It might not be the oldest rivalry on the island, or have the most postseason implications. But when Konawaena and Kealakehe meet up Friday night for the Battle of West Hawaii, there will be plenty on the line — foremost, bragging rights.
“We didn’t have to motivate the boys much this week. I think this community as a whole is excited for the game,” Konawaena head coach Brad Uemoto said. “I always like to call this a friendly rivalry because a lot of the players and coaches are friends outside of this game. We are also in different divisions, so both programs are aimed at championships, but are competing for different trophies.”
Kickoff for the JV game is slated for 5 p.m. at Julian R. Yates field, and the varsity contest will follow.
The rivalry game was eliminated from the league schedule for a number of years due to the two schools playing in different divisions. The most recent hiatus was for two seasons, from 2011-12.
Since returning in 2013, the matchup has been heavily skewed in Konawaena’s favor. The Wildcats — who have reeled off four BIIF DII titles in five years — are 3-0 and have outscored the Waveriders 96-32 in those games. The last time Kealakehe beat Konawaena was a 44-0 preseason romp in 2010.
The Wildcats, however, aren’t jumping to any early conclusions.
“They always play us well,” Uemoto said. “They are going to come in hungry. It will be a good test.”
Kealakehe enters the matchup with a little more urgency to stay in the race for a playoff spot. The ‘Riders are hoping to carry the momentum from a turnover-filled, 3-0 victory against previously unbeaten Kamehameha-Hawaii.
Kealakehe (1-2 BIIF) managed just 18 yards of offense in that game, but Anthony Trevino booted a 25-yard field goal for the win.
Konawaena (2-1 BIIF) dropped its opener to three-time Division I champion Hilo, but have outscored opponents 110-19 in the two games since. That kind of offensive production was expected from the Wildcats, but it has been the defense that has been most surprising for Uemoto.
“The style of offense we play really does not favor our defense,” Uemoto said, citing his unit’s up-tempo pace. “The defense has been spectacular, to say the least.”
Konawaena junior quarterback Austin Ewing is coming off a 308-yard, four touchdown performance against Waiakea — his best showing of the season. Three of those scores went to senior wide receiver Kamakana Ching, who routinely snagged balls over smaller defenders.
“We like to take what the defense gives us, but when it is Kamakana’s turn, he steps up,” Uemoto said. “If they decide to double-team him, I’m more than confident in the other guys to step up.”
The week has been loaded with distractions for Konawaena. Not only is it rivalry and homecoming week, but the Wildcats have struggled to get a full practice in thanks to heavy rains.
“There’s a lot of hype leading up to it all, but at the end of the day, I believe both teams come out better from this game.” Uemoto said.