Honokaa coach Maurice Miranda didn’t enjoy watching Waiakea celebrate on the Dragons’ home field, but he could appreciate it.
The Warriors piled on top of each other Saturday after edging Honokaa 2-1 for their best Big Island Interscholastic Federation boys soccer victory spanning the past two seasons.
“They were on a mission and we have a target on our back,” Miranda said after the Dragons (6-1-1) suffered their first loss of the season. “I would have done the same thing. Good for them.”
The match was scoreless at halftime, but Max Adolf and Hajime Hajano came through with goals for Waiakea, which went through a rebuilding season last year but now finds itself 6-2 and in the thick of the race to host a Division I semifinal.
“Credit Waiakea; they played really hard and never quit,” Miranda said. “They played very physical against us.”
Tony Connors accounted for Honokaa’s goal, and Miranda said Seanry Agbayani hit a crossbar with a shot that could have tied the match.
“A back-and-forth match, but I though we had more shots,” Miranda said.
Christian Liberty 6, HPA 2
Sequoya Kerr moved to striker to play alongside his brother Nakaiya Kerr, and each netted hat tricks as host Christian Liberty picked up an impressive victory in Division II.
Kama Hurwitz and Austin Schneider scored for Ka Makani (4-2-2), who have lost two straight.
Kamehameha 8, Parker 0
At Paiea Field in Keaau, Conrad Salazar, Dominik Pajimola and Koa Thompson each scored twice as the Warriors (3-2-4) ended a two-match losing streak.
Ric Moke-Rabang and Pono Brown also notched goals for Kamehameha, while Sean Miday and Jonah Knell shared in the shutout against the Bulls (0-8-1).
Kealakehe 4, Ka‘u 1
Nick Shores, Ariel Lima and Ari Mench each found the back of the net in Pahala, and Laukoa Santos converted on a penalty kick as the Waveriders improved to 8-0.
David Pilette scored a goal for the Trojans (3-8).
Keaau 3, Kohala 0
Richard Kanakaole, Ivan Akana and Justin Quesada scored goals to lead the host Cougars (3-5-1).
Austin Salvador-Racoma found the back of the net for the Cowboys (2-9).
Konawaena at Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science
A score was not reported by the host Na Naia.
Makua Lani at Hilo
The match was postponed because of a transportation issue. A makeup date hasn’t yet been announced.
GIRLS
HPA 9, East-Pac 0
Marlie Mandaguit netted two goals and seven other Ka Makani scored as visiting HPA won to remain in command of Division II.
Kaui Taylor, Emma Taylor, Rowan Kotner, Nanea Tavares, Jordan Grainger and Gabbie Ewing also scored, and Ka Makani (6-0-1) took advantage of an own goal.
Goalkeepers Morgan Monahan and Taimane Kamaka shared in the shutout against East-Pac (2-5).
Kealakehe 12, Ka‘u 0
Behind two goals apiece by Sophia Benacquista, Lexi Cuaresma and Kiana Fudala, the Waveriders (4-1-3) rolled in Pahala.
The Trojans fell to 0-9.
Keaau 7, Kohala 0
Melana Avid-Pauole’s hat trick and two goals by Tiani Tianio in Keaau vaulted the Cougars.
Mahea Kakazu and Tori Tianio also scored for Keaau (3-3-1), while Savannah Hester and Tori Tianio each played goalkeeper against the Trojans (1-8).
Waiakea 3, Honokaa 1
Kylie Robertson, Alison Fuata and Cierra Toledo-Muragin each scored for the Warriors (6-0-1), who still sit in the driver’s seat for the BIIF regular-season title.
Allie Shiraki had the lone goal for the Dragons (4-2), who trail Division II front-runner HPA (6-0-1) but travel to play the four-time defending BIIF champion on Jan. 22.
Makua Lani at Hilo
The match was postponed because of a transportation issue. A makeup date hasn’t yet been announced.