The BIIF playoffs are finally here, but none of the semifinal matchups are exactly dripping with postseason drama.
The BIIF playoffs are finally here, but none of the semifinal matchups are exactly dripping with postseason drama.
Of the four rematches on tap this weekend, two were shutouts, and the average margin of victory in the regular season was 36 points.
Nevertheless, the season comes down to a two-week playoff. Regardless of regular season accolades and records, a loss means the end the season.
Here’s a look at the BIIF semifinal matchups:
Division I
No. 4 Keaau (0-7) at No. 1 Kealakehe (6-1)
Regular season: Kealakehe 28, Keaau 8
The Cougars have been outscored a whopping 52-350 this season, but have a glimmer of hope against the Waveriders. When the teams played on Sept. 26, it was the narrowest loss of the season for Keaau. Kealakehe used two defensive scores and four interceptions from Sequoia Iona to escape with the 28-8 victory.
With that being said, don’t expect this one to be close.
The Waveriders are focused on bringing a banner back to Kealakehe for the first time since 2012, and a healthy offense peaked last week against Waiakea.
Entering the season, Kealakehe looked poised to ride its stable of backs to a championship, but seniors Kobe Antolin, Ini Paio and Riggs Kurashige have all been hampered by various injuries this season.
With everyone in the lineup against Waiakea, the Waverider offense moved the ball. Antolin and Paio provided the power, and Kurashige was able to contribute as a runner, pass-catcher and returner. Akoni Demello added some carries, and Mason Kaawaloa found the end zone twice.
The passing game hasn’t quite found its groove yet, but senior quarterback Markus Degrate seems to be improving. Last week, the senior QB was 8 of 17 passing for 72 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He also found pay dirt on a goal line quarterback keeper.
The defense for Kealakehe continues to be stellar. Bryton Lewi added another pick six for the defense, and the unit also forced a safety.
Papalii: Kealakehe 35, Keaau 0
De Groote: Kealakehe 42, Keaau 0
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No. 3 Waiakea (2-5) at. No. 2 Hilo (5-2)
Regular season: Hilo 35, Waiakea 0
The Vikings won the regular season matchup in dominant fashion, but can’t get their eyes too far down field on Kealakehe just yet.
Waiakea has a solid core of athletes, headlined by junior quarterback/wide receiver Gehrig Octavio, and running back depth in Kelii Perez-Poai, Tevis Holi and Joseph Ongais.
Before the game got out of reach against Kealakehe, Waiakea moved the ball and had multiple opportunities to score in the first half. Going forward, consistency and stability will be key if the Warriors want to have any hope of upsetting the defending DI champs.
Despite having the aggressive pass rush of Kealakehe in his face, Octavio did his best to make plays with his dual-threat skill set. He got out of the pocket in a hurry, and worked well with big-play receiver Cody Cuba when he was flushed outside of the pocket.
Octavio got the start for the Warriors against Kealakehe, but Waiakea opted for Makoa Andes midway through the third quarter. Andes has been able to find the end zone, with eight total touchdowns this season, but never got on track against the Waveriders, tossing two picks. It is unknown who will get the nod for the playoff bout.
Hilo bounced back from a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to Kealakehe with a 45-0 shellacking of Keaau.
First-year starter Ka’ale Tiogangco continues to be a headache for defenses. Although the offense amassed just 209, the junior quarterback found the end zone three times against the Cougars.
The Vikings defense carried the rest of the load, scoring twice and limiting Keaau to just 27 yards of offense.
Papalii: Hilo 42, Waiakea 10
De Groote: Hilo 35, Waiakea 20
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Division II
Konawaena (6-1) vs. Honokaa (2-5)
Regular season: Konawaena 50, Honokaa 6
Honokaa couldn’t do much to stop the Wildcats last week, but their not alone. The Wildcats have posted 50 points on three BIIF opponents this year, and are averaging 36 points per game — despite being shut out against Kamehameha on Sept. 25.
Austin Ewing has a bunch of weapons to throw to in Cameron Howes, Kayson Mahiai and Tristan Fleming-Nazara, but the sophomore QB has been the driving force for the Wildcat offense. Ewing has thrown for 1,237 yards, 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions this season, despite missing almost two full games with an injury.
He will be helped by running back tandem Algene Kelekolio and Micah Laban, who have combined for 20 touchdowns this year.
Honokaa has an obvious uphill battle. Not only did they lose 50-6 last week, but will be missing six players after a cyberbullying scandal.
Papalii: Konawaena 42, Honokaa 0
De Groote: Konawaena 50, Honokaa 0
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Kamehameha-Hawaii (5-2) vs. Hawaii Prep (2-5)
Regular season: Kamehameha-Hawaii 45, Hawaii Prep 0
Ka Makani didn’t supply any proof that they can hang with the defending DII champs in the final week of the season.
Hawaii Prep went backwards — recording negative four yards of net offense — and couldn’t stop Kamehameha.
Led by DallasJ Duarte (16-26, 245 yards, three touchdowns) and workhorse back Kaeo Batacan (17 carries, 128 yards, two touchdowns), Kamehameha racked up 531 yards of total offense.
Kamehameha has been playing inspired since a 41-6 loss to Hilo on Sept. 12. The Warriors have not allowed a point in three weeks, shutting out Honokaa, Hawaii Prep and Konawaena in consecutive games.
Papalii: Kamehameha 35, Hawaii Prep 0
De Groote: Kamehameha 42, Hawaii Prep 10