Two years removed from a winless season, Hilo defeated Kealakehe 21-10 in last year’s Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division I title game and walked away from Wong Stadium with its first championship in a decade. ADVERTISING Two years removed from
Two years removed from a winless season, Hilo defeated Kealakehe 21-10 in last year’s Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division I title game and walked away from Wong Stadium with its first championship in a decade.
The Vikings (3-0 BIIF, 4-0 overall) have a championship repeat in mind coming off a convincing 51-0 win against Honokaa.
The Waveriders are looking to get back on track after a sloppy loss at Kamehameha and will have a home crowd behind them when they host Hilo Saturday.
Kealakehe glance
A week after letting up nearly 500 yards of total offense and five passing touchdowns to Kamehameha, Kealakehe (2-1, 2-2) faces another stiff test against Hilo’s diversified offense.
Hilo’s read option has to be slowed down for Kealakehe to have success, and defenders need to force Hilo QB Sione Atuekaho to make quick decisions on his reads. The Waveriders will have to rely on the experience in the front seven because the secondary is banged up.
Kealakehe has to play responsibly, accounting for the running back, quarterback and slots on the triple option and also making sure all the gaps are covered.
Returning BIIF Co-Offensive Player of the Year Tristin Spikes and Atuekaho have done the heavy lifting on offense, but the Waveriders must be aware that electric playmaker Donavan Kelley might show up on the offensive side of the ball. Kelley has made big plays in the return game as well this season and will have to be contained.
On offense, the most important thing for Kealakehe is coming out with an offensive philosophy and sticking with it.
The Waveriders have used three quarterbacks in two games, so the situation under center seems far from solved. Giving Kaimi Wilson the start against Kamehameha is telling, but he was just 11 of 27 for 116 yards. Sequoia Iona came in late but only completed a single pass, though it was for a touchdown. Markus Degrate has also seen time at quarterback.
No matter who is under center, the passing game will have to be efficient and not turn the ball over against an aggressive Hilo defense. Despite losing some key starters, the Hilo front seven is coming along and will crowd the box if there is no threat of a passing game.
Kealakehe needs to run the football consistently with Riggs Kurashige, Ini Paio and Tuitahi Faleofa-Taumoefolau. Last week, Faleofa-Taumoefolau led the Waveriders with just 14 yards.
Kurashige — who has split time between running back and slot — has contributed in a variety of ways and is currently the Waveriders’ most dangerous weapon on offense. He has found the end zone a team-high six times this season — three rushing and three receiving.
Hilo glance
So far this season, Hilo has found an offensive system that works with its personnel and is very effective when run efficiently.
Against Kamehameha, Hilo managed to pull out an overtime win despite eight turnovers — four fumbles and four interceptions. Turnovers come with running an option system, but mistakes must be minimized.
Spikes is the centerpiece of the Vikings’ offense, but Atuekaho is involved in every snap and decision. The senior quarterback bounced back from a tough outing against Kamehameha, going 6 of 15 for 134 yards and recording two touchdowns against Honokaa.
Despite many new starters, the defense has remained strong for the Vikings. Against Honokaa, the Hilo defense scored three times. Ofa Fahiua continues to be a playmaker from his linebacker spot. The senior had an interception and multiple tackles against the Dragons.
Defense should be able to maintain its aggressive play and slow down the Waveriders’ ground game. In the passing game, the Vikings need to be aware of the shifty Kurashige.
X-factor Kealakehe
Special teams contributions
In both wins this season, the Waveriders’ punt return team has been able to set up scores.
Keoki Meyers set up a touchdown against HPA with a 54-yard return and Louie Garcia had a return against Honokaa that opened the Waveriders scoring. Both are great athletes who are explosive with the ball in their hands, and with a struggling offense, their impacts on returns can help relieve some pressure.
The coverage special teams will also have to step up against Hilo. Despite playing only defense this season, Kelley is a two-time All-BIIF first-team receiver and has the potential to break open games with his returns. Against Kamehameha, he led the charge for the Hilo comeback, taking the second half opening kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown. Kealakehe will have to keep Kelley contained and maybe even kick away from him to prevent opportunities.
X-factor Hilo
Turnovers
Kealakehe is familiar with Hilo’s ability to take advantage of turnovers. In last year’s title game, Hilo scored all 21 of its points off of Kealakehe turnovers.
Hilo has continued the theme of a swarming on defense in 2014, and can convert opponent’s mistakes into points early and often.
Brock Sherlock, Melvin Kikau and Haili Mahoe each have interception return touchdowns for the Vikings this season.
Eight turnovers almost doomed the Vikings against Kamehameha.If Hilo can win the turnover battle, it’s almost always evident on the scoreboard.
Matchup to watch
Hilo’s read option offense against Kealakehe’s front seven
If the Kealakehe defenders are half a step behind while defending against Hilo’s option offense, the Vikings’ skill guys have the speed to take it to the house. Kealakehe’s front seven need to be responsible and stay in their lanes, especially with the inexperience in the secondary.
Out of the option, Hilo can use fly sweeps, counters off those fly sweeps and zone runs that can all go for big yardage. Atuekaho also has the ability to pick up yards on QB counters.
Kealakehe defensive linemen Joseph Kaopua and Howard Cosares both played in the title game last year, and have experience playing against Hilo’s offense.
Other BIIF action
Keaau (0-3, 0-4) at Honokaa (1-2, 1-2), Saturday after 5 p.m. JV
Honokaa recorded its first win in more than a year against Waiakea, but the Dragons were brought back down to earth by Hilo last weekend. The 51-0 margin rattled the Dragons, but the team will likely play with fire to prove itself against winless Keaau.
The Cougars have struggled this season, being outscored in three regular season BIIF games 139-29. Honokaa has a powerful running game and a capable passer in Nainoa Falk. The Dragons will have a home crowd behind them, hungry to see a victory.
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.
