COURTESY PHOTO
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When Kaiser is in smash-mouth mode, using two- and three-back formations, it’s just a matter of time before the trump card hits the table.
In this play against Konawaena, the Wildcats have all 11 defenders within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage.
Like Kauai, Kaiser’s upcoming opponent in the Division II title game, Konawaena used speed all season long, overcoming a relative lack of sheer size.
Initially, the Cougars line up with a single wide receiver and a power-I backfield. Then it’s a shift of the right guard, right tackle and one of the fullbacks to the left side of the line. That leaves only one Cougar, technically an eligible receiver, on the right of the center.
Just before the snap, FB Canaan Saole (5) goes into motion and the defense follows as QB Lii Karratti (11) tosses the ball left to TB Fitou Fisiiahi (6). WR Justin Ikei (23) takes one step forward, then reverses into the backfield to take a lateral from Fisiiahi.
Ikei runs right and sells it well. Once he’s on the far right side of the field, he makes an easy toss to TE Matt Haili (90) — who was the only Cougar lined up to the right of the ball — for a 7-yard touchdown pass.
The key to this is timing. The Cougars rarely use this play, but when it is executed, it wins.
