The Big Island Interscholastic Federation has been known as a run-first league, but Saturday two pass-heavy teams meet as quarterback Micah Kanehailua and Kamehameha (3-1 BIIF, 3-1 overall) travel to Waimea to take on HPA (1-3, 2-4), a team that
The Big Island Interscholastic Federation has been known as a run-first league, but Saturday two pass-heavy teams meet as quarterback Micah Kanehailua and Kamehameha (3-1 BIIF, 3-1 overall) travel to Waimea to take on HPA (1-3, 2-4), a team that is trending upward and looking for a season-defining Division II win that could shake up the postseason picture.
Here is what to watch for in the matchup:
HPA in focus
Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s 1-3 BIIF record is a bit deceiving. After a lopsided loss to Hilo in its season opener, HPA has lost by a combined total of two touchdowns against its other two opponents — Kealakehe and Konawaena.
HPA played inspired football, despite the loss to Konawaena, and showed why it has come down to the Wildcats and Ka Makani the last two years to decide the Division II champion. The effort shows HPA is making strides to improve every week and can rise to the occasion against tough, divisional opponents. It should bode well as the playoffs approach.
HPA’s offense relies on the pass, but can Ka Makani ride the arm of senior quarterback Koa Ellis and the ability of his top targets Nicky Palleschi and Justin Perry to the title, or will the team need to develop a running game to be a contender?
Ellis is completing his passes at a 52.4 percent clip (66 of 126) for 879 yards, eight touchdowns and five interceptions. The stat line does not tell the entire story though. Behind an inexperienced, but improving offensive line, Ellis has been under pressure and has had to create opportunities in the passing game with his legs. He is not getting a lot of rest, being a major contributor on defense from his safety spot with 15.5 tackles, two tackles for loss and one interception this season and is also the team’s punter.
Palleschi has been Ellis’ favorite target by far, catching 37 passes for 425 yards and four touchdowns. Last week, Palleschi was matched up with physical Konawaena cornerback Luca Vartic and was held under 100 yards for the first time this season. Palleschi finished with 79 yards and a touchdown grab in the game.
Perry has been a distant second at wide out, catching 10 balls for 235 yards and three touchdowns, but making the big plays when his team needs them most.
While the passing game has been fairly steady, the running game has been nonexistent for Ka Makani. Against Konawaena, Caleb Kagawa was the team’s leading running back with three rushes for 11 yards. Ellis had five carries for 30 yards.
Even in a 37-0 win against Keaau the squad’s best rushing performance came from Alex Brost, who had just six carries for 51 yards.
On defense, the pressure of the front seven will dictate how the secondary will handle Kamehameha’s potent passing game. It starts with junior defensive tackle Anthony Palleschi who leads the team in tackles with 28.5 and also has a team-high 9.5 tackles for loss. He will have to continue to provide pressure against Kamehameha quarterback Kanehailua, who is one of the BIIF’s best passers and can get going with time in the pocket.
Kamehameha in focus
Don’t look now, but the Warriors are closing in on clinching home field for the BIIF playoffs.
The Warriors turned away an upset bid by Waiakea last week and have won two in a row, including a convincing win against Kealakehe that now carries much more weight after the Waveriders’ gritty performance against undefeated Hilo last weekend.
Kamehameha also has a win against defending Division II champion Konawaena on its resume and an overtime loss to Hilo.
Against Kealakehe, Kanehailua torched the Waverider defense for nearly 400 yards passing and five touchdowns. This season, the senior QB’s stat line is 72 of 140 for 872 yards with 12 touchdown and 6 interceptions.
Kanehailua’s top receivers, Alapaki Iaea and Bayley Manliguis, have combined for nine touchdowns this season.
While the Warriors’ running game has not been a huge part of the offense, running backs Chase Peneku and Kaeo Batacan have done enough to keep defenses honest.
On defense, Kamehameha has playmakers at every level. Senior defensive lineman Pono Davis has terrorized offensive lines this season and leads the team in sacks. Preston Kalai and Isaiah Tauati hold down the back end, both registering multiple picks with their great instincts when the ball is in the air.
The defense will have to keep Ellis in the pocket and keep him from manufacturing plays with his legs, giving his receivers time to shake coverage.
HPA X-factor
Secondary
Ellis is not only the quarterback on offense, but also of the defense from his safety spot. Ellis and Perry bolster the secondary and are among many Ka Makani players that play on both sides of the ball. The duo should expect to do a lot of running on defense in coverage.
Kanehailua is averaging 35 pass attempts per game, and has thrown as many as 49 times in a single game. But Kanehailua is not immune to mistakes. Last week against Waiakea, the senior quarterback threw an interception on the first play of the game that nearly went for a touchdown.
It will start up front with pressure from the Palleschi brothers on the line and Brost (24.5 tackles, 4 for loss) leading the linebackers. Ellis and Perry have combined for three interceptions this season, and if the front seven can force Kanehailua into bad throws, that number will grow.
Kamehameha X-factor
Passing game
It’s no secret at this point in the year — Kamehameha is going to come out and pass the ball. The challenge at this point will be doing it against opponents who are prepared.
Kanehailua has played streaky at times and is flirting with a 50 completion percentage this season. He also would like to improve on his 2-to-1 touchdowns to interception ratio. However, the quarterback has shown the instincts and ability to throw to his receivers open and can take over games when he is in rhythm.
With receivers who run solid routes and the timing improving as the season goes on, his numbers should climb. This week, the challenge will be finding that timing on a notoriously slow field in Waimea.
Matchup to watch
Nicky Palleschi vs. Kamehameha defensive backs
Nicky Palleschi (6-5, 205 pounds) going against Konawaena’s Luca Vartic (6-2, 200) was the game within the game last week. Vartic followed Palleschi around the field and at the end it was nearly a wash. Palleschi made some incredible grabs — including a touchdown — and Vartic had an interception and a handful of pass deflections.
This week, the shadowing duty may be given to Preston Kalai (6-1, 185), who has the best size in the Warriors’ secondary to hang with Palleschi. If Palleschi gets going, it opens up a variety of options for Ka Makani, not to mention a huge red zone weapon.
Other BIIF action
Konawaena (3-1, 4-1) at Honokaa (2-2, 2-2)
Friday, after 5 p.m. JV
The Wildcats prevailed at home against HPA and face their final Division II opponent of the regular season against Honokaa.
Quarterback Shelton Grace had his most efficient game at quarterback last week, going 16 of 26 for 190 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Konawaena will be without defensive end/running back Koa Basque, who was taken off in an ambulance in the fourth quarter Friday. The Wildcats will have the services of two-way star Bubba Ellis-Noa, who was ejected against HPA for helmet-to-helmet contact, but after league officials reviewed the tape, came to the conclusion that it should not have been an ejection, but instead just a personal foul.
Honokaa played a tight game against Keaau last week until the Dragons caught fire for 29 points in the fourth quarter.
Honokaa prevailed 45-18 behind three touchdowns from Nainoa Falk (2 pass and 1 rush). The junior QB will have to be at his best for his team to have a chance against a tough Wildcats team.
Kealakehe (2-2, 2-3) at Waiakea (1-3, 1-5)
Friday, after 5 p.m. JV
Despite a 7-0 loss to Division I rival Hilo last weekend, the Waveriders came away feeling optimistic thanks to a resurgent defense.
On offense, Kealakehe managed just 97 yards and did not move the ball until the second half after finding success in the jumbo formation behind a big offensive line and using one or two tight ends.
Despite starting at slot, Riggs Kurashige has been the Waveriders top option in the backfield, but Kobe Antolin saw his first action last week and was a nice complement with a more physical style of running.
Waiakea came away with a similar moral victory in a 25-18 loss against Kamehameha last week. Gehrig Octavio played under center and proved to be a solid dual-threat option.
In a preview of what is likely to be the BIIF Division I semifinal, it will be a solid measuring stick for both squads and decide home field for that contest.
Hilo (4-0, 5-0) at Keaau (0-4, 0-5)
Saturday, after 2p.m. JV
It’s a matchup of the league’s only undefeated team, against the only winless squad.
Hilo will be looking to get its offense on track after a slow offensive day against Kealakehe last week.
Keaau has been outscored 47-184 this season, and may not help that total against a Vikings defense that has not allowed a point in two games.
Editor’s note: This is a part of a series of articles that will run during the BIIF football season, breaking down games of the week with Sam Papalii, a longtime college and high school football coach.
