Kama Bailey is on pace with what he did last season, and that could be a dangerous thing for opponents.

Through three preseason games, the Damien senior running back has already rushed 45 times for 563 yards. That's one-third of his 1,570 yards from last year, when he earned Advertiser All-State second-team honors.

And the regular season hasn't even started yet for the Monarchs (1-1-1), who open Interscholastic League of Honolulu play against Pac-Five on Saturday.

Damien coach Brian Derby said Bailey's "work ethic, natural instinct and ability to stop and cut" remind him of Gary Allen, the University of Hawai'i's all-time rushing leader.

"He brings great leadership and character," said Derby, a former UH player. "We can be running their butts off and he'd always smile and laugh.

"We never get a complaint. It's always 'Yes coach.' "

Against Radford on Friday, Bailey had touchdown runs of 63, 10 and 27 yards. His two touchdowns in the fourth quarter broke open a close game, helping the Monarchs to a 27-18 victory. He finished with 15 carries for 295 yards.

"Our offense, we just knew what we wanted — to go out and play hard," Bailey said.

Those numbers could increase as Damien tries to find a balance between its passing and running games. The hope is an improved passing game will allow more room for Bailey to create, and also alleviate some pressure.

Against Radford, Damien had 318 rushing yards, but just 25 passing.

"It'll give me a lot of room to run and to run our passing game," Bailey said. "Once we get our passing game, we'll do a lot better."

Derby said the team is headed in the right direction. He likes the offensive line and running game, and "so far he's (Bailey) been incredible."

Bailey said he focused on getting his legs stronger and lifting more during the summer. Derby said that type of work ethic has drawn notice from the intermediate and junior varsity programs.

"The younger guys look up and mimic him," Derby said. "They copy him in the weight room. His work ethic is incredible."

Reach Stanley Lee at sktlee@honoluluadvertiser.com.