WAIMEA — Hawaii Preparatory Academy got the attention of the rest of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation with a win against Kamehameha last week. The test for Ka Makani going forward was to churn out consistent, solid play week after week heading into the playoffs.
HPA (3-3 BIIF, 4-4) responded to that test with its most efficient game of the season, riding three touchdowns from quarterback Koa Ellis and a dominating performance on defense to a 38-7 win over Waiakea (2-4, 2-6) Saturday.
“We came out pretty flat last week, so we used that as motivation to get off to a good start,” HPA head coach Jordan Hayslip said. “I thought we played a complete game. Offensively and defensively — everybody contributed.”
Ellis finished the game 13 of 21 for 154 yards and three scores. Nicky Palleschi and Justin Perry each had a touchdown grab, and the duo combined for 107 yards receiving.
Ka Makani had less than 250 yards of total offense, but the HPA defense smothered Waiakea, allowing just 147 yards — a good portion of those yards coming on long pass attempts late in the second half.
Anthony Palleschi led the charge for Ka Makani. The squad’s leader in tackles (36) and tackles for loss (12) entering the game made his presence known early. Palleschi had two tackles for loss and a sack on Waiakea’s first nine plays from scrimmage. The junior defensive end finished the game with 2.5 TFL, one sack, a handful of tackles and a partially blocked punt that led to a touchdown.
“He’s a fun kid to coach,” Hayslip said. “You know he is always going to be out there giving it his all.”
Kanai Gaughen and John Bodie Freitas had fumble recoveries. Nicky Palleschi had a sack and a tackle for loss on a fourth down play at the goal line.
On Waiakea’s first possession, HPA pushed the Warrior offense backward and then Noah Wise jumped on a blocked punt in the end zone for a score.
Alex Brost — who had four field goals last week against Kamehameha — continued his torrid kicking streak, adding a 28-yard field goal at the end of the quarter.
Ellis then hit on passes of 21 and 11 yards to set up a 19-yard strike to Nicky Palleschi on a fade route in the back of the end zone.
Against Kamehameha, Palleschi played the role of decoy, often drawing multiple defenders when he moved in motion, opening holes for other players. This week, the 6-foot-5 tight end often faced double coverage, but he found himself with more room to work.
“Kamehameha did a great job against Nicky last week, but he is a big part of our offense and was able to have another solid game for us today,” Hayslip said.
Less than 30 seconds after Palleschi’s touchdown grab, Ellis hit Perry on a 31-yard pass down the sideline and HPA entered the break with a comfortable 24-0 lead.
In the second half, Chris De Salvo added a touchdown on a short catch for HPA, and Brost returned a partially blocked punt by Anthony Palleschi 20 yards for a score.
Waiakea showed off a smash-mouth running game in a big win over Kealakehe last week but got behind early and never got the ground game on track. Pono Auwae led Waiakea with just 32 yards on seven carries.
The Warriors’ lone scoring play came on a 30-yard grab from quarterback Gehrig Octavio to Cody Cuba early in the fourth quarter.
Waiakea opted for the deep ball almost exclusively in the second half. Gehrig would take the snap and put all of his 5-6, 140-pound frame behind a long pass. The sophomore quarterback was 8 of 21 for 117 yards and a touchdown.
Next week, Waiakea takes on Hilo. HPA will try for its third straight win heading into the playoffs against rival Honokaa.
“I think we are hitting our stride at the right time, but I know Honokaa will be ready for us,” said Hayslip. “It will be a good game — it always is.”
Waiakea 0 0 0 7 — 7
HPA 10 14 7 7 — 38
First quarter
HPA — Noah Wise blocked punt recovery in end zone (Alex Brost kick), 9:34
HPA — Brost 28-yard field goal, 1:19
Second Quarter
HPA — Nicky Palleschi 19-yard reception from Koa Ellis (Brost kick), 3:13
HPA — Justin Perry 31-yard reception from Ellis (Brost kick), 2:52
Third Quarter
HPA — Chris De Salvo 5-yard reception from Ellis (Brost kick), 9:29
Fourth Quarter
Wai — Cody Cuba 30-yard reception from Gehrig Octavio (kick), 10:49
HPA — Brost 20-yard punt return (Brost kick), 7:01