No. 8 Sabers edge No. 9 Na Ali'i, 7-0, in OT


Campbell WR Alonzo Everett celebrates after catching what would be the game-winning touchdown pass. Sherwin Acidera | SL

'EWA BEACH-Campbell accounted for nearly half its offensive yardage in one play to fight off 'Aiea, 7-0, in overtime in an O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red West season opener Saturday night at the Sabers' field.

Slot receiver Alonzo Everett went to his knees to cradle a 20-yard TD pass from Justin Tago-Su'e on the first play in OT and cornerback Makaio Hopeau-Lampitoc intercepted a fourth-down pass in 'Aiea's half of the extra period to clinch the victory for the Sabers (3-0 overall, 1-0 Red West), ranked eighth in the SL/OC16 Power Rankings.

"It's amazing," Everett said. "Everything was like in slow motion."

The Sabers were inconsistent on offense and finished the game with 42 yards total offense; the TD pass was the Sabers' longest play from scrimmage. If passes weren't overthrown, or dropped, the blocking broke down, Campbell coach Amosa Amosa said.

"It's always one thing or another," Amosa said.

No. 9 'Aiea tallied 226 yards with backup QB Shaelan Hernandez-Fonoti accounting for 167 yards (110 passing, 57 rushing). His brother, Isaiah, started the game at QB.

"Right now, whoever steps up (will start)," 'Aiea coach Wendell Say said. "We have the two brothers competing against each other. We have to go with who does the best job."

Na Ali'i (2-1, 0-1) had a golden opportunity to settle the game in regulation after Ualesi Sale recovered an errant option pitch by quarterback Isaac Hurd at the Sabers' 12 with three minutes, 59 seconds left in the game. But there penalties, including a holding call, set 'Aiea back to the Sabers' 28. After a no gain on a short pass, LB Jeremy Tago-Su'e dropped 'Aiea QB Shaenan Hernandez-Fonoti for a five-yard loss on third down back to the 33.

'Aiea's prolific kicker, Jae Won Huh, tried a 50-yard field goal that came up short. But a roughing the kicker penalty on Campbell gave Huh another shot, a 44-yard try. An encroachment against Campbell made his ensuing try from 39 yards. But LB Solomon Leaeno ripped through a gap in the middle and blocked the kick with his chest, he said.

"I told one of my players to take the A-gap and the other to take the up-back so I could just go in," Leaeno said. "There was an opening…it hit me right on chest."

"We just need to work on our blocking part of it," ' Say said. "There are some (other) things we have to work on, too, like the snap and the pace. (Huh) likes to go right away; if the placement isn't right away, it slows him down."

Campbell took over with 1:20 left at its 42, but elected two run the ball twice and take its chances in overtime, Amosa said.

The Sabers had their big chance to score early in the third quarter when 'Aiea muffed a punt that Campbell recovered at the Na Ali'i 5. But LB AJ Aleaga dropped Triston Pebria for a three-yard loss and after an incomplete pass by Tago-Su'e, Isaac Hurd lost seven yards on a fumble that Campbell recovered. On fourth-and-15, Tago-Su'e was sacked by Naz Igafo and Michael Taliulu for an eight-yard loss.

In overtime, 'Aiea won the toss and elected to go on defense first. Tago-Su'e rolled left after faking to the RB and the southpaw hit a wide open Everett, who entered the end zone on a cross from the right. Tyler Subia had to kick the PAT twice, as the first was nullified by off-setting penalties.

On Na Ali'i's series, Shaelan Hernandez-Fonoti was sacked by Amate Savusa and Guy Silva for a five-yard loss. The next two plays were incomplete passes by Isaiah Hernandez-Fonoti, Shaelan's brother. On fourth down, Isaiah's fade pass to left sideline in the end zone was intercepted by Hopeau-Lompitoc to end the game.

Savusa accounted for six tackles for lost yardage, including three sacks.





Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at [email protected].