Hurricanes find their balance

Kapolei's Jaymin Sarono looks to be a part of something special on offense at Kapolei. Jay Metzger / Special to the Star-Advertiser
Kapolei’s Jaymin Sarono looks to be a part of something special on offense at Kapolei. Jay Metzger / Special to the Star-Advertiser

As might be expected with June Jones on the coaching staff and Taulia Tagovailoa behind center, Kapolei’s run-pass ratio was decidedly tilted toward the aerial attack in the Hurricanes’ first two games.

The split was decidedly more even in Kapolei’s 44-13 win over Leilehua on Saturday in Wahiawa.

Kapolei had thrown the ball on more than 81 percent of its plays a win over Campbell and a loss to Waianae with 83 pass attempts for 526 yards. In contrast, the Hurricanes had 19 running plays for a net loss of 19 yards in the season’s first two weeks.


The Hurricanes again picked up the bulk of their yardage through the air against Leilehua with Tagovailoa passing for 227 yards and three touchdowns in 34 attempts. But they also balanced the offense with 162 rushing yards on 28 carries.

Josh Kansana saw his first game action since tearing his ACL in the first quarter of Kapolei’s first scrimmage last summer and ran for 29 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

“He’s a dynamic player. He’s going to start getting the ball more,” said Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez, who held Kansana to one half of play to ease him back into the rotation.


Leighton Rosa, who entered the game with one attempt for no gain, picked up 54 yards on just six carries, including a 28-yard score in the third quarter. Dreyden-Steele Kawewehi set up Kapolei’s final touchdown with a 33-yard run early in the fourth quarter and Solomon Suan ran for 45 yards on four carries late in the game.

“We had some guys that were banged up who saw their first action this week,” Hernandez said. “We were encouraged, it was a good team win for us.”

Tagovailoa was sacked three times for 26 yards in losses, but evened it out with a 25-yard gain.


The defense ignited the win with four interception, two by cornerback Kalani Segovia in the first quarter that led to the Hurricanes’ first two touchdowns and two more by Kekoa Kaopuiki and linebacker Omar Mareko in the second half.

The Hurricanes (2-1, 1-1 OIA Red) next head to Kaneohe on Friday to face Castle (2-1, 1-1).

COMMENTS

  1. Aku Bird August 21, 2016 10:11 am

    Big win for Kapolei.


  2. Alpha August 21, 2016 10:26 am

    Their gona get hot….


  3. TooMeke August 22, 2016 1:22 pm

    zzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz

    Everybody finding their balance vs Mules

    Where was balance vs Waianae?

    Good night.

    zzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz


  4. Checkyoself August 26, 2016 7:41 am

    Kapolei is gonna be one to deal with…
    The run and shoot looks promising!!!
    Leilehua’s defense did an outstanding job too no doubt. But, their offense needs fine tuning.
    They have the studs but no competitive spirit.
    Takudas “too much too late” yearly game plan is once again on track.
    Hats off to the officiating crew and greatfull for you but, that was one of the worst officiating I’ve seen yet.
    If it’s on tv… You need the best refs!!! Just speaking out loud.


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