'EWA BEACH - Word started spreading Friday how Campbell handled two-times defending Division I state champion Kahuku in a controlled scrimmage Thursday on the North Shore.

Well, it's not that surprising as the Sabers have at worst held their own against the vaunted Red Raiders and at best out-played them in controlled scrimmages the past four years.

But the Sabers aren't getting too high with their recent performance because it's how you finish that matters. And Kahuku has finished on top of the O'ahu Interscholastic Association in four of the past five years. The Sabers, for once, would like to play into late November in Division I.

"We had a good scrimmage against those guys, but I challenged my kids that Kahuku is a team that gets better every day, every week, as the season goes on," Sabers' sixth-year coach Amosa Amosa said. "That is something that we, as a team, can learn from.

"Given how successful we've done against them (in the summer scrimmages), to me, it's always a good indication. It's a great stepping stone for us. It's motivational. But we have to understand we haven't won anything yet. I want my players to understand that now is the time to work, to push it to the next level, to do better than we did yesterday."

Campbell, which has the largest enrollment in the state as it pushes toward 3,000 students, has no shortage of talent. Four players - all major contributors last season - have transferred to other OIA schools, yet Amosa still had to cut players so there would be enough helmets, shoulder pads and jerseys to go around.

Offensively, the Sabers lost three-year starting quarterback Justin Tago-Su'e to graduation. But senior Isaac Hurd isn't short of experience. Hurd was plugged into games for several series when Tago-Su's labored. Hurd, also a strong runner like Tago-Su'e, displayed a rocket arm, though was sometimes erratic. A hip injury nagged might have had an effect. But he has improved on his accuracy over the offseason, Amosa said.

"He has grown, made progress," Amosa said. "Being in our system for three years, we're looking forward to him to having a really great year."

Last year, Amosa allowed Tago-Su'e some leeway to take advantage of his speed by running when he felt it was warranted. But in the run-and-shoot offense, the QB's priority is to pass, no matter what the pressure's like. Amosa would like Hurd to do be patient.

"I know it's a dimension for him," Amosa said of Hurd's speed. "But as (an offensive coordinator), I want him to last the whole season. If he has to run, he has to run. I told him he's talented enough to use his arm. He has shown improvement on his accuracy throughout the pass league."

Hurd will have experienced receivers to throw to in Amosa Amosa Jr., Jayce Bantolina and Kainoa Perry.

For the record, Hurd pulled off a 70-yard TD run in the scrimmage against Kahuku. And he might be Campbell's best runner. The Sabers lost RB Paul-Andrew Rhoden to graduation and Tristan Pebria, who transferred to Kapolei. Newcomer Austin May, a transfer from the Mainland, has shown some promise, Amosa said.

"As much as we throw the ball, we still want to establish the run," Amosa said.

The Sabers' strength might on defense. It kept Kahuku out of the end zone and made several short-distance stands in the scrimmage.

"We have some speed again," Amosa said. "Our linebackers, safeties all can run."

Some of the LBs to be counted on are Jerney Tago-Sue, Guy Silva, Waylen Lindsey, Unity Kea Cambra, Abiel Taito and Waipahu transfer Solomon Matautia.

Anchoring the defense are linemen Toese Tia, Braedon Nakamura, Jeff Tuuga and Josiah Mageo.

The Sabers open the non-league season Friday at Kaiser, a game that will be simulcast on ScoringLive.com and NBC Sports Radio on AM1500.