The problem for Pahoa last season wasn’t just that many of its players were new to the game. As it turned out, the Daggers were playing the wrong game altogether.
Returning to the gridiron for the first time in more than a decade, Pahoa enthusiastically made its foray into eight-man football and was ready to get down and dirty in the trenches.
Unfortunately, the Daggers were left out to dry as opponents used finesse to get to the edge and run by them. The Daggers were outscored 344-40.
“We had size, but it wasn’t to our advantage,” said coach Chris Midel, who hadn’t watched an eight-man game in person before last season.
“It’s a faster game. The spread offense we tried last year didn’t work,” he said. “Hopefully this year, we have a better chance. We actually have a couple of faster kids that we’re going to use.”
Pahoa figured to have more challenging learning curve compared to eight-man BIIF counterparts Ka’u and Kohala.
Though the spread offense remains, Pahoa won’t be adverse to chewing up the clock on offense to protect its defense.
“One mistake we made last season was we gave them too much tome to score against us,” Midel said.
Quarterback
A stronger thrower than passer, senior Lava Benn, 6 feet, 1 inch, came on late in the season and provided a spark. He can use his his size to gain extra yards as a rusher, but Midel is hopeful he he’ll be given time to throw and lead a balanced offense.
“He’s poised in the pocket and showing he can do a good job,” Midel said.
Running back
Handing the ball off to junior Kaniala Harris and senior Dyson Gacutan will be an increased element of the offense this season.
When Midel touts his team’s improved speed, he talking about players such as Harris.
“A smaller player, but he has some wheels on him,” Midel said. “Hopefully, he can create some mean plays for us.”
Wide receivers
Senior Joaquin Ridgway returns as one of the team’s primary playmakers and is also a capable return man.
Midel praises sophomore Duane Correa for his good hands, and senior Damien Bartolome-Mercado will be a threat either out wide or out of the backfield.
Offensive line
Too often last season, opposing rushers ran unabated to the backfield to snuff out plays before they began. Another problem was errant snaps out of the shotgun.
Midel expects those issues to be cleaned up this season with three returnees: RJ Rowan, a junior center, and seniors Ibrahim Aguiar and Simmy Billy-Oh.
Junior Poe Tuaefe, who’s new to the sport, will provide depth.
Defensive line
Just as opponents did to them last season, the Daggers want to disrupt plays before they develop. Central to that plan is senior junior end William Stinnett.
“He wanted to be a defensive back,” Midel said. “I said, “No way, we’ll put you on the corner and let you demolish. He’s fast and can do some damage.”’
Senior Shadwick Pia-Lemmon’s job is to stuff the middle of the line, and he’ll be joined at tackle by junior Kealen Sibucao-Kamakeaina, who’s moving up from linebacker.
Junior Kawika Andrian is a wrestler who will try to use his hands at the other end spot, and junior Chad-Bryant Bartolome will also see time on the line.
Linebacker/ defensive backs
Out an island on a wide-open field, the cornerbacks are seniors Zachary Noll and Kaipo Kalani.
Junior Justin Castro will back the linemen and handle the kicking duties, while freshman Josiah Anderson-Letreta is being trusted at the safety.
Coach: Chris Midel (second year)
Last season: 0-4 BIIF, 0-6
Returning starters: 2 offense; 3 defense
Players to watch: QB Lava Benn; RB Kaniala Harris; WR Joaquin Ridgway; DE William Stinnett; DL Shadwick Pia-Lemmon
Offense
QB Lava Benn
RB Kaniala Harris
RB Dyson Gacutan
WR Joaquin Ridgway
WR Duane Correa
OL Ibrahim Aguiar
OL RJ Rowan
OL Simmy Billy-Oh
K Justin Castro
Defense
DE William Stinnett
DT Shadwick Pia-Lemmon
DT Kealen Sibucao-Kamakeaina
DE Kawika Andrian
CB Zachary Noll
CB Kaipo Kalani
MLB Justin Castro
S Josiah Anderson-Letreta
P Justin Castro