Returning Chargers Aim To Put Games In ‘Win’ Column

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If Pearl City’s spring game was any indication, points won’t be hard to come by for the Charger football team this fall.

“We think we’ll have an explosive offense,” first-year coach Mel Bicoy said.“We can run the ball and throw the ball, so we think we’ll have a very balanced attack.A good running game always opens up the passing lanes, and teams are forced to play you honestly. The offense showed us a whole lot. We’ll put points on the board. I’d be very surprised if that didn’t happen.”

Under OIA rules, Pearl City was allotted 10 practice sessions within a 14-day period. The scrimmage on June 3 brought spring drills to a close. The Chargers began their summer sessions last week in preparation for the OIA Passing League, which starts later in the month. This weekend, the team will showcase its passing game in the Kalaheo Passing Tournament. The Chargers report to fall camp July 31, the first official day that Hawaii high school football teams can practice. Pearl City is hoping to reverse its football fortunes, having suffered a winless season in 2005.

A number of key returnees on offense should give them a base to build from, said Bicoy. Leading the way will be the running back tandem of Micah Abreu-Laybon and Micah Dela Cruz who missed spring scrimmage because of a work commitment but “had a great spring,“according to Bicoy.“We kind of expected (a productive spring) from him, but overall we were very pleased with all of our kids on offense.”

Both backs complement each other despite their different running styles.“Abreu-Laybon has speed, but he’s a power runner,” Bicoy said. “Dela Cruz is more of a ‘scat back.’ He can get to the outside, and he hits the hole quick.”

At quarterback, junior Kawika Borden and sophomore Skye Kaapuni took most of the snaps in the spring and should benefit from the upcoming passing league. Defensively, the team is less settled as Bicoy noted that several players could settle into different positions.

“We allowed them during spring a chance to see what they could do at the position of their choice, but for the (betterment) of the team, there may be some changes.”

Among those who may shift spots is Kevin Costa.A 6-foot, 205-pound linebacker, he may convert to defensive end in fall camp.

“We’d like to look at him there or even at defensive tackle. He’d probably do a good job at either.”

The strength of the defense could be at linebacker, highlighted by Troy Antoque and Zach Teves. Bicoy also praised Bryson Costales and Gavin Tanaka, both of whom will anchor the secondary.

Although contact was limited to “a quick whistle” as a precaution-ary measure against injuries, Bicoy still likened the scrimmage to a “game” situation. “The kids work so hard in practice that game night is their time to have fun. The preparation is done - it’s their time to shine. I think they enjoyed it.”