KEAAU — Kamehameha’s defense came up with five turnovers, recycled three into touchdowns and smothered Konawaena’s offense on a water-logged Friday night.
The Warriors hammered the Wildcats 35-13 for the Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II championship at Paiea stadium, winning their first title since 2010.
Alapaki Iaea had an interception and fumble recovery while Kamakana Pagan and Isaiah Tauati each had a pick-six for Kamehameha (7-2).
The first half featured bring-an-umbrella or get-drenched type of weather, and the slippery running of Kaeo Batacan, who torched the Wildcats for 81 yards on 16 carries to shoulder the offense for a 21-6 lead at the break.
Konawaena was its own worst enemy with two turnovers that were converted into Kamehameha touchdowns, both in the first quarter.
After Batacan’s 2-yard TD run, Pagan intercepted Shelton Grace and scored from 35 yards out for a 14-0 lead.
Then a series later, Iaea picked off Grace and six plays later at the Wildcat 36-yard line on third-and-6, Micah Kanehailua threw a perfect pass to Bayley Manliguis, who dropped the ball.
On the next play, Kanehailua went again to Manliguis, who caught the ball with no problem for a 36-yard scoring strike and a 21-0 cushion.
Konawaena’s lone bright spot was the quarterback debut of freshman Austin Ewing, the younger brother Hawaii Prep junior Gabbie Ewing, a volleyball and basketball standout. He was 4 of 14 for 44 yards with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Medeiros in the fourth quarter.
Konawaena 0 6 0 7 — 13
Kamehameha 21 0 7 7 — 35