No. 7 Campbell hopes to cook up another winning season

After just three days in full pads, the Campbell Sabers are still a mystery.

Fortunately, for fans of the orange and black, the 2015 season should be a good read. For media, the Sabers have plenty, enough for a No. 7 ranking in the Star-Advertiser Preseason Top 10.

“Being No. 7 is always good for the kids, but our ultimate goal is always winning it all,” head coach Amosa Amosa communicated via text on Thursday afternoon. “There’s a lot of tough competition out there, so winning it all is going to be tough. I’m not sure if that’s too high or low, but I always appreciate the voters that are always keeping us in mind.”

There are doubters, of course. Amosa’s program lost one quarterback to graduation and another transferred to Kapolei. Some key offensive linemen got their diplomas, too, as did second-team all-state wide receiver Jayce Bantolina.

On defense, a slew of talent finished high school, including first-team all-state safety Solomon Matautia and much of a linebacker corps that was among the best in the OIA.

Oh, and key defensive tackle Tristan Ludiazo also completed his prep career. The ’15 squad won its first four games, ran into the power mongers of the OIA Blue (Mililani, Farrington) and finished 7-4 — with all four losses coming at the hands of the Trojans and Governors. Every scouting report will probably take aim at 6-foot-1, 215-pound Terrell Johnson, who is arguably one of the top five RBs in the OIA.

“Terrell Johnson, what can you not say about this kid. Humble. Works hard. Great leader. Good role model. Great personality. Coachable. And I can keep going on and on about this kid,” Amosa noted. “I’m so blessed to have him.”

The returning starter at running back showed tremendous breakaway speed and became a more effective inside runner as a junior. As a senior, defenses will target Johnson.

“They’re trying to get me more involved with a whole lot of stuff, catching balls out of the backfield, running inside and outside, even playing receiver,” Johnson said on Thursday morning. “It’s good. It gets me more involved.”

Patience is key. Two newcomers are battling for the QB job. Atapana Amosa anchors the O-line at center. Johnson understands the process.

“We’re all just learning and getting better. If we focus and relax, we’ll be all right,” said Johnson, who enjoys his role as a co-captain. “It fits me because I can teach the younger guys and be a role model, help them along and they can help me out.”

Defensive coordinator Ulima Afoa didn’t know exactly what to think just yet. There is potential up and down the roster, from defensive linemen Ethan Muagututia and Maunakea Medeiros to linebackers Tyson Tafai and Nicholas Kernaghan to cornerback Austin Fuga.

“If I had to rank them in terms of athletic ability, our linebacking corps is probably the most athletic,” said Afoa, who is installing the old UH Eagle Flex. “We’re going to be smart as ‘backers. They have the football IQ, understand the game and their role.”

2015 SCHEDULE
Aug. 7: at Kahuku
Aug. 15: vs. Castle*
Aug. 22: at Mililani
Sept. 4: at Kailua
Sept. 11: at Kapolei
Sept. 18: at Aiea
Sept. 26: at Moanalua
Oct. 3: vs. Farrington*
*-at Aloha Stadium

2014 RESULTS (7-4)
Castle: W, 35-13
Moanalua: W, 34-6
Kailua: W, 44-0
Kapolei: W, 14-13v Mililani: L, 57-28
Aiea: W, 23-0
Farrington: L, 29-27
Waipahu: W, 56-0
Leilehua: W, 20-14
Mililani: L, 47-15
Farrington: L, 31-19

Coach: Amosa Amosa (8th season, 47-28)
Offensive coordinator: Amosa Amosa
Defensive coordinator: Ulima Afoa
Offense: Run and Shoot
Defense: Eagle Flex
Star-Advertiser All-State players returning: Terell Johnson (RB)
Star-Advertiser All-State players lost: Solomon Matautia (DB), Jayce Bantolina (WR), Dylan Villanueva (DB), Tristan Ludiazo (DL), Josiah Mageo (DL), Abiel Taito (DB)

STATE DIVISION II CHAMPIONSHIPS (1): 2004

OIA WHITE CHAMPIONSHIPS (2): 2008, 2004