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Waianae dive sets things up

Paul Honda
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STAR-ADVERTISER
Mitchell has three offensive linemen ahead as he pulls in the pass from Wilson and breezes down the right sideline.

A descendant of the original "boom" series brought to Waianae by legendary coach Larry Ginoza from his alma mater, ‘Iolani, the Seariders’ wing-T offense has been modified over the years.

Though it’s still a major part of Waianae’s success — quick dives up the middle and pitches to wingmen such as speedy Jaylen Mitchell set up big play-action gains — offensive coordinator Anthony Sandobal brought more commitment to the aerial attack. With a poised senior at quarterback in Puletua Wilson, Sandobal has a playmaker he trusts fully in wing-T and shotgun formations.

D-I Championship

Saint Louis vs. Waianae

7 p.m. Friday, Aloha Stadium

 

The results have been phenomenal so far in the state tourney. The wing-T bulldozes ahead to give Waianae comfortable field position, and the shotgun closes the deal. Here, the Seariders show Kealakehe a screen to the left (trips) side, where Hookena Kamana (4) waits. Wilson’s pump fake freezes the defense, but only one defender bites on Kamana.

It’s enough time, however, for three Seariders offensive linemen to set a wall on the right side. As four Kealakehe pass rushers grasp at air in the pocket, Wilson’s soft spiral finds Mitchell, who had lined up as a single running back. He follows his wall up the sideline. In space, he is a rocket, en route to a 42-yard gain.

The agility of center Jonah Ligsay (70), right guard Ace Mahaulu (66) and right tackle Haoa Lono (63) gives Sandoval options beyond the standard Waianae wing-T smashmouth approach. Facing the athletic front four of Saint Louis, a team that has been somewhat susceptible against power running teams, is another series of choices for the OC.

Note: Waianae followed up a week later against Mililani by faking the screen and going deep to Mitchell, who was wide open, but dropped the pass from Wilson.

THE SMOKESCREEN

1. This is as complex a passing scheme as it gets for a program that was pure smashmouth for decades. QB Puletua Wilson (14) sells the pump fake to the left, where Hookena Kamana (4) has stepped back for the fictional toss.

2. Kealakehe’s defense caves on that left side, pursuing on the pump fake.

3. Meanwhile, RB Jayden Mitchell feigns pass protection and leaks out to the flat.

4. Mitchell has three offensive linemen ahead as he pulls in the pass from Wilson and breezes down the right sideline.

See the video: bit.ly/esnzlR

 

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