WAIMEA — With Hurricane Lala in the rearview, Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) football returned to action over the weekend with plenty of matchups across the island, including one on the mainland.

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WAIMEA — With Hurricane Lala in the rearview, Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) football returned to action over the weekend with plenty of matchups across the island, including one on the mainland.

Up in North Hawaii, Hawaii Preparatory Academy hosted Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) opponent Kalaheo on a windy Saturday afternoon in Waimea, and the Mustangs made the most of their brief business trip.

Ka Makani struck first after safety Liam Wilson scored on a pick six during Kalaheo’s opening drive. But from there on out, it was all Mustangs.

Kalaheo responded by scoring 59 unanswered points — on the ground and through the air — en route to a 59-7 victory to wrap up the preseason. The Mustangs deployed an intricate two-quarterback system, led by Loch Moorman and Zayne Farley, which kept HPA’s defense on its toes all afternoon.

Both teams had a variety of players see snaps on both sides of the ball — such as Moorman playing quarterback, kicker and receiver and Ka Makani signal caller Josef Robinson also playing cornerback. The high winds played a factor in both passing offenses, but Kalaheo was able to move the chains more consistently, and with the Mustangs’ physical run game inside the 10, HPA simply couldn’t keep pace. The red and white were consistently halted at the line of scrimmage through the guests’ physical front, and the hosts committed a number of defensive penalties to aid Kalaheo’s offensive unit.

Following Ka Makani’s defensive touchdown, Mustangs running back Marquez Mellor broke free for a long gain and followed it up with a short rushing touchdown to tie things up.

Moorman gave Kalaheo the lead early in the second quarter after a long rushing touchdown, and Farley then caught an interception inside Ka Makani territory on the following drive. Just a few plays later, Moorman found receiver Jayden Carreiro in the end zone for a passing touchdown.

Following a Storm Kane receiving touchdown thrown by Moorman, the Mustangs scored one final time just before the clock expired in the second quarter — as Mason Jardine hauled in a catch-and-run touchdown with 3.8 seconds remaining. Kalaheo left the field with a 35-7 halftime lead.

HPA tried to adjust and respond in the final two quarters, but Ka Makani was too overwhelmed by the size and speed of the Mustangs to make up any ground. Mellor scored two more touchdowns in the third quarter to complete the hat trick, while Farley collected his second pick of the afternoon in the same frame.

In the fourth quarter, running back John Campos scored the final touchdown of the night on the ground. The Mustangs botched the field goal snap, but ended up running it in for two points instead. Kalaheo also secured a safety in the third quarter.

Ka Makani will try to turn the page quickly with its conference opener approaching — set to face Waiakea this coming Saturday in Hilo.

The Mustangs will return home to take on Kalani the same day.

Warriors
mash Menehunes

Kamehameha-Hawaii ended preseason with a bang Friday night against the visiting Waimea Menehunes of Kauai.

In the non-conference bout, the Warriors got off to a 21-6 start to the game after the first quarter and never looked back — finishing the game with a 49-27 win. KSH displayed a dominant performance in the air and on the ground against the guests, while also making timely stops on defense to keep the lead intact.

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Kahekili Makekau displayed brilliance for the Warriors at quarterback, completing an efficient 11 of his 14 attempts for 266 yards and three touchdowns — one to Chaseton Wong, another to Chanse Kaaua-Long and the third to Ioka Toci-Hookano. All touchdown passes came in the first half, with each being from at least 30 yards out. Makekau also rushed for another score at the end of the first half, finishing his day with four total touchdowns.

Wong was Makekau’s top target of the night, hauling in 89 yards to go along with his touchdown. Cole Walker also added 66 receiving yards.

KSH was led by All-Hawaii performer Dallas Enriquez out of the backfield, who finished the night with 128 yards and two touchdowns on the ground on 21 carries. Teammate Beau Fontes made the most of his limited opportunities behind Enriquez, rushing for 64 yards and a score on just six attempts.

Waimea quarterback Wade Silva had two total touchdowns — one through the air to Daniel Oligo and a 15-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter. Kaikea Miyashiro and Paka Cintron-Chandler also rushed for one touchdown apiece.

With preseason now in the rearview, KSH will shift its focus to the upcoming conference slate — where the Warriors will be moving up to BIIF Division I. Their first opponent will be up against the island’s best in Konawaena, slated for a Sept. 3 kickoff in Kea‘au.

The Menehunes next host Kapa‘a on Sept. 5.

Wildcats wash
Wolverines
on mainland

Konawaena started the year with a successful business trip to the Lake Tahoe region over the weekend.

The Wildcats took on Truckee High School in a rematch from last season’s preseason bout in Kealakekua, where the Wolverines left the island with a win. This time around, it was only right that Kona returned the favor on the road.

The defending BIIF DI champs shut out Truckee 24-0 on Friday, leaving the mainland with a win and heightened confidence heading into the upcoming conference slate.

Senior quarterback Keenan Alani led the Wildcats with three touchdown passes — one to Anakin Punihaole, another to Justice Charity and the third to LaMichael Bronson. Alani is entering his third year as Kona’s starter, and is expected to put up big numbers in head coach Brad Uemoto’s air-attack system.

The Wildcats will enjoy this week off before starting their island schedule against KSH early next month.

Warriors shut
out Cougars

Waiakea started the season as strongly as anyone could ask for.

Hosting fellow east-side rival Kea‘au, the Warriors blanked the Cougars with a 36-0 victory.

While Waiakea will next shift its focus to HPA, Kea‘au will seek redemption against Hilo on Friday in its regular season home opener.

The paper was unable to obtain a box score for this game by deadline. For any readers with official statistics, please email [email protected].

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