Champs again: Kona football claims CPB/BIIF DI title over Kea‘au

Kona receiver Max Fautanu-Taetuna props himself back up after a catch during Saturday's CPB/BIIF Division I Football Championship against Kea‘au at Julian R. Yates Field. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

Wildcats receiver Austin Takaki finds an opening after a catch during Saturday's CPB/BIIF Division I Football Championship against Kea‘au at Julian R. Yates Field. The All-Hawaii receiver finished with two touchdown catches. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

Kona quarterback Keenan Alani lines up before a snap during Saturday's CPB/BIIF Division I Football Championship against Kea‘au at Julian R. Yates Field. Alani finished the night with three touchdown passes. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

Wildcats receiver Austin Takaki finds an opening after a catch during Saturday's CPB/BIIF Division I Football Championship against Kea‘au at Julian R. Yates Field. The All-Hawaii receiver finished with two touchdown catches. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

Central Pacific Bank awards Kona defensive back Trent Wong Yuen with a championship medal after the Wildcats blanked the Cougars 36-0 in Saturday's CPB/BIIF Division I Football Championship against Kea‘au at Julian R. Yates Field. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

Konawaena poses with the Central Pacific Bank banner after winning the CPB/BIIF Division I Football Championship on Saturday at Julian R. Yates Field. The Wildcats beat Kea‘au 36-0. (Conor Langs/West Hawaii Today)

KEALAKEKUA — Clinching island titles have never been No. 13 Konawaena football’s ultimate goal, but head coach Brad Uemoto admitted that Saturday night’s Central Pacific Bank/Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division I Championship win over Kea‘au was a step in the right direction for where the Wildcats ultimately want to be at the end of the season.