Kohala was a busy place Saturday as IRONMAN cyclists made their way to and from the turnaround in Hawi.
But Cowboys coach Reggie Tolentino said the true iron men of the area were playing a few miles down the road in Kapaau.
From 11-man also-rans to no-man’s land just a few year’s ago, Kohala beat Ka’u 27-6, remaining undefeated in eight-man and securing a historic BIIF title. The only previous time the Cowboys finished atop the BIIF in football came in 1960 when they were 5-2 and Hilo (9-0) was ineligible for the title.
“We told the boys this was our year and this was our crown. Go get the crown,” coach Reggie Tolentino said. “We did it and made our town real proud.”
Tolentino guided Kohala in 11-man in a 2012 season that was cut short due a lack of players and the Cowboys didn’t field a team in 2013. The program returned to play eight-man last season as Ka’u dominated the three-team league.
With a better understanding of eight-man and a commitment to physical play, Year 2 was Kohala’s time.
“Another year of experience makes all the difference,” defensive coordinator Chad Atkins said. “It makes players feel more comfortable”
Stylez Alvarez, Isaiah Villacorte-Caravalho, Joey Salvador and Kainalu Emeliano-Solomon each ran for touchdowns as the Cowboys (4-0 BIIF, 4-1) beat the Trojans (2-3, 2-3) for the third time this season with another stout defensive effort.
Ka’u’s only points came on Ikaika Salmo-Grace’s interception return in the second quarter.
Atkins said the Cowboys stacked the box to slow down standout running back Evan Manoha, crediting his front four of Steven Medeiros, Daniel Victor-Gusman, Zerex Abellera and Moses Hooton.
“We put way too much pressure on the quarterback,” Atkins said. “They couldn’t do anything.”
Ahead 7-6 at halftime, Villacorte-Caravalho scored to give Kohala some breathing room.
The Cowboys allowed only 19 points in the three victories against Ka’u as Atkins, a 1997 Kohala graduate, was finally able to celebrate a football title.
“When I was a sophomore and junior we took a beating, but my senior year we had a winning record,” Atkins said. “I always wanted come back and coach.”