Summer Passing League ‘Critical’ For Campbell Squad

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Even with a run-oriented offensive scheme, Campbell football coach Tumoana Kenessey would be the last to underestimate the importance of developing the passing game.

If anything, Kenessey sees the current 7-on-7 passing league as all the more important to the Sabers’ future success.

“I’d say we ran the ball 60 to 70 percent of the time last season,” said Kenessey, whose team runs the Wing-T (four-back set). “We’re more of a play-action team. Our philosophy is always to establish the ground game and go from there. But (passing league) is critical for us because when we have to throw it, and need to get a key first down ... We want to be effective. Pass league sets the tone. We can see what we do or don’t have to work on. It exposes our weaknesses. It’s not about winning or losing.”

Due to other commitments, the team has been largely without its projected fall roster this month. Campbell went into Saturday’s pass league games expecting only to dress seven defensive players, leaving themselves without any substitutes on that side of the ball. Injuries had plagued the Sabers during spring practice, as six projected starters were unable to take part.

“The potential is there, but our commitment has to be better,” said Kenessey, whose team begins fall camp July 31. “At this point, it’s been difficult to access where we are because we’re going through trials with attendance. That’s the hard part. Pass league is important, and it’s up to the kids whether they value the importance of it.”

The quarterback battle continues, meanwhile, with last year’s starter, Obadiah Matio, and fellow junior Kevin Newcomb, getting the majority of the repetitions in Campbell’s summer sessions.

“(Matio) has a strong arm, and he has some toughness in him,” Kenessey said. “He’s the starting returnee, and experience is important. Kevin is tall, and he’s coming along. He’s getting better with his throws and reads. Right now, Kevin has the nod. He’s been showing up more.”

Campbell went 6-1 last year (tied for first with Radford and Moanalua) in the Division II OIA White Conference and will move up to Division I and the OIA’s Red West Conference this season. The Sabers have won four Division titles in the last six years, including both the Division II and state titles in 2004.