Campbell's Isaac Hurd hauls in a pass from Kainoa Perry on a two-point conversion against Kahuku. Evan Asato | SL

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Campbell's Kainoa Perry is ushered out of bounds after a pass recpetion against Kahuku. Evan Asato | SL

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A reversal of roles on a crucial two-point conversion against Kahuku symbolically showcased the close relationship between two teammates.

After quarterback Isaac Hurd's one-yard plunge to make the score 19-7, the Sabers lined up in an I-Formation with wide receiver Kainoa Perry as the tailback. Under center, Hurd pitched the ball back to Perry on a rocket sweep drawing defenders to the left side of the field. Assuming it was a run play after the toss, Perry was able to float it over to Hurd in the right back corner of the end zone on the halfback pass.

"We worked that play every practice," explained Perry. "We just kept practicing that and practicing that and it just worked."

Having a non-quarterback throw the ball on an all-or-nothing play is risky business, but there was no doubt between the two seniors.

"He put it out there and made a beautiful pass; all I had to do was catch it," said Hurd detailing the play. "It was all leading up to that time, the perfect time to run it."

It might seem like a basic trick-play to the spectators that evening, if you didn't know the history between the two boys. Back in their freshman year, Perry was actually the backup to Hurd during their junior varsity years. During their sophomore years, Hurd was brought up to the varsity level while Perry took the reins as the JV starting quarterback. As a matter of fact, Hurd and Perry's reign as a JV quarterbacks both ended at the hands of Kahuku.

"It's been great, me and him are super close," said Perry on his relationship with Hurd. "We've been together since freshman year; we're just (been) good friends ever since."

Instead of battling for the starting varsity quarterback spot his junior year, Perry elected to make the switch from quarterback to receiver for the betterment of the team.

"I knew I wasn't going to play quarterback because Justin (Tago-Su'e) was there and Isaac (Hurd) had a head start on me," said Perry. "I just wanted to help out the team and (Hurd) out. (I'm) just trying to help (Hurd) out because I know he's going to be a good quarterback; he's a college-level guy."

A position change might be detrimental to player's chances of seeing the field, but Perry has blossomed to be one of Hurd's favorite targets. The 5-foot-11, 170-lb receiver currently leads the team in all three receiving categories with 52 receptions for 529 yards and four touchdowns.

"He really works hard out of all the people," said Hurd on Perry. "He's really a guy who I can rely on and make a catch whenever I need it."

That reliability was in full effect Saturday night as the duo hooked up five times for 42 yards. The may have not been able to get a touchdown together, but that didn't stop the two from hooking up on clutch situations. Out of the five receptions, three were made on third down to extend drives.

The two friends will take their connection to the Big Island this Friday in the first round of the First Hawaiian Bank/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division I State Championships against the Hilo Vikings. This will be Campbell's first trip into the Division I tourney, and could also be the last game between the pair. Regardless of what happens, the two seniors will still be friends at the end of the day.

"I've known Kainoa (Perry) ever since (our) freshman year," said Hurd as he walked to the team buses after their win. "It's just (such) a joy to be working with him (during) our senior years."

Added Perry: "Me and (Hurd) have been close, and I think we'll be very close (even after) we graduate."