KAILUA-KONA — Very early on, it looked like Konawaena might be in for a game against their west side rival Kealakehe on Wednesday night.
It didn’t stay that was for long.
After being knotted at 4-4 early in the game, the Wildcats outscored the Waveriders handily the rest of the way — allowing just one point in the second and third quarters combined — cruising to a comfortable 54-12 victory.
Konawaena is off to a 2-0 start to the BIIF season, having beat Ka‘u in its BIIF opener earlier this week 66-12.
Caiyle Kaupu led the way for the Wildcats with 21 points, while Kaliana Salazar-Harrell added 12.
Pi’ilani Tupou had a team-high 5 points for Kealakehe.
The Wildcats came away from their own preseason tournament 0-2 last weekend, with losses to Kalani and Lahainaluna — both tough squads which will likely be state tournament contenders.
But with a young roster that features a group of talented freshman and no seniors, each game serves as a big learning experience for Konawaena, regardless of the final score.
The Wildcats’ legendary win streak against BIIF foes currently sits at 118-0, but will be tested against Kohala on the road on Friday and versus an upstart Hilo squad on Monday in Kealakekua.
The contest was the season-opener for the Waveriders, who will look to rebound against Kamehameha on Tuesday.