Wade Inn doesn’t have a lack of gargantuan-sized linemen.
When the Kamehameha I-AA football team meets No. 7 ‘Iolani (2-0) on Friday afternoon at Aloha Stadium, the Warriors coach can count on sheer size up front. It’s just that he doesn’t have a surplus of them, particularly at the varsity level.
“We don’t have a true second O-line, so eight of them rotate. We’re going to try whatever we can to gain advantages. We like to run the ball and our playbook is identical to the varsity,” Inn said. “There’s some wrinkles.”
His junior varsity team at Kamehameha proved to be up to the task two weeks ago in a see-saw 25-20 loss to Damien. The left side of the Warriors’ offensive line is worthy of any line, size-wise, in the state. Alema Iosua, at left tackle, is 6 feet, 6 inches and 285 pounds. The freshman stands next to left guard Terrence Pemasa, who is 6-4, 300 pounds. Right guard Hudson Lee is 5-11, 295, but the trench men get a bit more agile at center and right tackle with Koa Asing (5-11, 225) and William Saelua (5-10, 190).
Freshman running back Ty Perkins finished with 150 rushing yards and three touchdowns behind that front five against Damien.
“Ty had a pretty crazy game. He’s a great athlete, but to do that at the varsity level as a freshman is pretty awesome and surprising,” Inn said.
Kamehameha I-AA will face a Raiders defense loaded with “Hybrid” stoppers.
“Oh man, sheesh, it’s like they’re in midseason form, a well-oiled machine and disciplined. They’re ranked No. 7 for a preseason. They’re rolling right now. We have a tall task ahead of us,” Inn said.
‘Iolani coach Wendell Look doesn’t consider his team literally tall, but defensive coordinator Delbert Tengan has made the most of his players’ strengths. Despite size disadvantages against Damien and Pac-Five, the Raiders have allowed just one touchdown.
“As much as they say they don’t have size, they have their technique and leverage, attacking on defense and how they block on offense. The leverage points, they win those battles more often than not. Size does matter, but leverage can help you play bigger than you actually are,” Inn said.
Kickoff at Aloha Stadium on Friday is set for 5 p.m. The Damien/Pac-Five game will follow at 7:30 p.m.
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