It was anything but a fast start to the season for Konawaena on the road in Oahu, but despite some miscues, the highly-touted BIIF squad hung on to beat ILH opponent Saint Francis 23-22 on Friday night at Leilehua High School.
Konawaena (1-0) junior quarterback Austin Ewing completed 30 of 54 passes for 330 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions, and Micah Laban found the end zone on a game-winning touchdown scamper in the fourth quarter.
Rust-induced turnovers from a long offseason were the story for the Wildcats in their season-debut — and it started early. Just 32 seconds into the game, a high snap resulted in a defensive touchdown for Saint Francis (1-1) and a two-point conversion made it 8-0.
The Wildcats looked to shake off the early jitters when Ewing hit Kaanoi Kelekolio-Rivera on a 27-yard fade, and the kick after by Harry Hill made it 8-7.
Konawaena added a field goal late in the first quarter, but right when the Wildcats offense seemed to be getting on track, the Saints added a second defensive score. Wembley Mailei stepped in front of an Ewing pass and took it 22 yards to give Saint Francis the lead back.
Ewing rebounded from his second pick of the game with his second touchdown pass, connecting with Kamakana Ching on an 18-yard strike. Hill’s PAT attempt was blocked, and the teams entered the break tied 16-16.
The Konawaena defense shut out Saint Francis in the first half, with both of the Saints’ touchdowns coming on turnovers. Ewing’s roller coaster halftime stat line was an astounding 19 of 35 for 233 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Saints wrestled the lead away in the third quarter on a 3-yard run by Wembley, but the kick failed, leaving an opportunity for Konawaena.
Set up by an interception, Laban turned the corner for a 9-yard score early in the fourth. Harry Hill put the PAT through the uprights, giving Konawaena a 23-22 advantage.
The Saints pushed late, but Jordan Kikugawa came up with a clutch stop on fourth down late in game on the Wildcats half of the field. Konawaena’s usually high-tempo offense slowed down to milk some clock late, and the Saints couldn’t convert on a handful of Hail Mary attempts as the final seconds ticked off the clock.
The game was the first and only preseason action for the Wildcats, who open the season against defending Division I BIIF champion Hilo on Aug. 27.
Konawaena 10 6 0 7 — 23
Saint Francis 8 8 6 0 — 22