Before the Big Island Interscholastic Federation split into two divisions, Hawaii Preparatory Academy and Kealakehe was a heated rivalry. The programs even faced off in a memorable BIIF title game in 2002, with Ka Makani coming out on top 18-14.
This season, the Waveriders (1-0 BIIF, 1-1 overall) are coming in riding the momentum of a convincing win against Honokaa. HPA (0-1, 1-2) is looking to overcome last week’s season-opening lopsided loss to defending Division I champion Hilo.
Here is what to look for in the matchup:
Kealakehe in focus
The Waveriders prefer to use gun spread formations and attack defenses by reading and finding voids in the coverage and mismatches they can exploit. But it takes a quarterback with a capable arm and mental capability to get completions under duress.
Three quarterbacks have been used over the past two games — Kaimi Wilson, Markus Degrate and Sequoia Iona. Iona was the starting JV quarterback last season, and Wilson started all but two games at quarterback in 2013. The other two he played slot, which is where the Waveriders want him this year. Degrate, a first-year player, is projected to be Kealakehe’s primary signal caller.
None of the three passers command the offense yet. They have to hang their hat on the running game until the quarterbacks progress.
In the backfield, the Waveriders have Riggs Kurashige, who is coming off of a three-touchdown performance (two rushing, one receiving) against Honokaa and had a career game against HPA for nearly 200 yards last season. Ini Paio and Tuitahi Faleofa-Taumoefolau are the workhorse backs who can absorb contact and chip away at defenses. They become even bigger factors as blockers, along with sophomore tight end Abraham Kalavi, in the jumbo package the Waveriders could debut this weekend.
Offensive coordinator Shawn Akana is willing to employ a variety of offensive formations to move the football, including I-formation, which was used for almost the entire first half against Honokaa, as well as in the second half against Maui.
Defensive coordinator Steve Cox is running a 3-4 base defense this year, a change from years past. Kealakehe is still making the transition on trying to find the right personnel.
Rylen McComber is a converted corner at outside linebacker, and he led the team in tackles in the season opener. He is a smaller guy but will come up and hit and has the ability to drop into coverage as needed.
The strength of the defense is the secondary with talented corners Keoki Meyers, Klein Hao, and experienced playmakers Shaden Lewi and Louie Garcia at the safety spots.
HPA in focus
Despite a lopsided 45-15 loss to Hilo in the opener, the Division II runner-up Ka Makani are still serious contenders.
The I-formation left Waimea with the graduation of D-II Offensive Player of the Year Bobby Lum and the trendy pistol formation is in at HPA. Three-year returning starting quarterback Koa Ellis is at the helm and has dual-threat ability. Justin Perry and Nicky Palleschi are outside as big-time playmakers.
Ka Makani lost four offensive line starters, and the four new starters must pick up quickly. The lack of experience was evident against Hilo, as the offense only mustered 80 yards on 30 carries — a 2.6 yard-per-carry average.
Defensively, HPA has an experienced unit with five returning starters, including Palleschi, who racked up six sacks last season at defensive end. Younger brother, Anthony Palleschi, has shown early he can also be a source of defensive pressure for Ka Makani. He led HPA in tackles against Hilo.
Kealakehe keys to win
The Kealakehe QBs need to manage the game, complete short passes, and use the slots’ ability to get down field.
In the I-formation, Kurashige is the tailback and the full backs are by committee with Paio and Faleofa-Taumoefolau. To run power football, the offensive line needs to knock opponents off the ball and block in a variety of ways. The Waveriders will lean on three returning offensive lineman with experience — Peni Kalavi, Jordan Giddens-Paio and Haloti Aholelei — to run the ball effectively but need to find a cohesive combination up front.
The Waveriders are trying to do the things that make the 3-4 effective, like implementing a lot of pre- and post-snap movement, and developing a core of athletic linebackers who can make plays with their speed.
A potent defensive line should help up front, with returning All-BIIF selection Joseph Kaopua and Isaac Kioa providing pressure. The Waveriders also have been pleasantly surprised by freshman Hiram Anakalea at tackle and have another experienced lineman in Howard Cosare.
HPA keys to win
Ellis must be efficient with his arm and have timely use of his legs. Ka Makani need to bring a mix of runs and passes, which coach Jordan Hayslip has done well early on.
Ellis’ favorite target has been Palleschi, and for good reason. The 6-5 tight end is a mismatch in most situations. Against Hilo, Palleschi had 134 yards and two TD grabs.
Turnovers will be the story of the game. Against Hilo, HPA turned the ball over six times — two interceptions, four fumbles — and it kept Ka Makani from gaining any momentum.
HPA will have to stop Kealakehe’s running backs from making big gains. The defensive line and linebackers need to penetrate and cause disruption in the backfield.
Special teams can also play a factor. Garcia returned a punt for the Waveriders last week that set the tone for the game. HPA has speedy weapons who can change the tide of the game on returns.
Matchup to watch
Pistol vs. Kealakehe’s 3-4 defense
HPA wants to use the pistol so they can utilize Ellis’ unique skill set, even through he has yet to get going on the ground. He had seven rushes for negative yardage against Hilo.
The Kealakehe defense will have to play responsibly to contain Ellis on the run and respect the pass. Palleschi and Perry have both made big plays this season in the pass game.
Kealakehe’s 3-4 defense has struggled to stifle opponents’ running attacks. In the preseason, Maui ran for 310 yards and Honokaa found early success in the running game, albeit against a depleted Kealakehe squad.
HPA’s pistol is still evolving with four new offensive line starters and need to work on execution in the backfield. If they execute, life will be tough for the Kealakehe defense.
Turnovers can be a big part of option football, and HPA needs to limit the times the ball is on the ground.
X-factor Kealakehe
Settling on a QB
The Waveriders want to be known as a spread passing team but must find the right quarterback. Who will rise up and start completing meaningful passes?
Kealakehe seems to like Degrate, giving him the start against Honokaa. However, Wilson came in and threw the only touchdown of the game. Who starts for the Waveriders will be telling going forward.
HPA X-factor
Endurance
Two-way players have been a tradition in Waimea for decades, and 2014 is no different. At least six Ka Makani play both ways and will have to deal with fresh Kealakehe athletes.
The Waveriders feel they have enough depth to not play any players two-ways, and have stuck with that philosophy through two games this season.
OTHER BIIF ACTION
Waiakea at Honokaa
Waiakea (1-0, 1-2) had its way with Keaau in its season opener, with Pono Auwae rushing for 175 yards and three touchdowns in a single half and heading home with a 33-8 victory.
Honokaa (0-1, 0-1) faced a stiffer test against Kealakehe. The Dragons came out with fire but ran out of gas in the second half. Despite the final score, new head coach Morgan “Hana” Hanohano seems to have Honokaa going in the right direction.
Don’t expect to see the ball in the air much in this matchup. Both squads love to run the ball, and whoever does it better will be the victor.
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.