In lieu of BIIF semifinals this season, Kamehameha and Konawaena get a chance at a dry run before the finals.
In lieu of BIIF semifinals this season, Kamehameha and Konawaena get a chance at a dry run before the finals.
The Week 7 showdown between the two teams that have combined to win the last six Division II titles has been marked on calenders since the schedule was released. The Warriors and Wildcats are assured spots opposite each other in the championship game in two weeks, but first they meet at 8 p.m. Saturday night in Kealakekua to settle home field.
That dynamic has led at least a few people to ask Konawaena coach Brad Uemoto whether he intends to hold any aspect of his high-octane offense back and save it for the rematch.
“We are who we are, and we’re not going to do anything differently,” Uemoto said. “Everything you see (Saturday) is what you’re going to get.
“If Kamehameha sees the same offense the next time, so be it.”
Warriors’ coach Dan Lyons echoed the same sentiments regarding his shutdown unit, so something has to give when the proverbial unstoppable force that is Konawaena’s offense goes up against the Warriors’ defense, which lately has resembled a immovable object.
Led by quarterback Austin Ewing, the Wildcats (4-1 BIIF, 5-1) are averaging more than 50 points per game in their past four games.
“Not only are they all athletic and well-coached, but they understand what they are trying to do so they get the concept of their offense,” Lyons said.
For the season, Kamehameha (4-1, 6-1) has allowed just 47 points, and amazingly its defense has scored as many touchdowns, six, at it’s yielded.
Still, senior defensive end Sedrick Mahi expects the Warriors to face their stiffest test yet in reigning Offensive Player of the Year Ewing, who has thrown for at least four touchdowns in each of his past four games.
“Getting a pass rush on (Ewing) is a huge,” Mahi said, “but we also have to stay in our lanes and keep contain.”
The Warriors have feasted of late on sloppy offensives trying to execute in rainy conditions. Many times, teams have been challenged just in cleanly executing the center-quarterback exchange.
From what he’s seen of Konawaena on film, Lyons thinks the charity will end Saturday night.
“When you’re disciplined, organized and know what you’re doing, you don’t make a lot of mistakes,” he said. “That makes them very good.”
Both coaches, Lyons is in his sixth season and Uemoto is in his second, run their program with an emphasis on treating each opponent the same.
That’s easier said then done this weekend.
“I’m sure the kids get up for it a little more and are a little more emotion for this one,” Uemoto said.
“This is an opportunity to get prepared for the title game and learn from a team we haven’t played before,” Lyons said. “The carrot being that the winner gets to play on their home field.”
The game might not be must-win, but last season home-field advantage proved to be must-have.
Kamehameha shut out Konawaena 24-0 at home in the regular season for its third consecutive win in the series, but the Wildcats coasted past the Warriors 44-21 in the title game in Kealakekua, claiming their fourth D-II title in five seasons.
“We definitely don’t want to get on the bus three hours and go over to (Kamehameha) for the title game,” Uemoto said. “They play well there and it usually rains, which really can hamper what we try to do on offense.”
Hawaii Prep (0-5, 0-6) at Honokaa (1-4, 2-4), 7 p.m, Friday
North Hawaii’s rivalry game carries no playoff significance, but one team will be feeling much better about itself come 10 p.m. in Honokaa town.
Ka Makani are trying to avoid their first winless season since 1987, while the Dragons seek to end a four-game losing streak.
Hilo (5-0, 5-1) at Keaau (2-3, 2-3), 7:30 p.m. Friday
Signed, sealed and delivered, the Vikings have a state tournament berth locked down and will host the BIIF Division I title game in two weeks.
The Cougars still have faint playoff aspirations, but they need to spring the first of two upsets – they face Konawaeana next week to cap the regular season – and still would need help since they’ve lost to both Waiakea and Kealakehe.
Kealakehe (2-3, 2-4) at Waiakea (2-3, 2-6), 1:30 p.m. Saturday
There are no semifinals this season, but this is a de facto one.
Should Keaau lose on Friday, the winner secures a berth against the Vikings in the D-I title game on Oct. 21 or 22 at Wong Stadium.
Eight-man: Kohala (1-2) at Ka’u (2-1), 1 p.m. Saturday
Who knows what to expect in eight-man these days.
The Trojans’ win at Kapaau two weeks ago started the defending champion Cowboys’ two-game losing streak.
Ka’u can extend its lead in the three-team league, but with Pahoa (2-2) competitive and then some this season, it’s anybody’s race.