HONOKAA — Kealakehe had no ball security issues, committing only one harmless turnover, to defeat Honokaa 67-0 in a Big Island Interscholastic Federation football game Friday night.
HONOKAA — Kealakehe had no ball security issues, committing only one harmless turnover, to defeat Honokaa 67-0 in a Big Island Interscholastic Federation football game Friday night.
Keoni Yates made good use of his strong right leg, going 8-of-8 on PAT attempts. But his most exciting kick came on a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter. Kicking into the wind and in a direction pointed directly at Hilo Bay, his ball hit the crossbar and good fortune followed. It rolled over for an 18-0 lead.
Louie Garcia scored on a 49-yard run — with Blaine Broberg getting the two-point run conversion — followed by Riggs Kurashige’s 14-yard dash into the end zone.
In the second quarter, Kealakehe quarterback Kaimi Wilson threw two touchdown passes, a 50-yard bomb to Yates and a 32-yard strike to Kuikanoa Kaawa, that sandwiched Yates’ 16-yard touchdown run.
It was 39-0 at halftime, which put the mercy clock into motion for the second half, which quickly went sideways for the host Dragons.
They had three straight turnovers and three times Kealakehe scored: a Wilson 1-yard run, Keanu Tilfas’ fumble recovery in the end zone after a bad snap, and another 1-yard run by Kobe Antolin.
In the fourth quarter, sophomore Maurcell Melton zipped into the end zone for a 27-yard score.
Last week, Kealakehe had eight turnovers in a 27-6 home loss to Kamehameha. It was Honokaa’s turn to struggle with ball security. The Dragons had eight giveaways — six that converted into Waverider touchdowns.
Wilson was highly efficient — 2-of-3 for 82 yards with his 50-yard scoring strike to Yates, and a 32-yard TD dart to Kaawa.
Kurashige finished with 63 yards on 7 carries, Garcia 72 yards on 6 attempts and Yates with 16 yards on 5 carries — all in the first half. Melton had 50 yards on 7 attempts.
Garcia, Kaawa and Luliano Liufau had interceptions. Tui Eli had 1.5 sacks and a tackle for loss. Liufau had a sack and Travis Lualemaga shared a sack with Eli.
Honokaa generated little through the air. Nainoa Falk went 2-of-9 for 9 yards with 2 interceptions, and Makana Ibanez was 0-of-2 with a pick. Ibanez led the ground attack with 36 yards on 10 carries.
In other BIIF action, Hilo beat Kamehameha 36-10. The Vikings defense recorded 8 sacks and Donovan Kelley ran in two touchdowns and caught another.