With just a week remaining in the 2023 BIIF fall football season, teams across the island are going all-in to finish the year on a strong note, despite each team undergoing different circumstances.
After this week’s slate of matchups, the Central Pacific/BIIF Division I and II Championships will be held next weekend — Oct. 27 and 28.
Thursday: Crosstown
Classic encore
Konawaena will drive to the other side of Kona to face Kealakehe at 6 p.m. at Waverider Stadium for the pair’s second duel of the season. During their first bout on Sept. 14, the Wildcats won 64-6.
The Wildcats are coming off a 61-0 rout of Kea‘au, while the Waveriders lost 21-6 to Hilo last weekend.
Konawaena is in prime position to finish undefeated in Division I for the third straight year and punch its ticket to the BIIF Division I Championship, currently sitting at 7-0 and 8-1 overall.
Quarterback Keoki Alani is in surefire candidacy for another All-State season — currently posting 3,227 yards and 43 touchdowns while completing 73% of his passes. His cumulative passing yards and touchdowns lead all of Hawaii Division I (per Scoring Live), which has help propel the Wildcats to average over 55 points per week.
Alani’s weapons have shown out all season, too. Receiver Austin Takaki leads Division I in receiving yards (1,023) and receptions (66).
Teammate wideout Zedekiah Anahu-Ambrosio is right behind Takaki in the No. 2 spot in yards (946) and receptions (59). Anahu-Ambrosio additionally leads Division I in receiving touchdowns with 16.
Abraham Ogata, another star Wildcats receiver, is second in the division in touchdown receptions with 15.
The Waveriders, on the other hand, have remained scrappy in games despite dealing with a plethora of injuries to its core players. Kealakehe is currently 2-7, heralded by its two quarterbacks in Cody Jones and Brennen Nishihara.
Runningback Hercules Nahale has had an impressive junior campaign, tallying 848 yards on the ground and five rushing touchdowns on a healthy 7.3 yards per attempt (Per Scoring Live).
Friday: Kohala seeks revenge
The Cowboys will travel across the island to play Pahoa at 6 p.m. at Kea‘au High School.
After being shut out by Hawaii Prep last weekend, Kohala (0-9) will try to avenge its narrow 14-13 loss against the Daggers (2-7) from Sept. 16.
The Cowboys have remained winless and at the bottom standing of BIIF DII, but competitive throughout the year.
The offense is captained by quarterback Hezekiah Wilson, receiver Tirus Perez and running back Isaiah Antonio.
With one opportunity left to get a win, Kohala plans to leave it all out on the field.
Friday:
Dragons aim to end with a haul
Honoka‘a will travel down to Ka‘u to play the Trojans at 6 p.m. Sitting at 6-3 overall in Division II, Honoka‘a is coming off three straight wins following a mid-season slump — its most recent against Pahoa last Thursday, when it won 35-6.
The Dragons could finish in the top three in the division’s standings, unless they lose to Ka‘u by more than 38 points.
Honoka‘a’s offense is led by dual-threat quarterback Elijah Kaupi-Alip, who has helped the Dragons average over 27 points per game.
Ka‘u has remained competitive despite a tumultuous season that has seen multiple coaching staff changes, roster shrinkage and injuries — and will finish the season atop the ranks of the isle’s former eight-man teams, currently at No. 4.
The Trojans have been high and low, suffering some big losses but also notching some big wins — such as a fourth quarter comeback blowout over Pahoa HS three weeks ago.
At the helm of Ka‘u’s offense is Adadiyah Ellis-Reyes, an elusive quarterback with an impressive arm — who also plays free safety and has notched several interceptions. Ellis-Reyes and wideout TJ Kuahuia-Faafia have combined for numerous deep touchdown passes this season.
In the backfield is Ocean Nihipali-Session, a halfback who straddles the line between elusive back and power back — breaking and evading tackles on nearly every run.
Joe Buyuan leads the Trojans’ defensive line, notching a sack during almost every game.
Saturday: HPA looks to set
Division II Championship
Ka Makani will host powerhouse Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i at 2 p.m.
Fresh off a 24-0 win over Kohala, Hawaii Prep has been on a roll, riding a four-game win streak and sitting in the No. 2 spot in Division II at 7-2.
Ka Makani’s offensive line has been a pillar to its success in the regular season, creating consistent open gaps for running backs Alaka‘i Aipia and Ekela Livingston.
HPA has averaged 21.3 points per game in 2023.
A win against the Warriors this weekend would mean a guaranteed ticket to the BIIF Division II Championship, where HPA would face KSH (10-0) for the second consecutive week.
If Ka Makani falls, there will be no Division II Championship, and the Warriors would be crowned automatic winners and move on to the state tournament. This is due in part to the Warriors’ 49-0 win over HPA on Sept. 15.
KSH has been unstoppable so far — averaging 48.13 points per game against BIIF DII opponents, while allowing an average of just 4.25 — notching three shutouts and surrendering a high of just eight points against Ka‘u last week.
Quarterback Adam Perry and his weapons Javan Feary, Kekainalu Fuerte, Shiloh Santos and Andrew Boshard have combined for 1545 yards in the air this season — with Perry’s personal total passing yards currently at 1971 with 23 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Power back Ethan Bowden has bulldozed his way through the competition — recording 657 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.
The Warriors’ defense is led by towering defensive end Niau Paulos, linebackers Xander Hoopai and Amar Payne as well as defensive tackle TJ Lau and cornerback Jacobjames Ramos.
Saturday: Hilo and Waiakea meet again
The pair of cross-town rivals will end their season Saturday afternoon at the Warriors’ home field.
With no chance at a postseason for either team, the Vikings and Warriors will leave it all on the gridiron and look to end the season with some big plays.
Hilo’s offense is led by young quarterback Austin Aguiar and his receiving core — Tazein Sykes, Kadek Kaneta, Peyton Pana and Kaiwalya Kaneta. On defense, Ikena Leao has been a hawk — notching several interceptions.
The Warriors have struggled with a young and inexperienced roster, but have found outstanding skill and leadership in receiver/safety Justin Ah Sing and offensive tackle Noah Tyrin.
This article contains additions and edits made by Tribune-Herald Sports Editor Connor Whitt.
