Observations from a trio of Saturday scrimmages

Moanalua's Kawika Jacobe loads up for a pass attempt in a scrimmage against Pearl City. Peter Caldwell | SL

PEARL CITY at MOANALUA — Michael Lasquero, SL Reporter

SALT LAKE — The late night scrimmage between Na Menehune and the Chargers was an exciting one as both teams had a quarterback with a high level of escapability. The difference? One had experienced receivers to throw to, one did not. Pearl City quarterback Jordan Taamu and his receivers did not appear to be on the same page during the early going. However, it is worth noting that Taamu did spread the wealth amongst five different receivers in his first six/seven completions. On the other hand, Moanalua quarterback Kawika Jacobe had a pair of studs to throw to in Jason Sharsh and Karson Cruz. Jacobe also ran the triple-option pretty well, taking a keeper for 40-plus yards and pitching a one-yard touchdown to Stevie Feliciano at the last second.

Other observations:
-Offensive line seems like the biggest concern for Moanalua. Expect Jacobe to draw comparisons to Johnny Manziel with his mobility.
-Watch out for the Chargers' defensive lineman Pjay Solomon and linebacker Zebediah Selu. Solomon has an impressive motor and Selu has a good nose for the ball.
-5-foot-3 Pearl City receiver Keelan Domingo-Ishikawa really came on strong late in the game. Tiny, shifty guy who can do damage in space.

KAILUA at SAINT LOUIS — Michael Lasquero, SL Reporter

KALAEPOHAKU — Quarterback Ryder Kuhns had a great start against the Surfrider secondary Saturday afternoon. Kuhns looked poise in the pocket, waiting to make the open throw. Wideout Drew Koboyashi also impressed, winning one-on-one battles for some impressive catches. However, Kailua defensive back Kaimanahila Lono did have an interception on Kuhns while covering Koboyashi in the end zone. Kailua also had some flair on offense, using multiple formations and packages to some success. Surfrider running backs Jimmy Dean Crowell and Paepaeiva Silifaiva-Kaehu had some good runs against the Crusaders' defense.

Other observations:
-Kailua's Christian Mejia and Joseph Byers had a couple of pass deflections on some on target throws from Saint Louis quarterback Tua Tagavailoa
-Surfrider offense looked more modern with different looks. Had some pistol sets, I-formation, and even a full house package
-Saint Louis has a lot of depth in its slot receivers. Little drop-off between the first and second strings.

KALANI at AIEA — Brandon Ching, SL Reporter

AIEA — The Kalani and Aiea offenses didn’t look sharp from the onset, but both teams found a groove in the second half as they played to a tie at Aiea High School on Saturday morning. The Na Alii return quarterback Jordan Liilii (6’2, 200, Sr.) and he threw two long touchdown passes for 38 yards and 71 yards. Coach Wendell Say mentioned he is coming off of an injury from last year and hopes he can stay healthy and continue to improve. Kalani’s Tyler Ching took majority of the snaps at quarterback for the Falcons and threw a 53 yard touchdown to a streaking receiver. Coach Greg Taguchi said they converted him from linebacker. Kalani led the O’ahu Interscholastic Association White (now Division 2) last season in passing offense, so this year’s Falcon’s squad will have some big shoes to fill.

Other observations:
-Aiea’s secondary had two interceptions and had four pass breakups
-Kalani intercepted Liilii twice (one by a d-lineman and another by a linebacker)
-Aiea had about 40 players suited up for the scrimmage, Say said they have about 50 or so on the roster