BIIF football: West-side schools back in action this weekend

KAILUA-KONA — With just a few weeks left in the regular season for west-side Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) football schools, every game is becoming a little more important. This week’s slate of games is no different, as each team is looking to end on a high note. The final weekend of regular-season games is Oct. 19-21.

Friday

Kealakehe aims to beat Waiakea again

The Waveriders will host the Warriors at 7 p.m. Friday at Waverider Stadium in their second matchup of the season. Kealakehe’s (1-6) lone win of the season came against Waiakea (0-6) in a 34-14 rout on Sept. 2.

Coming off three consectutive losses — with the latest being against Kea‘au last Friday — the Waveriders will look to add another win to keep Waiakea in the cellar of the BIIF Division I.

Kealakehe is led by its main playmakers in quarterback Brennen Nishihara, wide receiver Alika Rigaud and defensive lineman Nehasi Faleofa.

Saturday

Kohala hosts Honoka‘a

The Cowboys will face the Dragons at 2 p.m. Saturday in Kapaau. On Sept. 1, Kohala fell to Honoka‘a 40-7.

Still winless at 0-7, the Cowboys will try to change that against the 4-3 Dragons, who are coming off a close loss to Hawaii Prep last weekend — falling to No. 3 in BIIF Division II.

Kohala is led by quarterback Hezekiah Wilson and wide receivers Isaiah Antonio, Tirus Perez and Kahaka Catrett.

Ka Makani looks to keep rolling

HPA will continue its two-week homestand against Ka‘u at 3 p.m. Saturday in Waimea. Sitting at 5-2 and No. 2 in BIIF Division II, Ka Makani will aim to win its third straight. The Trojans at 3-4 are looking to gain some ground in the middle of the standings.

HPA’s run game and offensive line have been pillars of support in 2023, led by running backs Alaka‘i Aipia and Kela Livingston.

Bye Week(s)

Konawaena rests after 70-point victory

Following a 77-7 beatdown of Waiakea last weekend, the Wildcats enter the bye week as winners of seven straight (7-1) and clear-cut favorites to win BIIF Division I.

Konawaena has remained strong on both sides of the ball all season, but its offense has stood out the most — rostering Hawaii Division I’s top passing yards and touchdowns leader in quarterback Keoki Alani, along with the league’s top-two receiving yards leaders in wideouts Zedekiah Anahu-Ambrosio and Austin Takaki.

With just two weeks left in the regular season, the Wildcats will return to action by traveling to Kea‘au on Oct. 13.