CORVALLIS, Ore. » For a while in the second quarter Saturday night, running back Steven Lakalaka brought back glimpses of his all-star senior season in high school.
Lakalaka carried five times for 23 tough yards in the 80-yard, nine-play drive that led to the University of Hawaii’s only offensive touchdown in a 33-14 loss to Oregon State.
With returning starter Joey Iosefa on the trip but on the sideline recovering from a fracture of his left foot, Lakalaka, a redshirt freshman, was called upon to handle the bulk of the Rainbow Warriors’ rushing load.
He had 13 carries for 39 of UH’s 69 rushing yards.
"I thought he started out slow, but he ended up playing pretty well," Chow said. "I think he stepped it up a little bit in that (second) quarter."
Lakalaka, an All-State selection at Punahou School, had four carries for 11 yards against USC in the opener.
"I felt better this time," Lakalaka said. "After the USC game I watched a lot of tape of myself. But I’m still not satisfied. I know can do a better job."
Chow said, "I thought he missed a couple of holes early, but after I got on him a little bit at halftime, I thought he ran well. He did a better job of reading (the line). He picked it up and did some good things."
Injuries have hurt Hawaii at this spot on the field, but it does give the underclassmen a chance to play.
"With Joey out, we’ve got a lot of young guys are getting their chances and they are learning," Chow said. "And Steve is our best protection (blocking) guys."
Freshmen Faga Wily had three carries for 9 yards and Diocemy Saint Juste one carry for minus 1 yard.
"The offensive line did a good job of getting me looks and, from there, it was just time to execute," Lakalaka said. "I have to give credit to the O-line."
Iosefa being sidelined has given Lakalaka an opportunity to play right away.
"With Joey out, I feel that I stepped up, but I still feel I made a bunch of rookie, freshman mistakes," Lakalaka said. "After tonight, I’m going to go in and watch film and be better next week."
Lakalaka dropped 20 pounds in the offseason to get down to 220 pounds.
"I feel like it has made me quicker," Lakalaka said.
