LIHU’E – In retrospect, Kaua’i coach Keli’i Morgado may wish he’d opted not to play a mainland school. Truthfully, some of the things the Red Raiders saw Saturday night from visiting Calvary Chapel will not be seen again on this
LIHU’E – In retrospect, Kaua’i coach Keli’i Morgado may wish he’d opted not to
play a mainland school.
Truthfully, some of the things the Red Raiders saw
Saturday night from visiting Calvary Chapel will not be seen again on this
island during the 2000 KIF season.
Most glaring was the imposing size of
the Eagles quarterback. Just a sophomore, Terry Mermer reached 6-foot-5 on the
chart, and weighed in at 210 pounds. Waimea QB Nikko Nuamu stands 5-5 and tips
the scale at 140 pounds. Though an official play-caller has not been named by
Kapa’a, none listed on its roster top 160 pounds, or reach above 5-9.
“That
guy was massive,” Morgado said. “We won’t see that again this year, so it
really doesn’t help.”
What’s more, with Calvary’s complicated,
timing-oriented passing game, Mermer’s receivers found themselves open more
often than not. Again, it was a display, of the aerial variety, the Red Raiders
are not likely to see again this season.
“They had a lot of speed at
receiver,” Morgado said. “And their routes involved a lot of complexity and
movement.
“We probably would have benefitted more from seeing a run-heavy
team.”
Fact is, Calvary Chapel, though racking up 175 yards on 17
penalties, appeared to reap all the rewards of its trip to The Garden Island.
In the Red Raiders, the Eagles faced a team they could move the ball on
with ease, allowing the California squad to refine its passing game. Despite
being ahead 47 points, they continued to refine until the final minutes of the
contest.
“We were really deflated at halftime,” said Morgado, whose team
trailed 34-0 at the intermission. “But we managed to come out with some fire in
the second half.
“It’s a testament to our heart and desire to play
football.”
In fairness, due to probation and injury, Kaua’i played without
the services of 11 varsity members.
Had Eagles coach Jay Johnson had his
way, his team might not have even made it to Kaua’i.
“We contacted teams
on Maui first, because our team went there three years ago and had a very
positive experience,” the coach said. “But our league in California wouldn’t
let us start our season last week, which is the only time we could’ve played a
Maui team.
“So we contacted the Kaua’i schools and ended up over
here.”
Calvary Chapel arrived on Wednesday, allowing itself a few days to
enjoy island activities.
“All of the kids had to raise their own money to
pay for their own ticket,” Johnson says. “So, we wanted to allow them to enjoy
what they’d earned.”
The coach said his players have visited the north
shore and done some snorkeling. The Eagles left the island
today.
Photo by DENNIS FUJIMOTO, Staff
Kaua’i’s Kaiku Jerves
drives the ball into the teeth of the Calvary Chapel defense Saturday night at
Vindinha Stadium. The visiting Eagles coasted to a 54-0 victory.
