KAILUA-KONA — There’s an overarching theme to Kealakehe’s season, which is evident by just a brief walk through the Waverider facilities.
“Trust” is printed on the back of t-shirts worn by nearly every player and has become a rallying call of sorts for the ‘Riders, who are looking to return to the top of the BIIF for the first time since 2012.
“It’s about trusting the process, trusting each other, trusting the coaches and trusting the system,” head coach Sam Kekuaokalani said. “We as coaches need to trust our players that they are doing everything they can to be great on and off the field.”
“It helped us come together as a team,” quarterback Jorden Himalaya added. “We have that trust between everybody. On the field and in school — we have each other’s backs.”
That trust has also spawned optimism that this year will be different.
“The boys’ attitude and belief has me excited,” Kekuaokalani said. “A lot of guys came out in the offseason, put in the time and now we are ready to get started to see that hard work pay off.”
Four of the last five seasons have ended in the BIIF Division I championship with losses to Hilo, the lone exception being when the Waveriders finished on the outside looking in during the 2016 season — the only year the Big Island was given two state tournament spots in Division I. Last year, Kealakehe watched as their east side rival took the D-I state title at Aloha Stadium with a 35-19 win over Damien.
“We could see that track that Hilo took last year,” Kekuaokalani said. “It set the bar high for all BIIF teams. It helped make the idea of competing for a big goal — like a state title — clearer for the boys. Before it seemed so far away, but now it seems like something we can work towards.”
Kekuaokalani is not getting ahead of himself though. Getting back to the top of the BIIF is the primary goal and the Waveriders have an experienced group that feels they can do it.
It starts up front with the offensive line, where the Waveriders return two all-BIIF picks in Kaua Awana (6-foot, 240 pounds) and Setu Vole (6-0, 255).
“Most of us started last year so we feel like we have some good experience,” Awana said. “We feel pretty confident. There’s a lot of chemistry between us.”
They have some big buddies as well, with Michael Gopaul (5-10, 263), Kawai Alices (5-10, 350) and Shea Kedekein (6-1, 276) slated to see time on what is likely the largest offensive line unit in the league.
And don’t sleep on their athleticism and ability to get around the field to deliver big blocks.
“Those guys can move,” Kekuaokalani said.
In a preseason win against Pearl City, the Waveriders were missing starting running back Raymond Skillern. However, Kealakehe still managed to run for almost 300 yards as a team. Duwayne Johnson showed he could carry the rock against the Chargers, along with teammate Kainakoa Broadfoot, before he left the game with an injury. Starting linebacker Trey Lualemaga is also slated to get some carries.
“Raymond earned the starting spot,” Kekuaokalani said. “His work ethic is great and I think what he’s been doing in the offseason will show up on the field.”
Running the spread offense is, Himalaya who takes over the job at quarterback on a full-time basis after a few scattered appearances last season.
His targets will be speedy sophomore Boo Jones and senior Kalani Piltz. Against Pearl City, Piltz showed a keen ability to gain separation on his defender, delivering a huge 131-yard, two touchdown performance. Kaden Baptista and Ikaika Pali round out the primary pass-catchers for the Waveriders.
While there are some new faces, the biggest change on offense will be the play calling, which Kekuaokalani is taking over.
“It adds to the workload, but I really wanted to take that role on,” Kekuaokalani said. “We have a great staff and have been working on it the last four years. It felt like the right time for me to step into that responsibility.”
When moving to the defensive side of the ball, Kekuaokalani can cycle through a bevy of names that will contribute just on the defensive line. Among them are Noble Tetau, Toby Estrella, Kaulana Gonzales-Guzman and Jesus Peralta.
The heart of the defense will be the linebacking corps, which is highlighted by Malositele Abraham and Lualemaga, who transferred from Centennial High School in Corona, Calif.
“We are really happy with that group,” Kekuaokalani said. “Those guys are tough and ready to contribute.”
Kelii Pelekane, Mikah Ascino, Teyler Frasier and Tyson Ryder will see time in coverage as defensive backs.
“Everybody is a weapon on this team — the O-line, the defense, the skill positions,” Himalaya said. “We have high expectations, but we know the only way to win is by taking it one game at a time.”
The Waveriders open the season Aug. 24 at Konawaena.
This is part one of a 11-part series previewing the high school football teams on the Big Island.
Schedule breakdown
Saturday, Aug. 4 — 33-20 win over Pearl City
After leading 7-0 at half, the Waveriders battled with the Chargers through six second half lead changes. QB Jorden Himalaya had a pair of second half scores to pull away for the win, including a 50-yard fourth quarter TD to Kalani Piltz.
Friday, Aug. 24 at Konawaena
Since the game returned to the regular season schedule in 2013, the Wildcats are 5-0 and have outscored the D-I Waveriders 179-61 in those games. The last time Kealakehe beat Konawaena was a 44-0 preseason romp in 2010.
Friday, Aug. 31 at Desert Hills (Utah)
The Waveriders get a break in the regular season to go into uncharted territory for the program’s first mainland contest in Utah.
Friday, Sept. 7 at Kamehameha-Hawaii
Fresh off a week of hefty travel, Kealakehe is on the road to face D-II contending Warriors in what is almost always a close game.
Saturday, Sept. 15 vs. Honokaa
The home stand continues with the Dragons, who shocked the ‘Riders the last time they came to Waverider Stadium with 12-7 victory.
Friday, Sept. 21 vs. Hilo
The Waveriders have this game circled, as the east-side giant Vikings come to town for a BIIF championship rematch.
Friday, Sept. 28 vs. Keaau
Kealakehe wraps up its extended stretch of home games against the Cougars, who haven’t beat the Waveriders since 2007.
Saturday, Oct. 6 at Waiakea
The final Division I test for the Waveriders comes against the Warriors, who won this game in 2016 to eliminate Kealakehe from title contention.
Saturday, Oct. 13 at Hawaii Prep
The regular season wraps up with an afternoon contest in Waimea, with the BIIF championships slated for Oct. 26-27.
Roster
1 Jorden Himalaya QB
2 Kalani Piltz WR
3 Teyler Frasier DB/WR
4 Ikaika Pali WR
5 Kainakoa Broadfoot WR/RB
6 Boo Jones WR
7 James Ching DB
8 Polelei Fakatoumafi LB
9 Tyson Ryder DB
10 Brayan Peralta LB
11 Kaden Baptista WR
14 Koarii Atkinson-Sioloa WR
16 Maximus Hoapili WR
20 Keoni Avanilla DB
21 Keli Pelekane DB
22 Trey Lualemaga LB/RB
23 Mikah Ascino DB
24 Duwayne Johnson RB
25 Lopaka Acia DB
28 Deven Wagner WR
29 Tyler Jactino WR
32 Zane Marin LB
33 Isaiah Herbert LB
34 Raymond Skillern RB
35 Calvin McHone RB
40 Dillanger Ynigues LB
42 Reign Dinson-Watai DL
43 Alea Ynigues LB
45 Jesus Peralta DL
49 Dyllan Rodrigues DL
50 Noble Tetau DL
52 Anthony Gopaul DL
54 Malositele Abraham LB
55 Toby Estrella DL
56 Mason Solmonson LB
60 Tevin Generelau DL
65 Michael Gopaul OL
66 Kainalu Lopez-Alvarez OL
67 Shea Kedekein OL
68 Matthew Oandasan DL
69 Malakhi Brooks-Kaina OL
72 Chezarae Calvi-Ramos OL
73 Navy Mareko OL
74 Kawai Alices OL
76 Kaua Awana OL
77 Setu Vole OL
80 Isaiah “Makan”Manasas WR
81 Colt Coakley DB
82 Ibriheem Muhammad WR
88 Cordell Okimura WR
90 Kaulana Gonzales-Guzman DL