Kamehameha-Hawaii (8-2) made history last week with a convincing 42-20 win against Nanakuli in the first round of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association Tournament, but the Warriors’ postseason ride is far from over.
The Big Island Interscholastic Federation Division II champions travel to Maui to face undefeated Lahainaluna (9-0) Saturday at War Memorial Stadium in Wailuku.
Led by quarterback Micah Kanehailua and a stingy defense, Kamehameha captured its first BIIF title since 2010 and the squad is hitting its stride at the right time. The Warriors have won their last five games — including the victory against formerly undefeated Oahu Interscholastic Association champion Nanakuli — by an average of four touchdowns (28.2 points).
The No. 1-seeded Lunas have been patiently waiting since a 21-0 victory over Division I Maui on Oct. 25.
Lahainaluna has a history of doing well in the postseason, but has yet to win it all. A senior-laden squad — with 23 — still remembers the 20-9 loss to eventual state champion Kaiser in last year’s semifinals.
What to watch for:
How will the Warriors stack up against the Lunas’ vaunted defense?
The knock against most Big Island teams entering the state tourney is that the strength of schedule in the BIIF is not equivalent to that of other leagues.
The BIIF’s 2-26 overall record (0-15 D-I, 2-11 D-II) entering this year’s postseason tournament may have been proof of that theory, but Kamehameha didn’t leave any unanswered questions about its offensive firepower after its historic first-round performance.
The Warriors pounded Nanakuli for a season-high in points against, and more than twice the average the Golden Hawks had given up this season.
Kanehailua led the way, passing for 190 yards and accounting for four total touchdowns — three passing, one rushing.
The running game has been the biggest progression for the Warriors’ offense this season. Against Nanakuli, Kaeo Batacan led the way on the ground with two scores and 80 yards, while Chase Peneku contributed 60.
The Warriors’ fast-paced spread offense focuses on getting the ball in the hands of its athletes. In cold, wet weather against Nanakuli, that game plan was run nearly to perfection, even with receiving TD leader Alapaki Iaea exiting early. Grant Shiroma and Bayley Manliguis both scored on receptions of 30-plus yards.
Defensive back Preston Kalai leads the Warriors in interceptions and is one of the Warriors’ best athletes. He saw limited snaps against Nanakuli on offense, but may see an increased workload if Iaea is out.
This will be the toughest test the Kamehameha offense has faced. Regardless of division, Lahainaluna has one of the top defensive units in the state.
The Lunas are giving up less than a touchdown (6.4) and just 117 yards of offense per contest. The team surrendered more than a touchdown just twice — once against Kapaa, which is playing in the other semifinal game against Iolani on Oahu.
Clipping the Wing-T
Led by quarterback Makoa Filikitonga-Lukea, the Lunas’ Wing-T offense has trampled opponents this year for 35 points per game.
Filikitonga-Lukea has recorded 494 yards and nine touchdowns rushing to go with his 583 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air. More importantly, the senior QB only has two interceptions this season.
Running back Jared Rocha-Islas is the Lunas’ top back, and despite being banged up this season, managed 606 yards and eight scores, good enough for the No. 2 spot in the Maui Interscholastic League. Rocha-Islas led the MIL in rushing his junior year.
For Kamehameha, two-way lineman Pono Davis has been disruptive in the backfield, and the duo of linebackers Ric “Bula”” Moke-Rabang Jr. and Wayne Amps Nurial Dacalio led the way against Nanakuli.
Where the Warriors may have the most talent is in an athletic defensive backfield. Preston Kalai and Caleb Baptiste both had first-quarter interceptions in the first round, setting up the offense for quick scores.
A quick start will be key to limiting the Lunas’ offense.
The Warriors scored 21 points in the first quarter against Nanakuli, and if Kamehameha can get off to a similar fast start, the Lunas’ run-first offense will be in the unfamiliar position of coming from behind.
Against Nanakuli, the defense allowed just 108 net rushing yards. Hawks running back Makaila Haina-Horswill accounted for the majority of that, breaking two TD runs of 83 and 44 yards.
If Davis and the front seven can cause disruption and limit the big runs, Lahainaluna could opt for the air. Filikitonga-Lukea has just two interceptions this year, but has averaged less than 10 passes a game.
Kapaa at Iolani
Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
After knocking off OIA runner-up Pearl City in the first round, Kapaa (7-1, Kauai Interscholastic Federation champion) travels to take on seven-time state champion Iolani (6-3, Interscholastic League of Honolulu champion) at the Raiders’ Kozuki Stadium.
Iolani senior quarterback Austin Jim On is the catalyst. He has passed for 1,443 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, but has thrown eight interceptions.
The Raiders have a two-headed running attack with KJ Pascua (939 yards, 15 touchdowns) and Storm Lotomau (602 yards, 10 TDs).
Kapaa had to rally against Pearl City. The run-heavy Warriors are averaging 231 yards per game on the ground, led by Shain Davis. Davis had 102 yards and two scores on 10 carries against the Chargers, including a 41-yard scamper in the third quarter.
Division I
• Farrington (9-2, OIA third place) vs. Mililani (11-0, OIA champion), 4 p.m. at Aloha Stadium
• Kahuku (9-2, OIA runner-up) vs. Punahou (7-0, ILH champion), 7 p.m. at Aloha Stadium