition to Akuna, who is No. 1, Elisara (9), Lolohea (13) and line-backer Ace Morgan (15) made the list ... Kapolei has two games remaining in its regular season after Friday’s Waipahu game. The Hurricanes host Campbell Sept. 25 and travel to Mililani for a game Oct. 2.
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