Konawaena had a tough time getting going on the Garden Isle and an even harder time slowing down the run game of Kapaa in a 33-13 preseason loss on Saturday night.
Konawaena had a tough time getting going on the Garden Isle and an even harder time slowing down the run game of Kapaa in a 33-13 preseason loss on Saturday night.
The KIF Warriors amassed 315 rushing yards against the Wildcats, led by 226 from junior running back Ryno Banasihan.
After falling in a 13-0 hole after the first half, the Wildcats relied heavily on the arm of senior quarterback Austin Ewing. The two-time BIIF offensive player of the year was 17 of 42 in the contest, racking up 293 yards and a score.
Jeriah Cacal caught the touchdown from Ewing, a seven-yard pass in the third quarter. Kaanoi Rivera-Kelekolio led the Wildcats in receiving yards, hauling in seven passes for 113 yards.
Dominic Delacruz scored on a one-yard plunge in the fourth quarter, but the senior running back’s score it wasn’t nearly enough for Konawaena to make up the deficit.
Despite the final score, the Wildcats pass defense had a good showing, limiting Kapaa sophomore QB Kahanu Davis to just 116 yards and picking him off twice. Cacal and Seau Amor had the interceptions, while Cyrus Jumalon led Konawaena in tackles, with 10.
Konawaena continues its preseason slate against Saint Francis on Saturday. It will be no small task, as the Saints are coming off a 42-0 victory over Kauai and will be hungry for redemption after dropping non-league contests to the Wildcats the last two preseasons.