Speed Is Key Against McKinley
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usAs always, the Pearl City football team’s more immediate goal is to play fast. “Our overall team speed (is our strength),” Pearl City coach Kai Kamaka said. “When we get the ball up the field vertically, we’re fine.”
The Chargers meet McKinley in an OIA White Conference game at 2 p.m. Saturday at Roosevelt High, the outcome of which could be pivotal in the regular-season championship. The game is billed as a duel between speed and power. Moreover, McKinley has quickly emerged as a contender in the league after outlasting Waipahu 34-27 on Aug. 28.
The Chargers still have to play Waipahu, in addition to Kalaheo and Kaimuki, so this game with the Tigers takes on added importance if Kamaka’s team is going to remain in the mix. “The winner of this game has the inside track on the (more favorable playoff) seeding,” he explained.
The team was to play Nanakuli last weekend and recently had a bye week after opening with impressive wins over Kapolei (14-7) and Anuenue (39-8). Despite the layoff, Kamaka liked the way his team prepared.
“They pushed themselves, and we had some of our better practices,” he said.
The Chargers will face one of their more-physical tests of the year, as the Tigers proved in their win over Waipahu. Tiger running back Solomon Dixon had a big night in that game, rushing nine times for 96 yards and catching a pair of passes that covered 28 yards.
“They have a really quick running back in Dixon, but, except for him, they’re more of a power team. Hopefully, we can use our speed on the edges to get those big guys running right to left.”
Kamaka also hopes the team can control the play largely through its own offense’s ability. “Overall, our offense also has been fast and physical. We just have to continue what we do, which is playing good football.”
Following Saturday’s game, the Chargers will play both Kalani and Waialua, teams that were still winless entering last weekend, before a much-anticipated matchup with Waipahu Oct. 1.
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