For as much uncertainty as there is heading into Konawaena’s first game of the season, there is even more excitement building in Kealakekua for the Wildcats return to the gridiron.
Up first for Konawaena and first-year head coach Brad Uemoto is ILH opponent St. Francis on Saturday at 7 p.m.
“We watched a couple preseason games last week and I think the boys are ready to go,” Uemoto said.
Uemoto served as an assistant the past four years under Cliff Walters. His first game week in the head coach role has been a little different, but he has embraced the experience.
“The foundation is here, it’s just having to manage both sides of the ball now,” said Uemoto, who previously served as the team’s offense coordinator. “It’s a lot taller task.”
St. Francis was winless in its first two seasons in the ILH, but are now under the leadership of new head coach Kip Akana. Previously, Akana went 13-7 with St. Francis’ intermediate team, including an undefeated season in 2013.
There is some tape on the 2015 edition of the Saints (1-0). St. Francis beat up on OIA DII squad Anuenue 62-0 last weekend, scoring three times on defense and holding Na Koa to just eight yards of offense. However, Konawaena can’t put too much stock in that performance. Anuenue played severely short handed — suiting up only 23 players — and have since decided to forfeit its OIA opener against Radford that was scheduled for Saturday.
Sophomore Austin Ewing will be getting the majority of the reps at quarterback for the Wildcats. Ewing played on the junior varsity squad for much of his freshman season, but saw time in the BIIF championship game against Kamehameha. He was 4 of 14 for 44 yards with a 13-yard touchdown strike.
“Austin has really good intangibles,” Uemoto said. “He’s a smart kid that throws a good ball and he is really the future for us.”
Senior Tristan Fleming-Nazara is also expected to get some snaps at quarterback, but will likely see more time at wide receiver.
The Wildcats will rely heavily on its skill positions against St. Francis. First team All-BIIF selection Cameron Howes (WR/SS) headlines the group that also features seniors Algene Kelekolio (RB/DB) and Kayson Mahiai (DE/SS/WR).
“Our strength is our skill positions,” Uemoto said. “We will be looking at our offensive line against St. Francis. That’s my concern this game. We have little experience up front and it will be a test. But if we can keep people in front of us, I’m confident our skill guys can carry us.”
Kealakehe (1-0) at Iolani (1-0)
Both Kealakehe and Iolani beat Maui schools in preseason openers. The Waveriders reeled off a 28-7 victory against Maui High, and the Raiders took down Kamehameha-Maui 48-14.
Kealakehe rode the powerful running of Kobe Antolin (13 rush, 57 yards, 2 TDs) and an opportunistic defense that forced four turnovers (3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery) against the Sabers last week.
As is expected in the first preseason game, the defense did miss a few assignments, one resulting a 68-yard touchdown pass — Maui’s only touchdown of the game. But for the most part, the Waveriders stood strong, swarmed to the ball and provided big plays. Linebacker Randy Hatori (8 tackles, 1 sack) and defensive lineman Isaac Kioa (7.5 tackles, 1 sack) led the way.
Kealakehe is hoping to solve its quarterback conundrum before the end of the preseason. Neither senior Markus Degrate (4-11, 17 yards) or sophomore Anthony “Head” Trevino (5-11, 42 yards, 1 INT) gained any significant separation against the Sabers.
Making its debut in Division I, Iolani has something to prove against Kealakehe. The Waveriders will be the first DI foe of the season for the ILH squad that has won seven out of the last eight DII state titles.
The Raiders racked up 347 yards of offense against Kamehameha-Maui with a balanced attack. Running backs Gafoaleata Fetui-Salavea and Brian Pascua each had two scores.
Hilo (0-0) at Punahou (1-0)
There has been turmoil within the Vikings’ program since head coach David Baldwin was put on leave Aug. 5, and a matchup with ILH powerhouse and perennial state contender Punahou will push the defending BIIF DI champions to the limit.
Hilo is looking to replace 12 All-BIIF first-team picks, including running back Tristin Spikes and linebacker Ofa Fahuia, the players of the year on offense and defense, respectively.
The Buffanblu dominated Leilehua in its first preseason game, 49-7. Senior QB Ephraim Tuiloa threw for 143 yards and three touchdowns.
Kamehameha-Hawaii (1-0) at King Kekaulike (0-0)
The defending BIIF DII champion Warriors carry the momentum of a 21-6 win over Kalaheo into its bout with the MIL opponent King Kekaulike.
Workhorse All-BIIF back Kaeo Batacan rushed for 102 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries in the opening contest. Quarterback Kamakana Pagan was 8-12 for 54 yards before going down with an injury. DallasJ Duarte came in after the injury, going 5-12 for 30 yards and throwing two interceptions.
Duarte will get the start against King Kekaulike.
Waimea (1-0) at Waiakea (0-1)
Waiakea is hoping for a better performance against Waimea after falling to Moanalua 62-7 a week ago.
Waiakea was missing 19 players because of academic probation against Na Menehune and gave up eight first quarter touchdowns.
The lone highlight was a fourth quarter touchdown run by Gehrig Octavio.
The KIF Menehunes shut out Kaimuki 13-0 last week.
