A rematch of last year’s BIIF Division II title game kicks off divisional play, as Konawaena travels to the east side of the island to take on defending champion Kamehameha-Hawaii on Friday.
A rematch of last year’s BIIF Division II title game kicks off divisional play, as Konawaena travels to the east side of the island to take on defending champion Kamehameha-Hawaii on Friday.
The Wildcats have bowled through their BIIF competition, winning by an average margin of more than 32 points.
After an undefeated preseason run, Kamehameha has had an up-and-down BIIF slate. Big wins against Waiakea and Keaau were highlights, but losses to DI contenders Kealakehe and Hilo humbled the defending DII champs.
Here’s a look at the teams to sort out who has the edge in this important Division II matchup.
Kamehameha offense
The Warriors went back to the basics against Keaau after a lopsided loss to Hilo. The offense — which racked up 220 yards and 41 points in the first quarter alone — used a steady dose of Kaeo Batacan on runs and short passes.
That’s what the offense can do when it’s rolling. What stops that momentum is turnovers.
Against the much sturdier Viking defense, Kamehameha turned the ball over seven times. Three of those were flipped into touchdowns.
Quarterback DallasJ Duarte had his roughest outing of the season against Hilo, going 0-4 with two interceptions.
He also bounced back against Keaau, completing all six of his pass attempts for 71 yards and two touchdowns. The young, sophomore QB should enter the Warriors most important matchup of the season with some confidence and momentum, but must avoid the ball hawks on the Konawaena defense that have accounted for over 10 interceptions this season.
While Duarte has played well — racking up 508 yards, six touchdowns, three interceptions in BIIF games through the air — Batacan is the lynchpin for the offense. In his two contest since returning from injury, the senior back has averaged a shade over 100 yards on the ground and has found the end zone three times. Batacan needs to run like a man possessed, squeeze the pigskin, and not fumble.
Kainalu Whitney, Tre Evans-Dumaran and Bayley Manliguis are other weapons from the wide receiver/slot position in the Kamehameha arsenal. The trio have to make plays after the catch and pick up the hard-earned yards.
Konawaena offense
What has been proved true for opposing defenses is that they cannot stop the high-power Wildcat offense. They can only hope to contain it. Konawaena is averaging a whopping 39 points per game this season, including surpassing 50 points on two occasions.
Depth has proven to be the best weapon for the Wildcats this season.
At running back, it’s Micah Laban and Algene Kelekolio sharing the load. Against Kealakehe last week, the duo combined for over 200 yards and four touchdowns.
It’s the same story at wide receiver. Cameron Howes, Kayson Mahiai and Kupono Kane have all made their share of plays on catch and runs, while Tristan Fleming-Nazara and Kamakana Ching have been big, reliable targets, both totaling over 15 catches this season. Ching — listed at 6-foot-2, 165 pounds — has been the most dangerous deep threat, averaging a whopping 20.9 yards per catch.
Starting quarter back Austin Ewing took a big hit outside of the pocket in the first quarter against Kealakehe, and it is unknown if he will play in the Wildcats DII debut.
While Ewing (858 yards, 10 TDs, 1 INT) has played outstanding in his first year as the starter, Fleming-Nazara showed he could guide the offense if needed. Against Kealakehe, the size and athleticism of the senior QB shined. He completed 50 percent of his passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns, while adding a handful of yards on the ground.
There are a few injuries scattered throughout the lineup, but the Wildcats have managed to overcome every obstacle thus far. Despite the long trip to east Hawaii, expect this offense to be humming in no time.
Edge: Konawaena
• Defense
Kamehameha defense
The Wildcats multifaceted attack — that has displayed great ability in both the run and pass — is going to be the toughest test so far for the Warriors. And expect Konawaena head coach Brad Uemoto — also the offensive coordinator — to bring a few new wrinkles to the offense for the start of DII play.
The Kamehameha defense has played well this year, despite two league losses. The unit allowed only 237 total yards in a 41-6 loss to Hilo, and just 174 against Kealakehe.
The Konawaena offensive line did a good job against the front seven of Kealakehe, and were missing experienced center Zack Kaiwi. If Kaiwi is still out, the Warriors may find success with bringing interior pressure.
In the passing game, the secondary needs to wrap up and make tackles. On more than one occasion this season, the slippery Konawaena pass catchers have made one man miss and taken a short pass the distance.
On third downs, or in clutch situations, the secondary needs to be aware of Ching. The big-play wideout has made it a habit of catching defenders off guard with his deceptive speed and made them pay with long TD scores.
Konawaena defense
Talent at every level has the Wildcats attracting attention as one of the best units in the BIIF and possibly the state in DII.
The Konawaena defense rose to the challenge again last week, holding cross-town rival Kealakehe to just nine points and less than 200 total yards.
Defensive linemen Austin Santos-Johnson (56 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, six sacks) and Torin Tuppein (41 total tackles, 6 TFL, 2 forced fumbles) have been difference makers.
The duo will have to continue the consistent pressure, and learn to deal with double-teams as the season progresses.
Safety Cameron Howes has been effective stopping the pass and the run. The senior playmaker has 36 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.
The unit will have to be aware of quick hit plays the Warriors might incorporate to relieve some pressure. Last week, Kealakehe’s biggest play came on a screen pass.
Edge: Konawaena
Final score
De Groote
Konawaena 42, Kamehameha-Hawaii 24
Papalii
Konawaena 35, Kamehameha-Hawaii 13
Other games
Hilo at Waiakea
Friday at 7 p.m.
The Vikings are rolling, having outscored their last two opponents 86-12. Ka’ale Tiogangco has gained confidence every week and has the offense hitting on all cylinders. The defense has incorporated a lot of new starters, who are also hitting their stride.
Waiakea is coming off its first win of the season in a hard fought battle against Hawaii Prep, but will need a mighty effort to upset their rival.
Degroote
Hilo 28, Waiakea 10
Papalii
Hilo 42, Waiakea 14
Honokaa at HPA
Saturday at 2 p.m.
The Dragons and Ka Makani should provide the most interesting matchup of the weekend.
Honokaa can’t let last week’s big loss to Hilo stunt any growth within the program. After two games with big outputs, Nainoa Falk was held in check by the Vikings, completing just 2-of-14 passes for no positive yardage. The senior hurler should return to form against Hawaii Prep.
Hawaii Prep has all the pieces to be successful, but need to put together a complete game. Anthony Palleschi led the way rushing last weekend with 107 yards and two touchdowns. The senior, two-way stud has also been the pillar of the Ka Makani defense, averaging double-digit tackles this season.
De Groote
Honokaa 21, HPA 17
Papalii
HPA 20, Honokaa 18
Kealakehe at Keaau
Saturday at 5 p.m.
The game plan should be simple for the Waveriders against the winless Cougars — get in, get the win, and get out.
Keaau has been outscored 109-12 in the last two games.
De Groote
Kealakehe 49, Keaau 0
Papalii
Kealakehe 28, Keaau 0