Kahuku-Kamehameha scrimmage notes


Some notes from a controlled scrimmage between Kahuku and Kamehameha on Thursday at Kunuiakea Stadium. CJ Caraang | SL

KAPALAMA HEIGHTS — Defending Oahu Interscholastic Association champion and Open Division runner-up Kahuku came down to visit Kamehameha-Kapalama in a controlled scrimmage at Kunuiakea Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Abu Maafala begins his second season as Kamehameha head coach, while this will be Makoa Freitas' first year as the head coach for Kahuku.

The field was split into halves: Receivers and DBs on one side doing 1-on-1 drills, while the other half was 7-on-7 with offensive linemen, running backs, defensive linemen and linebackers.

Regardless of the outcome, this was a good scrimmage for both teams to improve on many things on both sides of the ball.

Here are some notes from the 11-on-11 scrimmage:

Kamehameha:

- The Warriors scored on their opening drive as starting QB Thomas "Boogie" Yam found Reino Bush for the TD. Yam alternated snaps under center or he lined up in the pistol formation.

- Returning running back Kanoa Shannon started but could not find any room as he was stuffed by Kahuku's front most of the evening. Seems like he will get majority of the carries this season for the Warriors similar to last season.

- It didn't feel like the receivers were in sync with Boogie as they missed a couple routes and throws.

- On the third offensive series, the Warriors found success with dump-offs and short screens that resulted in big yardage. He completed a 14-yard pass to Brock Ai and later a 12-yard pass to Braden Akima.

- Elan Costanios and Brandon Baniaga took snaps at quarterback in the later series and other role players finished out the scrimmage.

Kahuku:

Their practice jerseys did not have any numbers so it was difficult to make out who was who.

- Defensively, they are tough and aggressive up front and made it very difficult for the Warriors to get any sort of ground game going. They were able to pressure and hurry Yam into missed throws.

- The offensive line and running game is going to carry the offense as usual. The Red Raiders were able to rush for 10, 12, and 11 yard gains.

- Sol-Jay Maiava started at QB and his first two passes were incomplete. He was able to convert a 22-yard pass on a fourth-and-9 on a broken down play all the way down to the Warriors' 10-yard line. Four plays later, Kahuku scored off of a play action pass for 2 yards on fourth-and-goal.

- On their second offensive series, the Red Raiders gave some passing reps to Maiava, who overthrew his receivers. However, he was able to throw a 70-yard score to a wide open receiver running down the seam.



Reach Brandon Ching at [email protected].