Konawaena (1-1 BIIF Division II, 2-1) came into Friday’s Big Island Interscholastic Federation matchup against Keaau (0-2 Division I, 0-3) with a simple game plan — run the football.
The Wildcats executed that simple, but effective game plan flawlessly, stampeding for 381 yards on the ground against the Cougars and showing off a deep stable of backs on the way to a convincing 36-7 win.
“We did not come in here to pass,” said Konawaena head coach Cliff Walters. “We came to run, and that’s what we did.
“Tonight, we turned a corner. Our boys were aggressive both offensively and defensively. What I saw is that if these kids can be completely focused on the task they have ahead of them, they are a championship squad.”
Algene Kelekolio led the way for the Wildcats, contributing 180 yards on 19 carries. Tate “Baba” Hing added 59 yards on the ground and a touchdown, and Koa Basque rushed for 69 yards and two touchdowns on just six carries. Hing also made eight tackles, 2 1/2 sacks, and recovered a fumble on defense.
Returning All-BIIF two-way player Bubba Ellis-Noa rushed for 45 yards on six carries in the first quarter before heading to the sideline with cramps.
“Our running backs showed up,” said Walters. “We used a bevy of backs after Bubba went out, and all three of those guys that stepped in did great.”
The rushing performance was in stark contrast to the loss a week ago against Kamehameha, when the Wildcats managed just 104 yards on the ground.
“We wanted to establish the run with our offensive line and running backs because last week we didn’t have much of a running game at all,” said Walters. “We need to be able to call on that run game when we need it. The performance here says a lot about our offensive line.”
Konawaena lost Ellis-Noa for the majority of the game to cramps, but were also playing without starting quarterback Cameron Howes, who is suspended. Shelton Grace — who has split reps with Howes during the season — filled in and had a proficient night. Grace went 8 of 16 for 122 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also had a three-yard touchdown run.
“I’m really proud of Shelton for coming in and playing a great, full game for us. He saved our bacon,” said Walters. “He may have complicated our thought process on who will be under center going forward.”
For Keaau, it’s been a tough start to the season, but head coach Kalei Young said his team is still getting key players back who will let the Cougars have more flexibility in their rotation.
“We are trying to put the pieces together,” said Young. “When you have small numbers, every piece of that puzzle is important and it is a big adjustment to move any one around. We were plauged by cramps tonight, but these guys play so hard every minute of the game, regardless of score. That makes me so proud.”
Konawaena stalled on its opening drive, but got the ball back after Akoni Gouveia-Medeiros forced a fumble and Torin Tuppein returned it to the Keaau 20-yard line. Hing punched in the Wildcats first touchdown on a one-yard plunge.
It was one of many times the Wildcats got inside the five-yard line, but with goal line back Ellis-Noa sidelined, the task of reaching pay dirt was a bit more difficult.
“All that offense and only 36 points,” said Walters. “We must have been down around their goal line four or five times. We just couldn’t finish.”
Keaau had success with the run early on, giving the ball to Justin Quesada and having quarterback Richard Hatori-Kanakaole scramble for gains. Hatori-Kanakaole didn’t pass often, but when he did it was for big yardage. The senior QB finished 4 of 10 for 92 yards and one interception. Two of the receptions were highlight reel catches by Byron Cachola and Maruice Smith.
“We like to be balanced as an offense, and set up some passing plays up with our run. But once the rain started coming down and the score got away from us, we couldn’t really do that,” said Young. “Our wide receivers Byron and Maurice have a knack for finding holes in the defense. We want to develop our offense more to get those guys in open spaces.”
Keaau moved the ball backwards more than forward after its first drive. Austin Santos-Johnson led a swarm of Wildcat tacklers to stop the Keaau ball carrier in the end zone for a safety in the first half, and with no time left in the third quarter the Konawaena defense forced a second safety.
Ball-hawking corner Kaneala Kaaihue picked off Hatori-Kanakaole with less than two minutes to go on the clock, effectively ending the game.
“The defense was very stout tonight,” said Walters.
Konawaena has felt the impact of the departure of All-State kicker John Replogle, who is now playing at Butte College. The Wildcats have not kicked an extra point or field goal this season.
“Cameron does a lot of things for us when he’s out here, and one of those things is kicking,” said Walters. “I’m confident he will be 100 percent on those extra points when he comes back.”