Kaua’i coach Keli’i Morgado likes Raiders’ progress By JASON GALLIC – TGI Sports Editor LIHU’E – Keli’i Morgado has found his metaphor. He said he uses it often, just to remind his players that a method and process do exist.
Kaua’i coach Keli’i Morgado likes Raiders’ progress
By JASON GALLIC – TGI Sports Editor
LIHU’E – Keli’i Morgado has found his metaphor. He said he uses it often, just to remind his players that a method and process do exist.
“I tell them that two years ago we tore down the house and ripped up the foundation,” the Kaua’i High School coach said. “Last year we laid the concrete for the new house.
“This year we’re putting up the walls.”
Translation: Despite pitifully few participants and an 0-8 record last year, the Red Raiders are building. Methodically, they are building.
Evidence of that could be had on first arriving at Kaua’i’s informal Red/White spring scrimmage Saturday afternoon. Where last year the Red Raiders often lacked enough bodies in practice to simulate game action, 48 bodies were giving their all Saturday at the high school.
Thirty-five of those, Morgado said, are scheduled to suit for varsity this year
“I think it’s a testament to the system in place that our numbers are so far up even though we went 0-8,” Morgado said. “I care about the complete package, how the boys are doing both on and off the field, and I think the system has attracted some players.”
It’s likely not just the system of structure that has attracted players, but also the type of football being played. Where smashmouth is more prevalent at Waimea and Kapa’a, Kaua’i still lacks the size necessary to play that way.
Thus, the Red Raider offense attempted to take to the air last year, and will be better this year.
“Last year I had a new coaching staff, a new offense and a new defense,” Morgado said. “It was a pretty tough situation.”
The offense was the toughest component for last year’s Raiders to adjust to. Morgado employs the run-and-shoot, quite different from anything the boys had been exposed to before. Then-junior quarterback Kamo’i Refamonte was given the ball and as much instruction as he could handle, then sent to war.
“Everything happens quickly in the offense,” Morgado said. “Last year, Refamonte was seeing the defensive line.
“This year he’s feeling it.”
Which was evident Saturday. Though facing his own teammates, most smaller than he’ll see in the regular season, Refamonte looked sharp in the pocket. He found his second and third receiver on many routes. And, more impressively, the passer did not leave the pocket with haste. When pressured, Refamonte tended to scramble away from trouble, pull up, and fire a ball to a wide-open receiver.
“His comfort with the offense will make all the difference,” Morgado said. “The potential there is exciting.”
Backing Refamonte will be an untested youngster, Cameron Kruse.
“He’s never played football before,” Morgado said. “But he’s got a gun and he’s very intelligent.”
After a shaky start Saturday, Kruse settled down. He tossed the day’s only touchdown.
Complimenting an improved Refamonte will be tailback Jameson Smith. Often Kaua’i’s only offensive weapon last year, Morgado said the back, a KIF all-star, “has been wreaking havoc in practice.”
Morgado said that most of his returnees look sharp, including Raym Jerves, Regis Canales and Branson Zeffiro. He also said the Red Raiders will get impact play from junior Jerrick Amaki.
“We have about 15 guys returning and 20 new players,” Morgado said. “So, there’s still going to be a process.
“But I’d say we’re two to three months ahead of where we were last year.”
And for that, Morgado thanks not only his returnees, but last year’s graduates.
“Those guys really sacrificed their senior seasons because they believed in the system,” the coach said. “What they did was admirable. Hopefully, we can take the next step this year.
“We won’t be as green this year. It’s time to start putting up our walls.”
