The Konawaena Wildcats delivered a stunning performance on Friday, defeating crosstown rivals Kealakehe Waveriders with a resounding score of 66-0 at Waverider Stadium. This victory propelled the Wildcats to a record of 6-2 overall and 6-0 in conference play, while the Waveriders dropped to 4-6 overall and 4-2 in the BIIF.
Elston Hooper, the freshman quarterback, showcased exceptional skill, completing 12 of his 14 passes for 223 yards and five touchdowns. Filling in for the regular starter, Keenan Alani, Hooper connected with senior receiver Max Taetuna-Fautanu for a 35-yard touchdown and threw two touchdown passes each to senior Jahsiah Souza-Armstead and freshman Ka‘ael Johnson. Additionally, freshman running back Shayden Domingo contributed with a rushing touchdown and 56 yards on the ground.
In a multifaceted offensive display, the Wildcats had four receivers each with more than 35 receiving yards. Souza-Armstead also electrified the crowd with a 75-yard kickoff return touchdown in the first quarter. The Wildcats’ defense was equally impressive, achieving their first shutout of the season with six sacks, including a touchdown from junior edge rusher Zane Fujihara-Faavesi, who returned a forced fumble for 18 yards.
With an average of 39.4 points scored per game and just 16 points allowed, the Wildcats are gaining momentum as they prepare to face Kea‘au on Saturday at Julian R. Yates Field. In their previous matchup on September 26, Kona emerged victorious with a score of 44-26. Meanwhile, the Waveriders aim to bounce back against Honoka‘a on Friday, having suffered losses in three of their last four games.
In other BIIF action, the Kamehameha-Hawaii Warriors secured a thrilling 32-29 victory over the Hilo Vikings at Wong Stadium. The Warriors improved their record to 5-3, while Hilo fell to 5-4. Sophomore running back Dallas Enriquez was the standout performer for Kamehameha-Hawaii, rushing for three touchdowns and accumulating 91 yards. Quarterbacks Chanse Kaaua-Long and Kahekili Makekau split the duties, with Makekau connecting on a touchdown pass to Chaseton Wong, who recorded 78 receiving yards.
On Hilo’s side, quarterback Austin Aguiar threw three touchdown passes to receiver Urijah Kipilii, while Vikings quarterback Ale Torres added a rushing touchdown. Kamehameha-Hawaii will face Hilo again on Thursday at 5 p.m., preceded by a junior varsity matchup.
The Honoka‘a Dragons also had a commanding performance, defeating Kohala 48-0 on Saturday. In a separate matchup, the Hawaii Preparatory Academy versus Ka‘u game was forfeited by the Trojans.
In volleyball, the Kealakehe girls’ team achieved their second consecutive victory, defeating Kanu o ka ‘Aina in four sets with scores of 27-25, 24-26, 25-22, and 25-22. This win brought their overall record to 7-5. The Lady Waveriders have made significant strides this season, besting teams such as Makua Lani Christian Academy and Kohala.
In Pahoa, the Waiakea Lady Warriors concluded their regular season with a third consecutive win, sweeping the hosting Lady Daggers 25-17, 25-22, and 25-22. Finishing the season at 13-3, Waiakea is now a strong contender for the BIIF Division-I title. Their playoff seeding and first matchup are yet to be announced.
Hilo capped off their regular season with a decisive sweep over Laupahoehoe, winning 25-15, 25-13, and 25-21. The Vik Queens concluded their season with a 13-3 record, while the Lady Seasiders fell to 3-12 and also faced Kamehameha-Hawaii in a doubleheader on Tuesday night.
As the BIIF playoffs approach, the excitement builds for the upcoming matches, with teams eager to showcase their skills and secure a place in the championship title hunt.
