WAIMEA – With their undefeated record – and the No. 1 seed in the D-II BIIF playoffs – on the line against rival Kamehameha, Hawaii Prep time and time again was able to count on a senior stepping up to make a crucial play.
Perhaps none were bigger than Ben Kubo’s pair of highlight plays that bookended the 14-10 Ka Makani victory over the Warriors in a defensive-minded, turnover-heavy contest. In addition to scoring the game’s first touchdown on a 43-yard strike from QB Tre Walker in the first quarter, Kubo snagged the game-sealing interception – one of five turnovers forced by HPA on the day – and slid to the turf as the final buzzer rang.
“It just feels like we’re on top of the world,” said Kubo of the win. “We’ve been working at this the whole year. This is what it’s come to: COVID and all. We wanted to get back to the playoffs, No. 1 seed. Here we are.”
The run-heavy Kamehameha offense was stymied throughout the first half, losing three fumbles as HPA took a 7-3 lead into halftime. Kamehameha’s three points came via a 42-yard field goal by Elijah Dinkel in the first quarter.
The momentum seemed to swing firmly in the Warriors’ direction early in the third quarter after the Warriors marched 79 yards down the field, punctuated by a Haiden Kay rushing touchdown to take a 10-7 lead and followed by an interception by Rycen Pola.
Once again, however, a Ka Makani senior stepped up to take momentum right back; this time, it was Kamuela Gaughen who recovered yet another fumble for HPA, putting the offense right back in position to re-take the lead.
Ka Makani did exactly that with 5:12 left to play, as senior Braeden Samura delivered a punishing six-yard touchdown run to put HPA up 14-10.
Needing a stop on the ensuing possession, Kamehameha drove into HPA territory, but when faced with a fourth-and-five, Warrior QB Jadin Chaves’ scramble ended up a yard short, with a diving tackle being made by HPA senior Tain Lawson, leaving 2:07 left on the game clock.
While Ka Makani offense couldn’t quite drain the entire clock on the ensuing possession – Kamehameha took over with 9.2 seconds remaining – it set the stage for Kubo’s game-sealing interception. HPA head coach Kaluka Maiava emphasized how much of an impact winning the turnover battle ultimately was to pulling out the close win.
“Turnovers are huge,” said Maiava. “I don’t know the actual mathematical equation behind it, but if you turn over the ball that much, you can’t win the game. You just can’t.
“I’m happy for our guys, especially our seniors. I came in when they were freshmen – that was my first year here – and to see them grow, I’m just very proud.”
While Saturday’s contest lived up to its billing as the biggest D-II football game on the Big Island thus far this season, it may have set the stage for a rematch with even bigger stakes.
HPA (5-0) secured the top seed in the D-II playoffs, while Kamehameha (4-1) will be the second seed. After 3-2 Waiakea, Ka’u, Kohala and Pahoa all sport 1-4 records. After the game, Maiava lobbied for Kohala – who defeated Ka’u 27-0 on Oct. 30, but forfeited against Pahoa the previous week – to snag the No. 4 seed.
“Kohala deserves to be in that No. 4 spot,” said Maiava. “No disrespect to Ka’u and Pahoa, but Kohala is always game, and they gave us hard competition. I really believe they should have a shot in the playoff.”
HPA will host the No. 4 seed next Saturday, while Kamehameha will host Waiakea in their BIIF D-II semifinal contest. Both teams already have their sights set on a Dec. 11 rematch; the Warriors, in the postgame salute, were already saying they’re looking forward to seeing HPA again. And as for Ka Makani?
“We’re going to be ready,” said Kubo. “Watch out for us.”
HPA 7 0 0 7 – 14
Kamehameha 3 0 7 0 – 10
First quarter
Kamehameha – Elijah Dinkel 42-yard field goal
HPA – Walker 43-yard pass to Kubo (Hunt kick)
Third quarter
Kamehameha – Kay 5-yard run (Dinkel kick)
Fourth quarter
HPA – Samura 6-yard run (Hunt kick)
