This sequence and prevailing execution is classic ‘Iolani football.

On the previous play, wide receiver Tanner Nishioka (23) had gone in motion at a relatively high speed as the “fly” man before the snap. Quarterback Reece Foy (5), in the pistol, then handed the ball to Kody Mento (6) up the middle before faking the end-around to Nishioka. The play gained no yardage.

That set up this play. Though Mento lined up next to Foy instead of behind, the action was similar enough in the defense’s eyes. With everyone trained on Mento, Foy handed off to Nishioka. Pac-Five brought the house: three down linemen and four blitzing linebackers and defensive backs. One defender snuck through: ever-active defensive back Shane Holomalia (35).

Foy followed through and faked a bootleg left, freezing two defenders on that side. Right tackle Dave Miyamoto stepped out right on the snap, then sealed the defensive end as Nishioka rolled right with the ball, selling the run play.

Slotback Kasey Takahashi (7) and wide receiver Sheldon Gallarde (4) also sold the run by getting into blocking stances. Even the cornerback bit hard and committed to a Nishioka run.

But when Gallarde quickly released off a pursuing safety, there was nothing but empty end-zone real estate in front of him. Gallarde bolted straight to the corner, and with Holomalia in tight pursuit, Nishioka delivered a perfect spiral to his teammate for an 8-yard touchdown pass.

The Raiders are a thinking man’s team. They’re willing to patiently add one layer after another to set up the perfect play at the right time. It’s low-risk, high-reward strategy at its finest.

Kapaa hasn’t seen trickeration quite like this. Odds are the Raiders will come equipped with a few more today.