Back at full strength, Ka’u was once again a handful.
Back at full strength, Ka’u was once again a handful.
Zachary Kai scored three touchdowns Saturday, including on a 70-yard run, as the Trojans raced past Kohala 36-6 in a rematch of last season’s BIIF eight-man title game.
Freshman Isaiah Pilanca Emmsley made his mark for the Trojans (1-1, 1-1 BIIF) as well, also scoring on a 70-yard run and throwing a touchdown pass to Kai to go along with two interceptions at safety.
“We had our full roster,” coach DuWayne Ke said, “and their minds were on the game. We played as a team.”
The Cowboys (0-2, 0-1) opened the scoring in the first quarter on Ryan Kealoha’s 25-yard touchdown pass to Zhane Ching before Ka’u took over.
“We started to wear down their defense,” Ke said.
Much of that was thanks to Kai, a senior who surpassed 200 yards on the ground, according to his coach, adding a short touchdown plunge at quarterback.
Janslae Badua scored on a 1-yard run to give the Trojans a 16-6 lead in the second quarter.
Missing a slew of players, Ka’u opened its season with a 32-8 loss to Pahoa.
“It’s still anybody’s game,” Ke said.
Daggers win
Duane Correa accounted for four scores, two on passes to Paris Hayes-Kai, to spur Pahoa to a 28-16 victory against Seabury Hall on Friday night at Keaau High.
With Maui’s Spartans looking to stop Keala Harris – who entered the game with seven touchdowns – Correa scored on runs of 4 and 3 yards in the third quarter as the Daggers (3-0) took a 22-8 lead.
“We changed some strategy,” Pahoa coach Chris Midel said.
After a slow start offensively, Hayes-Kai got behind Seabury’s defense for a 46-yard touchdown in the second quarter, and Harris’ two-point run sent the game to halftime tied 8-8. Hayes-Kai’s 22-yard reception capped the scoring for Pahoa, which plays Kohala on Friday night at Keaau.
“The kids are still getting used to winning,” Midel said. “We have to play every game like we’re 0-0.”