Leilehua RB Camren Flemister looks for some running room against Kailua last Friday in a non-league matchup. Michael Lasquero | SL

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Camren Flemister runs the read-option with Cole Northington on the Mules' last possession of the game against Kailua. Michael Lasquero | SL

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Opposing coaches that game plan against the Leilehua Mules this season should know one thing — the limit does not exist for running back Camren Flemister.

The 5-foot-5, 155-pound junior accumulated 108 yards from scrimmage on just 12 touches in Leilehua's 19-7 win over visiting Kailua last Friday in both teams' season opener.

It was the Mules' first win in 630 days.

It's been a long time, but it's a good feeling right now," Flemister said. "It's just time to stay humble, keep a level mind and go into the next game."

Flemister, who played at Rome High in Georgia as a freshman, endured a 0-7-1 season in his sophomore season playing for the Mules.

Despite three first-half turnovers by the Surfriders last weekend, the Mules had no points to show for it with the game scoreless for almost the entirety of the first half.

That's when Flemister rose to the occasion.

With only one carry for two yards and one reception for one yard through Leilehua's first four possessions, the junior running back got things going with an 11-yard run to start the team's fifth series. He took a loss for six yards on a reception, but made up for it when he shook out a defender in the flat for a 17-yard catch-and-run to convert third-and-16.

After a run for five yards by Cole Northington, Flemister showcased his leaping ability when he came down with a jump ball down the left sideline for a 36-yard gain. This ultimately led to Hanohano Plunkett's 7-yard touchdown pass to Timothy Arnold as time expired in the first half to give Leilehua a 7-0 lead at the break.

Hanohano Plunkett's 7-yard TD to Timothy Arnold as the first half ended gives Leilehua a 7-0 lead over Kailua at the break.

The lone scoring drive of the half was aided by Camren Flemister's 36-yard reception and 17-yard catch-and-run to convert 3rd-and-16.

— Michael Lasquero (@MichaelLasquero) August 12, 2023

"I was just trying to put my team on my back," Flemister said of his play to close the first half. "The scoreboard might not show it, but I knew we had it in us to get the points that we needed and we came out with a dub (W)."

Plunkett, a transfer from Nanakuli, praised Flemister after the game.

"He's like our arsenal player. He can play running back when we don't have our starter in, he's one of our starting slot, he can just go everywhere in general. I'd say the biggest feature about him is he's humble too."

In addition to running back and receiver, Flemister also returned kicks and had at least one punt attempt against Kailua.

Camren Flemister runs the read-option with Cole Northington on the Mules' last possession of the game against Kailua. Michael Lasquero | SL    Purchase image

The last thing role that Flemister had was taking direct snaps behind center when the Mules were trying to run out the clock.

On its last possession, Leilehua came out in a double stack formation with two receivers out wide lined up right behind each other. Arnold was the split end to the left of the formation with Plunkett directly behind him while Flemister had signal-caller duties with Northington to his side.

Kailua never got the ball back after the change by the Mules.

Flemister started the drive with a two carries for seven yards while running the read-option. The Surfriders called timeout with 3:55 left in regulation, but an encroachment penalty gave Leilehua a fresh set of downs. Northington took the next carry for four yards before Flemister iced the game with a 31-yard scamper to take it from the Leilehua 29 to the Kailua 40. Two more carries by Flemister led to another first down before the Mules could kneel the ball to end the game.

"I just went where I needed to be called for my play," said Flemister. "When my number was called, I made plays that needed to be. I don't really want to limit myself to one position, but that when I'm needed, I do my job."

Leilehua and Flemister will travel to Moanalua this Friday to open up regular season play.