By its nature, eight-man football is a dream scenario for shift and fast ball-carriers who excel when playing in space.
The dynamic was exacerbated during the 2017 BIIF season thanks to two special talents, setting up a nightmarish scenario for Kohala defensive coordinator Chad Atkins, who never got a break.
First he watched Pahoa running back Keala Harris light up the Cowboys to the tune of six touchdowns and more than 500 total yards, an onslaught that left Atkins gushing.
“I think he’s the best player on the island (11-man included),” Atkins said afterward.
Then Atkins got a glimpse of Ka’u freshman Isaiah Pilanca-Emmsley, who scored three different ways in late-season romp against Kohala.