Running Back is the Spark That Ignites Peninsula

The offensive line has certainly done its part in surprising 4-1 start, but the Panthers wouldn’t be where they are without the exploits of running back Okuoma Idah.

“Some of the other running backs have speed, but Okuoma has that next gear and can go 70 yards in a heartbeat,” Peninsula co-head coach Kevin Moen said. “It’s a great weapon to have on offense.”

Idah has been the weapon of choice at Peninsula. Last week, he rushed for 210 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries in Peninsula’s thrilling 23-20 nonleague victory over South Torrance, a game that the Panthers won when kicker Tony Bumatay nailed a 52-yard field goal on the final play.

Idah also ran for 174 yards and three touchdowns in a . He scored the game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard run with 17 seconds.

In five games, Idah leads the Panthers with 672 yards and 7 touchdowns. He is averaging 134.4 yards per game and 7.3 per carry. A 5-11, 185-pound senior, Idah has been one of the most electrifying runners in the South Bay.

“He has played with a tremendous amount of heart and effort in our first five games,” said Moen, whose club opens Bay League play 7 p.m. tonight at Redondo Union. “He has attacked the run very hard. He’s played with a lot of electricity, but so have a lot of our guys.”

Of course no good runner is worth his salt without his line. Peninsula’s stars center Arthur Fischer, guards Joey Aguello and Joren Lagmay, tackles Dylan Cosgrove and Max McHugh and tight end Will Cummings.

Still, speed kills.

“It’s been a real good season so far,” said the humble Idah. “We’re really jelling and putting all the pieces together. I’m getting lots of help from my line. They’ve opened some big holes for me. I’m not surprised. They worked hard during the off-season. We’ve got a great line. I just hope the whole team can keep up our play.”

A native of Nigeria, Idah moved to the U.S. with his family—dad Churchill and mother Ruth and two brothers and a sister—when he was four years old. Moen describes Idah as a quiet and “low-key guy” off the field, but his motor roars on it.

“When the games start, he more than just shows up to play,” Moen said.

Though he has excelled recently in football, he also possesses skills as a long jumper, which have generated interest from Ivy League schools such as Brown and Cornell, both of which Idah has visited.

Moen said it might not be long before he starts getting more notice on the gridiron.

“As the season goes on, I believe he will get some interest from (Division I) schools,” Moen said. “I believe he has the skills for a Division I program.”