Hawaii Preparatory Academy pushed three-time defending Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II champion Konawaena (2-1 BIIF, 3-1 overall) to the brink in last season’s title game, but Ka Makani could not wrestle the crown away from the Wildcats. ADVERTISING Hawaii
Hawaii Preparatory Academy pushed three-time defending Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II champion Konawaena (2-1 BIIF, 3-1 overall) to the brink in last season’s title game, but Ka Makani could not wrestle the crown away from the Wildcats.
It’s two new-look squads in 2014, but the memory of that championship game lingers. Ka Makani (1-2, 2-3) visit the Wildcats Friday with revenge on their minds, and knowing the outcome will likely set the table for the BIIF Division II playoffs.
Konawaena glance
Konawaena is coming into the rematch riding the momentum of two convincing wins against BIIF Division I opponents. Bouncing back from an opening weekend loss to Kamehameha, Konawaena has outscored its opponents by a combined total of 80-10.
Shelton Grace started the past two games at quarterback for Konawaena and seems to be the answer going forward. If the senior QB can continue to improve in the second half of the season, it will open up the offense for the Wildcats.
Last week, Konawaena pushed the passing game. Grace finished 12 of 25 for 190 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
The Wildcats had a few rhythm killing drops, but Grace was helped out by the run-after-catch ability of his receivers.
Bubba Ellis-Noa — an All-BIIF selection at running back last season — played full-time at wide receiver last week. Head coach Cliff Walters feels he has the best set of hands on the team and has a nose for the end zone. Ellis-Noa finished the contest with three catches for 81 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown catch and run.
Cameron Howes, who had initially started at quarterback but has since settled into the slot, contributed in multiple ways against Waiakea. Howes scored on a 17-yard reverse and also recorded a 51-yard touchdown grab.
Kevin Medeiros and Kayson Mahiai have also been solid targets in the passing game, and the committee of backs — now led by junior breakout back Algene Kelekolio, who has 250 yards rushing in the last two games — are capable of taking short screen passes for big yardage. Luca Vartic, who has started at cornerback but has not played offense since the loss against Kamehameha, also has the speed to be a catalyst for Konawaena.
If the diverse attack of the Wildcats is hitting on all cylinders against HPA, it will be a long night for Ka Makani.
On defense, Konawaena needs to contain Koa Ellis, and not just because he has the athletic ability to pick up yardage with his legs. HPA likes to use Ellis on designed rollouts to give him extra time. The front seven playing in its lanes and holding responsibilities can help keep Ellis in the pocket and force difficult throws.
HPA glance
Coming off its first BIIF regular season win, HPA has confidence coming into Kealakekua, but the Wildcats present a much stiffer test for the BIIF D-II runner-up Ka Makani.
The young offensive line has to protect quarterback Koa Ellis, whether he is in the pocket, or rolling out of it. The squad has weapons in the receiving corps, but he needs time to make throws.
Ellis will be looking for his favorite target, Nicky Palleschi. The 6-5 TE/WR has more than 100 yards in every game this season and has a team-high 26 catches. He is also a heavy mismatch against a smaller Konawaena defense.
Palleschi will need to get open in a timely fashion and likely battle through double coverage. While Palleschi is a consistent target for Ellis, Justin Perry is the big play receiver for HPA, usually on deep routes.
The HPA defense is giving up around 150 yards per game on the ground. The Wildcats have proved they can run the football with a bevy of backs. If the run gets going, the pass will be much harder to defend.
Anthony Palleschi leads the defense with 18 tackles, eight tackles for loss and a sack in the BIIF regular season, and will have to continue to be disruptive against the Wildcats. HPA needs to stop the easy plays Konawaena routinely turns into big gains, and swarm to prevent the Wildcats’ playmakers from getting into open space.
X-factor Konawaena
Quarterback play
With two full games under his belt and another week of practice, Grace is finding timing with his receivers and the offense is beginning to evolve.
Both Ellis-Noa and Howes have big yards-after-catch potential. If Grace can find them early with efficient completions, the deeper patterns will start to open up.
X-factor HPA
Running game
While Ka Makani hang their hat on the passing game, the running game needs to be a threat, because if it’s not, the speedy Konawaena pass rushers will have a field day.
Deceptive draw plays and extended hand off plays, such as screen passes, can help get the backfield going. Any kind of threat from the backfield can help keep Konawaena off-balance.
The pistol can enhance the running potential for the quarterback, but Ellis has not had a true dual-threat performance yet.
Ellis should be able to take advantage if the Wildcats do not stay in their rush lanes. Konawaena probably won’t stack the box, but instead concentrate on shutting down Palleschi and Perry in the passing game. If Ellis sees an opening, he has to take advantage.
Matchup to watch
HPA receivers vs. Konawaena secondary
HPA’s favorite play is to get Ellis on the move and dump the ball off on a shallow slant or out route to Palleschi. The senior pass catcher will be a size mismatch against any Wildcat defender.
Konawaena has two solid corners in Luca Vartic and Kaneala Kaaihue. Vartic has the size (6-2, 200-lbs) to hang with Palleschi, but is still at a disadvantage. Konawaena will likely double Palleschi, but will also have to account for Perry, who is a consistent deep threat.
Konawaena’s front has been able to pressure, and making Ellis uncomfortable would pay dividends for the defensive backs.
OTHER BIIF ACTION
Waiakea at Kamehameha, Friday after 5 p.m. JV
It’s a battle of the Warriors, but the two squads that share a mascot are on very different paths.
Kamehameha continued its dominant play against D-I Kealakehe last weekend, and senior quarterback Micah Kanehailua led the way with five touchdown passes.
Dealing with some key players on the sideline, Waiakea struggled to get any positive yardage against Konawaena, only managing a field goal.
After a successful day through the air against Kealakehe, it is likely Kamehameha will continue to test out the passing game. It will be a familiar situation for the Waiakea secondary, which saw Konawaena pass a season-high 25 times against them a week ago.
Editor’s note: This is a part of a series of articles that will run during the BIIF football season, breaking down games of the week with Sam Papalii, a longtime college and high school football coach.
