The Kaua’i Cowboys didn’t have much of an offense in its 26-6 loss to the Na Kani Koa last Saturday, but that’s not what was lacking in the team’s overall performance. “Drive and desire,” said Cowboy’s Head Coach and player
The Kaua’i Cowboys didn’t have much of an offense in its 26-6 loss to the Na Kani Koa last Saturday, but that’s not what was lacking in the team’s overall performance.
“Drive and desire,” said Cowboy’s Head Coach and player Al Ah Loo. “These are the things we were missing last weekend. I knew from the time the guys left the locker room, they weren’t into it, and we need to be mentally ready if we want to play with the defending champs.”
The Cowboys will attempt to rebound this Saturday against the Hilo Storm at Vidinha Stadium (3 p.m.). The Storm, currently on top of the Hawaii Football League Standings with a 2-0 record, lead the league in points scored (47), and recently doused the Maui Stars 27-13.
Ah Loo is confident his team can make some noise.
“If we come out against Hilo the way we came out in the fourth quarter last Saturday, we can beat this team,” said Ah Loo. “We just need to play tough football.”
The Cowboy’s only score came in the fourth quarter, when a sizeable gain from Keoni Ah Loo set up a two-yard Kia Hale to Kawika Parangan touchdown reception.
Hale, who was the fourth quarterback to play in the game, will get the start against Hilo. Hale completed two-of-three passes for 36 yards on Saturday.
The Cowboys may have to do without Keoni at running back this weekend due to injury, but Ah Loo said he may have him play defense.
Ah Loo will also adjust his secondary. Three long Na Kani Koa bombs – for 94, 66, and 45 yards – were the deathknell of the Cowboy’s defense, which left gaping holes in all three sizeable receptions.
“We need to communicate on the field, and make sure we honor our assignments,” said Ah Loo. “We need to tighten up and play more aggressive football at the cornerback positions.”
They’d better. Facing a Hilo team which scored 27 points (20 in the first quarter) the Cowboys had better play aggressive football – and leave their prior hesitations in the locker room.
Hawaii Foobtall League
Standings
Hilo Storm 2-0
Na Kani Koa 1-0
Maui Stars 1-1
Kihei Heat 1-1
Kona Razorbacs 1-1
Kauai Cowboys 0-1
Waiakea Rage 0-2
Games on May 18
Hilo vs. Kaua’i @
Vidinha Stadium, 3 p.m.
Waiakea vs. Maui @ Maui
