If the Menehune plan to make a run for their first KIF title since 2003, they’re going to need some sort of production from their offense. “We’re strugging in that department and we need to pick up some key blocks,”
If the Menehune plan to make a run for their first KIF title since 2003, they’re going to need some sort of production from their offense.
“We’re strugging in that department and we need to pick up some key blocks,” Waimea head coach Liko Pereira said.
The Menehune still haven’t scored a touchdown in the KIF’s regular season and have only mustered up three points in their two contests this year.
Waimea hasn’t been able to flourish in its ground game, a place where “Big Blue” is most noted for.
The Menehune could only come up with 52 yards rushing in last Friday’s 7-0 loss to Kaua’i.
“I think the loss affected us a little bit, but we’ve got to meet them (Kaua’i) two more times and Kapa’a as well. Defensively we came up big. Nash Danley and Dustin Rita played great for us,” Pereira said.
Danley, who was playing in his first KIF contest, transferred back to Waimea from the mainland and made a big impact on the game.
“He has tremendous ability and has probably the best football instincts on our team. We’re very lucky to have him,” Pereira said.
With senior tailback Kenny Estes not up to 100-percent, the Menehune will have to rely upon Nash and company to put some points up on the scoreboard.
“Every game is a big game for us, especially this game. We have to get it going offensively. Defensively we’re right there, but that’s (offense) our biggest goal for us,” Pereira said.
Estes ran for over 100 yards in the first contest against Kapa’a and most of the yardage came in the second half, when Waimea simplified things.
“We gotta block and run the ball. We’re not changing anything. We’re a running team and we’re slowly trying to get in some short route passes. We know that they’re keying on Kenny (Estes) a lot, so we have to have other players step up,” Pereira said.
Catch the Menehune and Warriors in KIF football action at Hanapepe Stadium on Friday, starting at 7:30 p.m. The JV contest begins at 5 p.m.
Statistics from last Friday’s contest between Kaua’i and Waimea can be found in the scoreboard on page B2.
