Injuries: it’s the ultimate death knell for any ball club. It was a painful trip home from Hanapepe for Kaua’i’s Red Raiders last Friday, and their 40-7 loss to Waimea wasn’t the only reason why. Linebacker Dustin Goias felt the
Injuries: it’s the ultimate death knell for any ball club.
It was a painful trip home from Hanapepe for Kaua’i’s Red Raiders last Friday, and their 40-7 loss to Waimea wasn’t the only reason why.
Linebacker Dustin Goias felt the pain, and now he is sidelined for the remainder of the season with a broken leg.
Quarterback Kamoi’i Refamonte is clutching his elbow on his throwing arm, and although Coach Kelii Morgado never said he wouldn’t play against Kapa’a this weekend, this can’t be helpful to a ball club known for its air game.
Running back Jameson Smith is questionable for this Friday, and to add a chunk of charcoal to this flame, Goias’ replacement, right guard Marlon Bucao, is also banged up and questionable.
I thought the concerned look on Coach Morgado’s face throughout last week’s game was a reaction to the scoreboard.
But he has much greater concerns than that one notch added to the “L” column.
Injuries: it’s the ultimate death knell for any ball club.
Right after Goias left the game early in the first half, a big gap formed behind the defensive line. Both starting linebackers were feeling the pain on the sidelines, and Waimea took severe advantage of it.
“Right when we lost Goias I knew we were in trouble,” said Coach Morgado of his ailing ball club. “Waimea’s offense broke out right after that. We had a big hole in our defense.”
Waimea’s power-running truck Jordan Dizon drove right through the ailing defensive front and into the Kaua’i secondary with relative ease. He amassed 138 yards in the first half alone and powered in for two touchdowns.
Facing Kapa’a this Friday at Vidinha Stadium, the Red Raiders are scurrying to fill these holes.
Coach Morgado still seems a bit concerned, but he said he is lucky. His guys are willing to take over positions they aren’t entirely familiar with.
“My guys are doing their best to learn these positions,” said Morgado. “They aren’t intimidated by their new assignments and are working hard to make sure this team is ready for Kapa’a and the next round.”
Kapa’a, on the other hand, should benefit from the Red Raiders’ indisposed defense.
The last time they met, the Warrior’s offense was shut down by Kaua’i’s choking defense. They were limited to 135 total yards-and only 22 of those yards came from QB Dustin Mundon’s arm.
This time, Kapa’a, who was grounded by a sizeable Waimea loss, is poised to get back on their feet.
A bye last week coupled with the current injury problems Kaua’i is dealing with should leave the Warriors optimistic about what’s going to go down this Friday night.
But this is still anyone’s game.
Both teams need this win. It might not be a do or die situation, but both teams are coming off a loss and might question the success of their seasons if they leave Vidinha Stadium defeated.
They are going to be pumped, this Friday. Don’t miss this one. The battle for confidence, the fight for respect. It will all be decided in four revealing quarters.
I hope to see all of you fans there.
Cheering.
And please, let the players hear you this time.
