When in dire need, Isaac Hurd doesn’t hesitate.
He prays. The results are often rewarding.
Hurd is one of the most problematic challenges for defensive coordinators. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound quarterback can unleash his power as a ballcarrier anytime, but he’s selective about it. That’s understandable, with as much talent as the Campbell Sabers have in their pass-catching corps.
His development as a more nuanced offensive force is one of the reasons Campbell (8-3) is in the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA State Football Championships. A gritty 28-7 win over Kahuku in the OIA Red third-place game last week means the Sabers will be en route to the Big Island this weekend to meet BIIF champion Hilo (10-1).
"It’s been a fun, exciting season. None of our games have been boring. Come-from-behind wins," Hilo coach David Baldwin said. "They’ve really tested our kids. They couldn’t have pulled them out unless they were mentally tough."
Campbell coach Amosa Amosa is taking his team off-island for a Division I state-tourney game for the first time. He hasn’t had a chance to see Hilo play, but has heard plenty.
"Their front seven is pretty stout," he said. "The kids are really excited about traveling."
The opening-round game, with the winner to meet No. 2 seed Mililani next week, will be played at Keaau High School’s field.
Weather at any East Hawaii site recently has been wet. That suits the Vikings, who play physical defense against the run. The unit is anchored by tackle Isi Holani (6-2, 275), defensive end Jon Salzman (6-0, 205), and linebackers Ofa Fahiua (5-10, 195) and Sione Holika (5-10, 195).
Offensively, the Vikings rely on Tristan Spikes, a durable running back who has been a spark in Hilo’s nine-game win streak. Spikes (5-8, 175) has rushed for 540 yards and five touchdowns.
"He’s talented, tough, a heckuva runner," Baldwin said. "He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands. So we try to give him a healthy share of carries because we know eventually, he’s going to break one. We’ve tried to create a balance between our running game and passing game. He truly is our workhorse."
The Vikings rotate Sione Atuekaho and Donovan Faoa-Kelley at quarterback. Kelley is second on the team in rushing and is also their leading receiver.
"We’ve got a bunch of good linemen," Baldwin added, referring to Jason Tara-Antone (6-0, 295) and John Funaki (6-0, 310). "We really think, offensively, we haven’t played our ‘A’ game yet, so we’re really excited about having another week to work on that perfect game."
While Hilo depends on its ground game, Campbell will look for aerial strikes all night long. Amosa’s approach as an offensive coordinator at Aiea and then as head coach at his alma mater has often leaned toward a wide-open attack. But he’s not married to high-risk decisions. As Hurd settled into a full-time role at quarterback, he became one of the best decision-makers on the move in the OIA.
That means more space for vertical threats like Keola Himan (17 catches, 380 yards, four TDs) and Kainoa Perry (50, 511, 4). When Hurd buys more time in the pocket with his feet, he usually finds 6-foot-2 Jayce Bantolina (26, 405, 4) over the middle. Galuenga Castro (20, 264, 3) and Amosa Amosa Jr. (22, 300, 1) are also integral to the passing game.
Hurd sometimes hands the ball to Austin May, a junior running back who filled in capably (658 yards, four TDs) when Triston Pebria transferred to Kapolei in the offseason.
The Sabers finished the game against Kahuku without gaudy individual numbers. No Saber rushed for more than 40 yards. No receiver had more than 58 yards. Hurd was efficient with 169 passing yards (21 for 30) and didn’t throw a pick.
It’s a practical game plan — Hurd hit seven different teammates with passes — that says much about team success. Campbell has won four of its past five games.
"After the Farrington game, I just felt we need to put more ownership on our linemen. That’s the key to our success," Amosa said. "I told them, ‘We’re putting it on you guys’ shoulders."
That 7-0 loss to Farrington in the OIA Red semifinals, may provide insight for Hilo. Coach Baldwin got his chance to scout the Sabers on statewide TV. Hilo, Amosa said, is basically a Big Island version of a power-running, run-stuffing defense like Farrington or Kahuku. For Hilo, a program that hasn’t won a state-tournament game, the matchup is promising.
That is, if Hilo’s offensive line can handle Campbell’s relentless defense. The Sabers limited Kahuku to 67 rushing yards (2.3 per carry) and picked off Tuli Wily-Matagi three times. Since losing to Mililani during the regular season, Campbell has permitted just 55 points in five games.
The work done in the trenches has given Campbell’s defensive playmakers opportunities to succeed. Linebackers Unity Kea Cambra and Jerney Tago-Su‘e have thrived. Safety Solomon Matautia (6-2, 205) has been everywhere, and his talent as a kick returner may be the biggest X-factor this season for the Sabers.
Moving beyond the opening round of the Division I state tourney would be historic for the team in orange and black. Just five years ago, the Sabers were in D-II (OIA White), closing the season with a loss to ‘Iolani in the state tournament.
That season was also the last time Campbell ventured to the neighbor islands for a postseason game, a 25-15 win at Konawaena. Amosa hopes his team adds another chapter to the 2013 Sabers’ legacy.
"It’s a great opportunity for us to represent our school and community," he said, noting a loss two years ago in the OIA Red third-place game. "This time, it was a big difference in maturity and preparation. The work isn’t done so much physically as it is mentally. That’s our goal, perfection execution, eliminating mental mistakes."
