After a 20-7 loss to visiting Damien last weekend, the Waveriders will search for consistency in their final preseason matchup against visiting St. Margaret’s (California). ADVERTISING After a 20-7 loss to visiting Damien last weekend, the Waveriders will search for
After a 20-7 loss to visiting Damien last weekend, the Waveriders will search for consistency in their final preseason matchup against visiting St. Margaret’s (California).
Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. tonight at Waverider Stadium.
Kealakehe came out strong against the Monarchs, notching a touchdown on its opening drive. But that was the most successful the offense was all night. The rest of the way was an unbalanced affair, with first downs few and far between. The running game failed to find room and little was open down the field.
As per usual, the Waveriders put on a solid defensive showing, but allowed Damien QB Marcus Faufata-Pedrina to find the end zone thrice — twice through the air and once on the ground.
Visiting St. Margaret’s — out of San Juan Capistrano, Calif. — will be no small task. It’s the team’s second year starting the season on the Big Island, having knocked off Hawaii Prep 41-7 last year in Waimea.
In that game, Koa Todd broke loose for 243 yards on 20 carries and scored twice. The now-junior will hope for another big performance to open the season in paradise.
If last year is any indication, fans should not expect a low-scoring affair. The Tartans averaged nearly 50 points per game last season.
Despite having never met before, there will be a bit of familiarity between the two teams. Current Kealakehe starting quarterback, Kekoa Ilagan-LeBlanc, transferred from Hawaii Prep and started the game last season against the Tartans while with Ka Makani.
Saint Francis at Konawaena, Saturday, 7 p.m.
The Wildcats and Saints renew their preseason rivalry for a third consecutive season in Kealakekua.
Konawaena is seeking a sweep of the trilogy, having won both previous contests against St. Francis, including a narrow 23-22 victory on Oahu last season.
The Wildcats are looking to get on track after falling last week to Kapaa 33-13 on Kauai. Konawaena threw the ball a ton against the Warriors, with quarterback Austin Ewing racking up 283 yards and a score on 17 of 42 passing.
A focal point for the Wildcats will be shoring up their rush defense. Kapaa trampled for 382 rushing yards as a team.
St. Francis has split its two preseason contests so far, losing to Leilehua 13-9 and dominating Kauai 42-0 last weekend.
After a very limited offensive game against the Mules — where both squads combined for less than 300 yards of total offense — the Saints racked up nearly 500 yards of offense against the Red Raiders. Sophomore quarterback Jonah Aina Chaves was an extremely efficient 15 of 17 passing for 188 yards and three touchdowns.
In other matchups: HPA heads to Maui to take on Seabury Hall, Kamehameha-Hawaii hosts Waiakea, and Kohala welcomes Molokai for an 8-man contest.
