Defense rose to occasion for Sabers


LB Giovanni Stevenson had 13 tackles, including three for lost yardage. Stacy Kaneshiro | SL
In 44 previous meetings, perennial contender Waianae has dominated its series against Campbell with a 41-3 lifetime record.

But last Friday, the Sabers' defense kept the Seariders out of the end zone and watched them settle for two field goals in a 13-6 Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West win.

It was Campbell's first win against Waianae since 2003, when the Sabers won 32-22. The Seariders won four the previous meetings over the past six years before Friday's win at Waianae.

Sabers' coach Amosa Amosa said the defense played well, especially the front seven. Linebackers Giovanni Stevenson and Sheldon Maae combined on eight tackles for lost yardage and were instrumental in containing Waianae's usually devastating trap. Stevenson had 13 tackles, three for lost yardage, while Maae had seven tackles, five for lost yardage, two of them sacks.

Also, defensive linemen Lopisoni Mailei and Kelaiah Fonoti put the heat on Waianae quarterback Puletua Wilson. Apisoni had five tackles, including a sack, while Fonoti also had five tackles, plus five QB hurries (forcing the QB to rush his throws).

The Sabers (2-1 overall, 1-0 OIA Red West) will host Leilehua Friday. Both teams are 1-0 and share the division lead with Mililani, also 1-0.


Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at [email protected].