Bulldog Face-off A Critical Test For Ambitious Mustangs
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usThe Kalaheo defense sees a great running back every day in Jesse Carney at practice, and on Saturday night it will see another stellar running back in Kaimuki High’s Chester Sua.
That’s when the Mustangs and Bulldogs meet in a key OIA White Conference game at 7 p.m. at Kaiser High.
“He’s a big strong kid - he’s built like a Division I player,” said Kalaheo head coach Chris Mellor. “He’s definitely imposing when you see him, and he stays strong and energetic. He can bust one at any moment.”
The Bulldogs entered last weekend 3-0, having defeated McKinley (16-2) and Waialua (34-9) on the field, plus a forfeit victory over Anuenue. Sua figured in both “true” wins.
“Defensively, we need to control the run game,” said Mellor. “We have a great defense of our own. If we can take them out of their comfort element, we have a better chance. Offensively, we must carry out assignments and make the right reads.”
Kalaheo was to play winless Kalani Saturday before having a bye week. This weekend’s Kaimuki game starts a hardened part of the schedule with games against Waipahu, Anuenue and Pearl City.
The Mustangs are seeking a first-ever state tournament bid under Mellor this year. “It may be our first true test,” Mellor said of Kaimuki. “If we do well (the next month), we will have earned it.”
The team had its way in early games, trailing only once to Waialua at half time. Kalaheo got out of that predicament, but as Mellor still noted, “We haven’t had our backs to the wall yet.”
Kalaheo is relying on a mix of old and new players. Back in the fold are veteran linemen Toa Fonoimoana, Kainoa Lauriano and Chad Strickland as well as senior quarterback Justin Pagan and Carney, who also is a starter at linebacker on defense.
With Pagan managing the veer offense, the team has cranked out more than 230 yards rushing in each of their White victories. “Justin understands the veer, and he’s a good leader for us. We’re spreading it (carries) around, and teams are having a hard time finding the ball against us. Next week, we want to get on top and stay on top.”
Indeed, with two teams that run the ball first and foremost, the one playing catch-up figures to be out of its element.
Mellor also praised sophomore starters Sua Atanoa (two-way lineman), Hayden Beaty (WR/FS), Derek George (DT), Omar Silva (DT/LB/OL) and Royce Baginski (CB). “They’re an investment in our future.”
Atanoa broke his leg in the Waialua game Aug. 28 and was operated on that evening. He will return to the lineup on Saturday, Mellor confirmed. “That’s a story within itself,” he said of Atanoa’s quick recovery.
He expects special teams play to take on a bigger role in coming weeks, and they’ve been working hard to that end. Special teams haven’t been a factor yet, he added, “because we’ve controlled the games, but they’ll be big.”
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