KEALAKEKUA — While Konawaena has won on just about every part of the island over the past half-decade or so, home has been where the heart is for the Wildcats.
Since 2011, Konawaena has lost just two BIIF games within the confines of Julian Yates Field — by far a league best during that span.
But for another chance to play in front of a rowdy Kealakekua crowd, the Wildcats have to take care of business on the road against Division II rival Kamehameha-Hawaii on Friday.
The squads have combined for all but one of the league’s D-II titles since 2005 and have faced off in the last three BIIF championship games. Konawaena won the most recent thriller, 27-23, on their home turf last season.
Both teams have already locked up spots in the D-II championship game, so this one is simply for who gets home field advantage, assuming the teams avoid upsets in the final week of the regular season.
“It’s always a good measuring stick game,” Konawaena head coach Brad Uemoto said. “They are a great program and play us very well, every time.”
Usually when the Wildcats head east to face the Warriors, rain has been an issue, putting a damper on the team’s up-tempo offense. But lately, Konawaena has been nearly drowning on their home field, serving as good preparation for what will be their most meaningful game of the year so far. And even if conditions end up being dry, playing on the quick artificial turf at Paiea Stadium as opposed to slippery mud will be a treat for the speedy ‘Cats.
“We have had so much rain at practice, weather will not be an issue,” Uemoto said with a laugh. “I think the kids love playing on the turf. In that aspect, we enjoy going to their field.”
With the teams destined to meet in a few weeks for a BIIF title, there is the issue of not wanting to show off all the wrinkles in the playbook. However, the Wildcats would prefer not to make the trek across island again with substantially more on the line in a few weeks.
“We are going out there to win and we are going to use everything in our arsenal to do that,” Uemoto said. “If we are able to play on our home field, in that atmosphere, it would definitely give us an edge.”
As Hilo did two weeks ago, Uemoto expects the Warriors to bring pressure with their stout front seven. That caused some trouble for Konawaena early on against the Viks, but with Chauncey Mariani-Louis emerging as a major offensive threat out of the backfield, both catching and running the ball, and an improved offensive line, the Wildcats have an outline for overcoming the blitz.
Having two-time BIIF D-II offensive player of the year Austin Ewing running the controls at quarterback doesn’t hurt either.
“Chauncey has been dynamic both in the running and passing game,” Uemoto said. “And the offensive line is playing better and better. I think over 100 yards rushing for Chauncey against a very good Hilo defense was a testament to how far our line has come.”
On defense, Konawaena has been impressive, with Hilo being the only BIIF team to score more than a single offensive touchdown against the unit.
Facing the Warriors diverse offensive attack — which includes both option and spread looks — the theme for the Wildcats will be responsibility.
“They do bring some challenges with that option attack. It’s something you have to prepare for. And they also have the ability to quickly bump out into that spread,” Uemoto said. “We just have to strap it up and get to it.”