Campbell has sights on history, state crown

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

With or without its head coach, the Campbell High School football team is ready to make history this week.

The Sabers, who will be without head coach Tumoana Kenessey because of a one-game suspension, play Iolani at 5 p.m. on Friday at Aloha Stadium in the first Division II state championship game for both programs.

"The kids are resilient, they play because they love the game," Kenessey said. "They're very happy to be where they're at, and they understand that this has never been done at Campbell before. It's very historical for the school and the community."

The Sabers (9-2) already got a taste of what it's like to play without Kenessey, rallying for two second-half touchdowns last Friday to defeat Kaua'i, 29-20, in the semifinals. Kenessey was ejected in the third quarter, with the score 14-14.

"One thing I've tried to instill in this team is a work ethic," said Kenessey, a 1985 Campbell graduate. "What I learned is that a lot of kids, if the going gets tough, they want to fold and re-route that attention somewhere else. I want them to learn how to persevere and not quit. Even if a guy is running ahead of you 40 yards downfield, he might drop the ball. And if he does, you better be right there."

For most of this season, the Sabers have been the ones other teams are chasing. Operating out of the unique "Delaware Winged-T" offense, they have effectively run the ball using several backs and then thrown the surprise pass with strong-armed quarterback Shaye Asoau to speedy receiver Isaac Laupola.

"They run what is called a 'fly' offense and they do a really good job," Iolani coach Wendell Look said. "That quarterback is a tough kid who can run and throw, and with Laupola out there, you can never forget about him. They have a lot of great athletes who can run that misdirection; their offense fits their personnel."

Kenessey said his offense's production is key to the game because he wants to keep Iolani's offense off the field.

The Raiders' spread attack sends four receivers out on varied patterns for quarterback Kiran Kepo'o and also includes running back Michael Hirokawa, who rushed for 103 yards and caught six passes for 57 yards in last week's 17-7 victory over Hawai'i Prep.

"They have a quick-strike offense; their quarterback is big and he can throw the deep ball," Kenessey said. "But Kaua'i was good preparation for us, because they were a good passing team, too. We've got to keep their offense off the field. I don't want them to have the ball."

Kenessey said the Raiders' defense "is fast and aggressive," so ball-control won't be easy.

"Iolani is very disciplined and well-coached," Kenessey said. "It's a challenge."

Campbell is used to facing challenges. But led by National Principal of the Year Gail Awakuni, the entire school has gone through an overhaul that has led to improvements across the board, including athletics.

"She's grabbed the bull by the horns and expects high standards from students and teachers," Kenessey said. "And coaches, too."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456.