WAIMEA — Konawaena quarterback Austin Ewing missed last week’s game dealing with some lingering concussion symptoms after taking a big hit against Kealakehe. But the sophomore quarterback didn’t miss a beat in his return to the gridiron on Saturday against Hawaii Preparatory Academy, accounting for three total touchdowns and leading his team to a 41-6 win.
“It was a great win for us after the loss against Kamehameha last week,” Ewing said. “Everyone played hard and it felt good getting back in the groove.”
Konawaena (7-1 overall, 5-1 BIIF DII) had averaged nearly 40 points per game this season before a 24-0 shutout loss to the Warriors last week. Ewing was forced to watch from the sidelines as the offense had its worst performance of the season.
“It was tough to know I couldn’t help my team out,” Ewing said. “Even if we would have lost, I just wanted to be out there with my team, but I couldn’t go.”
Against Hawaii Prep (2-5, 2-4 BIIF DII) Ewing more than made up for the lost time, accounting for 270 yards and two passing scores on 17-of-29 passing. He also picked up 44 yards on the ground and another touchdown. His lone mistake was a harmless interception in the second half.
“Austin looked good and everyone played well around him,” Konawaena head coach Brad Uemoto said. “We wanted to get back on track and find our rhythm again offensively. We were very focused all week and it translated to this game.”
Since the preseason, Uemoto has talked a lot about his young quarterback’s intangibles — things that won’t necessarily show up on the box score. And while Ewing did his part to load up his stat line, a lot of the big plays were in part because of how he moved in the pocket, maneuvered to pick up blocks and his vision downfield.
“That’s Austin,” Uemoto said. “He’s young and wants to make every play he can. As he gets more experience, he will know when to kill a play, but he’s a competitor.”
The Wildcats also got a big contribution from the running game. Algene Kelekolio racked up 121 yards on 12 carries — more than a 10-yard per carry average — and three total touchdowns. Micah Laban also found the end zone, and Cameron Howes contributed 40 yards on the ground.
The Wildcats can lock up home field with a win at home against Honokaa (2-6, 2-4 BIIF DII) next week. Hawaii Prep faces Kamehameha-Hawaii (7-2, 4-2 BIIF DII), and will be the No. 3 seed win or lose, unless the Dragons manage to upset the Wildcats.
“Home field is big,” Ewing said. “We want to host in the playoffs.”
Konawaena found its groove early. Ewing hit on his first two pass attempts, picking up first downs on both. Howes picked up two first downs on a pair of fly sweeps and Ewing finished the eight-play, 80-yard drive with an 11-yard strike to Kayson Mahiai.
Hawaii Prep came out with a slightly different philosophy on offense, taking a few shots downfield to speedy senior receiver Justin Perry to open up the game. But outside of a 22-yard connection from quarterback Kekoa LeBlanc to Perry, the passing game didn’t produce early.
“This week was a little different for us. A lot of assignment football,” Uemoto said. “It surprised us a little when they came out throwing, but ultimately, we are prepared for both. Our defense went out and did their job.”
The defensive line for the Wildcats continued its tear. Defensive tackle Austin Santos-Johnson racked up 10 tackles — five for a loss — and three sacks. Kelsan “Paka” Cacoulidis also had a pair of sacks and Mahiai grabbed an interception.
Back on offense, Ewing showed why he was sorely missed. With loads of pressure in his face, Ewing took off, bobbing and weaving to avoid the rush. The sophomore picked up a few blocks and then found Kamakana Ching 40 yards downfield.
The drive would end with a fumble, but Konawaena bounced back on its next possession. Ewing dumped off a middle screen to Kupono Kane, and found Ching again, this time for a 13-yard gain. The sophomore then found some running room, ripping off a 23-yard run before completing the drive with a 13-yard pass to Kelekolio.
The next drive was a lot simpler. After a nice pickup by Howes, Kelekolio found a hole and coasted 40 yards into the end zone for six. On the point after, the holder fumbled the snap, but alertly flipped it to the kicker — Ewing — who sprinted in to make it 22-0.
Laban got in on the action next, finding pay dirt on a 27-yard scamper.
Hawaii Prep broke the shutout just before the half. LeBlanc connected with Perry for a 24-yard gain, and Anthony Palleschi bowled over defenders for a 1-yard touchdown.
Kelekolio rounded out the scoring for Konawaena on a 10-yard run midway through the third quarter, forcing a running clock.
Konawaena 14 14 13 0 —41
HPA 0 6 0 0 — 6
Scoring summary
KONA — Austin Ewing 11-yard pass to Kayson Mahiai (kick good)
KONA — Ewing 13-yard pass to Kelekolio (kick good)
Second quarter
KONA — Kelekolio 40-yard run (2-pt good)
KONA — Micah Laban 27-yard run (kick failed)
HPA — Anthony Palleschi 1-yard run (kick failed)
Third quarter
KONA — Ewing 2-yard run (kick failed)
KONA — Kelekolio 10-yard run (kick good)