It’s a bit of a Kamehameha conundrum.
Its ground-heavy approach is straight forward enough, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy one for opponents to prepare. The Warriors run the double wing, a no split-end offense which few high school players have ever even likely seen on television, let alone play against.
“Their offense is very unique, no run really runs it like that,” Hawaii Prep coach Kaluka Maiava said. “We try to mimic it as much as possible in practice, as best as our service team can do, just to see the looks that their offense does.”
And heading into the teams’ BIIF D-II showdown in Waimea, Maiava knows Kamehameha has the potential to run its system well.
“They definitely are the most athletic, biggest, strongest, fastest team we’ve played so far,” he said.
Of course, the Warriors (4-0) probably could say the same of Ka Makani (4-0).
Kamehameha would prefer this be its last trip to Waimea this season, while HPA would like to settle in and see the postseason run through North Hawaii. As much will be settled Saturday – kickoff is at 2 p.m. – in a regular-season finale that will determine the top seed in the playoffs. The loser draws third-seeded Honokaa (3-2) next weekend in the semifinals, while the winner draws either Ka’u or Pahoa, two teams who have only combined for one win so far.
HPA has had two weeks off since a 24-14 win at Kohala. Ka Makani are seeking their first BIIF title since 2010. Kamehameha, which defeated the Cowboys 21-7 last weekend at home, beat its private school rival three times in 2019 en route to winning their second consecutive title.
“We are pretty confident, and our guy are feeling really good,” Maiava said.”Got healthy off the bye week. It should be pretty exciting on Saturday.”
Kamehameha coach Kealoha Wengler told the Tribune-Herald earlier this season that offensive balance was a goal. However, to date the Warriors have only attempted a handful of passes a game, preferring to hand the ball off the backs such as Michael Perry, Makaiokalani Snyder, Ezekiel-Aaron Gragas and Spencer Yoshizumi. HPA has workhorses in Jakob Honda and Braeden Samura.
Asked if the ball would ever be thrown Saturday into what could be a windy Waimea air, Maiava said, “There is going to be a bunch of everything. We have to show up, and the best team wins.”
Pahoa (1-3 BIIF D-I) at Ka’u 0-4), 11 a.m. Saturday: Each team celebrated its first touchdown in its last game, and the winner here will celebrate locking down the final playoff spot. A Trojans win would create a three-way tie for fourth place, and Kohala won’t garner consideration in this scenario because it forfeited its opener against the Daggers.
Kealakehe (2-2 D-I) vs. Hilo (3-1), 5 p.m. Friday at Keaau High: In the D-I semifinals, the Vikings seek a spot in championship game for the ninth consecutive year against a Waveriders’ team they beat 21-12 two weeks ago.
Keaau (1-3 D-I) at Konawaena (4-0), 6 p.m.: The Wildcats already beat the Cougars 59-6 earlier this season. Another win gives Konawaena a trip to its 10th consecutive title game (the first eight came in D-II).