KEAAU — Under a different set of circumstances, Honokaa would have appeared to have the momentum after Trent Tavares’ blocked field in the fourth quarter preserved a one-score game against Kamehameha. ADVERTISING KEAAU — Under a different set of circumstances,
KEAAU — Under a different set of circumstances, Honokaa would have appeared to have the momentum after Trent Tavares’ blocked field in the fourth quarter preserved a one-score game against Kamehameha.
But that only meant the Dragons’ offense had to go up against their tormentor — at their own 7, no less – and that was a major mismatch Friday night.
The Warriors’ defense was well-rested without a hint of rust, collecting an eye-popping 10 turnovers, scoring two touchdowns, setting up three more and adding a safety as Kamehameha thwarted the Dragons 43-21 at Paiea Stadium to stand as the only remaining undefeated team in BIIF Division II football.
Kailikea Kekuawela had two interceptions for Kamehameha (4-0 BIIF, 2-0), including a pick-six in the first quarter, and linebacker Ethanjames Ramos picked up two fumbles, taking one back for a touchdown. The Warriors held the Dragons (1-1, 2-1) to only 69 yards offense for the game.
“Once somebody gets a positive play, we just feed off each other,” Ramos said.
For large chunks of the night, Kamehameha’s best offense was its defense, while Honokaa’s best offense were Warriors’ penalties.
Honokaa quarterback Ocean Guerpo-Beamer accounted for three touchdowns, but he was also intercepted three times and finished 8 of 28 passing.
“We prepared for them well and watched well,” Ramos said. “It was up to the defense, really, to carry the team and I’m proud of my boys.”
Abishai Campbell ran for two touchdowns for Kamehameha, and Elijah Campbell rushed for 72 yards and a score.
If it’s possible for a team to show improvement from the previous season on a night in which it lost seven fumbles, the Dragons, under first-year coach Noeau Lindsey, accomplished the feat, thanks to their defense.
“It shows what good coaching can do,” Ramos said.
Other than a three-play spurt by Elijah Campbell in the first half, it played well before tiring in the fourth quarter. It was put in a treacherous and unnecessary position by its offense when, instead of running out the clock, it fumbled and Ramos scooped and almost scored, taking the ball to the 1.
Honokaa’s defense held, however, stopping two plays before the half.
Trailing 14-7, the Dragons also quickly got the ball back to its offense at the start for the third quarter, but Honokaa promptly fumbled, and three plays later sophomore quarterback Kaimi Like and Makana Manoa connected for a 25-yard touchdown.
“I don’t think our offensive line was really good, and we like to play fast,” Warriors coach Dan Lyons said, “and I don’t feel like we played very fast.”
Kamehameha’s six-day layoff from practice because of hurricane threats was tough, but not an excuse.
“Honokaa’s a good team and very disciplined,” Lyons said. “I wouldn’t want to take anything away from them for causing us to not look good.”
Kamehameha was dogged by 13 penalties. A late hit extended a Honokaa drive midway through the third quarter, and the Dragons took advantage. Guerpo-Beamer hit Paki Akau for Honokaa’s biggest play of the night, a 41-yard gain that put the ball at the 1, leading to Guerpo-Beamer’s second scoring run.
“The penalties are something we have to control in practice,” Ramos said. “In practice we get rowdy, and if we get rowdy in practice, that’s how we are going to play.”
Tavares’ block seemingly gave Honokaa new life, but Kamehameha pounced on a fumble, and Abishai Cambell’s 5-yard run gave Kamehameha a 27-14 lead.
That was the first of three Warriors’ touchdowns in a span 92 seconds. Abishai Campbell’s touchdown run from midfield was Kamehameha’s first score not aided by its defense, but, sure enough, seconds later Ramos scored on a fumble return.
“He played excellent,” Lyons said. “He’s a playmaker and the leader of that defense.”
The first half was quiet by comparison.
Kamehameha’s first six possessions produced little, but Michael Jumalon III’s interception set up the Warriors at the Honokaa 49, and Elijah Campbell scored three runs later.
Kaleo Navas-Clark’s long kickoff return to the 27 and two penalties – one a questionable late hit call – set up a touchdown run for Guerpo-Beamer, who called his own number on third down from the 5.
Honokaa’s other touchdown, a pass from Beamer to Gene Ansagay, came after the Warriors fumbled in their own territory.
Honokaa 0 7 7 7 —21
Kamehameha 0 14 7 22 – 43
Second quarter
KSH – Kailikea Kekuawela 55 interception return (Justin Kenoi kick), 7:53
Honokaa – Ocean Guerpo-Beamer 5 run (Isaac Aguilar), 6:32
KSH – Elijah Campbell 25 run (Kenoi kick), 4:38
Third quarter
KSH –Makana Manoa 25 reception from Kaimi Like (Kenoi kick), 7:18
Honokaa – Guerpo-Beamer 1 run (Aguilar kick), 3:53
Fourth quarter
KSH – Abishai Campbell 5 run (kick blocked), 10:47
KSH — Abishai Campbell 48 run (Kenoi kick), 9:26
KSH – Ethanjames Ramos 21 fumble return (Justin Kenoi kick), 9:15
Honokaa – Guerpo-Beamer 10 pass to Gene Ansagay (Aguilar kick), 8:22
KSH – Safety, Ryon Kunishige-Akau tackled in end zone, 1:09
