While there has been some change at Konawaena with Brad Uemoto taking over as head coach, it has mostly been business as usual for the Wildcats in preparation for the season.
What has been different is the Wildcats’ championship hunger that has been brewing since falling in the BIIF title game to Kamehameha-Hawaii last season.
“These kids are hungry. The seniors felt that loss last year,” Uemoto said. “We had won three years in a row, so every offseason was starting up on a winning note and defending the title.”
While the desire to bring back a championship to Kealakekua has been a form of motivation for the Wildcats, it has also taken some weight off their shoulders.
“We hear a lot about Kamehameha being a good team, and it is a good feeling to have the target on their back instead of ours,” Uemoto said. “We have something to strive for — something to prove.”
Quarterback
It was a sign of things to come when then-freshman QB Austin Ewing entered the BIIF championship game in relief of Shelton Grace.
Ewing is expected to be named the starter for the Wildcats this season and played stellar in two preseason apperances. The sophomore threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns againt Saint Francis and Kauai, but most importantly, didn’t turn the ball over.
“The versatility and intangibles he brings are great for us,” Uemoto said of Ewing. “He is a good pocket passer. He can step up and can flick one down field. He can also roll out of the pocket and make a play.”
Senior Tristan Fleming-Nazara could also get some reps behind center.
Running back
The emergence of Algene Kelekolio at running back gave the Wildcats plenty of flexibility to spread the ball around last year. This season, Kelekolio will be the workhorse back for Konawaena.
While Kelekolio will be getting the bulk of carries, Uemoto said he is also comfortable with junior Micah Laban taking handoffs. Laban had two preseason rushing TDs against Kauai.
Wide receiver
As the offense coordinator, there is a visible excitement on Uemoto’s face when he talks about his pass catching corps.
“I don’t think we have been this deep at the wide receiver position since I have been here,” said Uemoto, who has served as the team’s offensive coordinator for several years. “At some point it becomes hard to use them all.”
Returning playmakers Cameron Howes and Kayson Mahiai are versatile weapons from the slot. Both are capable of running quick routes, or finding the corner on sweeps.
Fleming-Nazara, Kupono Kane and Kamakana Ching will be used out wide. Ching caught two touchdown passes in the preseason game against Saint Francis, and showed the awareness to work with his quarterback when a play breaks down.
“Kamakana runs a great route, has good hands and is not scared to go up for it,” Uemoto said.
Offensive line
Junior Zach Kaiwi is the only returning full-time starter on the line. Seniors Vicente Cancino and Dalon Freitas also have some starting experience, but have been hampered by injuries in the preseason.
“O-line is where we are real young, but we do have a three-year starter in Zack Kaiwi,” Uemoto said. “He is the anchor and can play every position on the line.”
Defensive line
Torin Tuppein and Trey Basque will bring some speed off the edge. Both pursue the ball relentlessly and can often be seen downfield making tackles.
A surprise on the line so far this preseason has been Paka Cacoulidis, and Austin Santos-Johnson is another option. Cancino could also be used to bring some beef in the middle.
Linebackers
Konawaena lost the tenacious linebacker duo of Bubba Ellis-Noa and Tate “Baba” Hing, but the next Wildcats up are seniors Logan Canda and Phillip Grace.
“We though our biggest concern would be at linebacker, but those guys have been very good,” Uemoto said. “Credit our defensive coordinator Kalae Lee for working with those guys and getting them ready.”
Secondary
Luca Vartic — one of the best corners in the state — transferred in the offseason to St. Louis, but Uemoto is still very optimistic about his guys in coverage.
Mahiai will hold down a corner, while Kane and Jordan Kikugawa will see time at the other spot. Kane provided the longest play of the preseason for Konawaena in a 97-yard interception return against Kauai.
Sophomore Chauncy Lewis has caught on quickly at the free safety spot.
Howes will play the other safety, but will have some room to roam. The senior defensive back can play in coverage, but can also come off the edge in a hurry and deliver a big hit on the QB.
Special teams
How Howes is used might be contingent on his energy level. He will play nearly every snap in a game, not only on both sides of the ball, but punting, kicking and as a returner.
However, Uemoto has been trying out Ewing as a kicker and is trying to get a powerful foot for kickoffs to give Howes some time to catch his breath.