The scoreboard is one thing. The life experience is another.
The Kamehameha football team went to Carson, Calif., last week and scored a 17-6 victory over the Carson Colts on Friday.
For coach Abu Ma’afala and the Warriors (2-1, 1-1 ILH Open), the trip was so much more than just a win on the scoreboard.
“We took the red-eye out on Tuesday and landed Wednesday morning and hit the road running,” Ma’afala said. “We went to San Fernando Valley and visited Occidental College. Then we made our way back down to Azusa Pacific. It was an opportunity for players to take college visits to get them forward-thinking a little bit. Get to know what college life looks like.
“We had unbelievable hosts (at the colleges). We got to watch practice and tour the facilities. On Thursday, we visited L.A. Harbor College. The most fun thing we did is we took them up to Lucky Strike (bowling alley, entertainment complex) for a couple of hours and then went back to the hotel. Thursday was a great night. We had a fellowship dinner, like when we hosted them here (a 33-10 Kamehameha win last year). They were unbelievably gracious hosts. We got a taste of L.A. with Mexican tacos and soul food. They got to hang out with the Carson players. It helped to keep the sportsmanship up so it wasn’t like a testosterone-fest on the field. The players were helping each other up after plays. They got to talk to them about life in L.A. and what they’re planning to do for college. The mayor of Carson came out to the game.”
On the field, Ma’afala was also impressed with the performance of the Warriors.
“Any time you go on a road trip, you’ve got to deal with a lot of external elements, a different temperature, a different field, a different atmosphere and you’ve got to adjust to that on the fly. You’re dealing with a lot, jet lag, and trying to get used to it.
“We started out a little slow, but once we got the rust off, we played hard — like the kids have done in our two previous games. The defense was great and it gave an opportunity for the offense to make plays. We left some plays on the field, but it was good from start to end. We gotta continue that for the rest of the season.”
The Warriors’ defense had nine sacks against the Colts (0-2). Christmas Togiai completed nine of 15 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown to lead a trio of quarterbacks who played for the Warriors. Sophomore Kia’i Keone added the other TD pass, running back Reino Bush rushed for a team-high 68 yards and caught a touchdown pass and Skyler Ramos had the other touchdown catch. Junior Preston Rezentes added a 35-yard field goal.
Kamehameha has a bye week this weekend before returning to action on Sept. 7 at No. 4 Campbell.
Good job guys!!! Way to represent Hawaii well!
The exposure to life away from the”Rock” was just as important to the players as the game itself. Well done Coach.
I love the idea of visiting the smaller schools for the vast majority of students who don’t get D1 offers. Outstanding Mr. Ma’afala!!!
Happy to hear their attitude are improving cause against Mililani wasn’t that good. Against Campbell is going to be a good game I give Kamehameha the edge 28-17.
Leaving the island for college is tough, but it gives kids from Hawaii a different perspective of life outside of Hawaii, which I think helps them grow and not stay with that island mentality, while still appreciating Hawaii as home.