With a short week ahead of it, Kamehameha’s football team did not rest on its in laurels Sunday, getting in a practice before it left Maui to come back to the Big Island.
With a short week ahead of it, Kamehameha’s football team did not rest on its in laurels Sunday, getting in a practice before it left Maui to come back to the Big Island.
The trip was all business for the Warriors.
They were workmanlike and methodical Saturday night as Dallasj Duarte threw two scoring passes in his first start and all three of Kamehameha’s units found the end zone in a 52-0 preseason victory against King Kekaulike.
Duarte, a sophomore, played a half in place of injured starter Kamakana Pagan.
“I think his ability to see mismatches and be composed were what I liked the most,” coach Dan Lyons said.
“We weren’t a good matchup for King Kekaulike defensively, and Dallas took advantage of that.”
He threw touchdown passes to Kainalu Whitney and Tre Evans-Dumaran, who also took a punt return back for a touchdown.
The Warriors defense also scored on a Ethan Ramos’ fumble recovery and notched two safeties.
Kamehameha only has allowed six points in two preseason wins.
“We’re excited about how well the defense is playing right now considering how much we had to replace,” Lyons said. “It’s nice to see the special teams come through because that is something we wanted to improve on from last year.”
Senior Kaeo Batacan rushed for two scores and surpassed 100 yards for the second consecutive week.
Ahead 44-0 at the halftime, Lyons didn’t call on freshman quarterback Kaimialoha Like to throw a pass.
The Warriors now turn their attention to Thursday night football.
They host Waiakea (0-2) this Thursday in their preseason finale, the first of three Thursday games for Kamehameha in the next four weeks.
“Fans are going to gave to get used to it,” Lyons said.
He was hopeful Pagan, who is nursing a foot injury, would be ready to take the field by this Thursday.