Easy usually does it.
Yo Bostwick notched a goal and an assist, Levi Higa scored the go-ahead goal Monday and Honokaa beat Keaau 3-1 to gain a measure of momentum heading into its biggest BIIF boys soccer match so far this season.
“We’re starting to understand a little more,” coach Maurice Miranda said after the host Dragons won their second in a row to even their mark at 4-4 in the White Division.
“We’re playing simpler, finding the open guys and not overplaying.”
With Kamehameha far ahead of the Division II field, Honokaa welcomes Makua Lani (3-5 White) on Wednesday in a likely preview of the BIIF semifinals. This one could determine who hosts the playoff matchup Jan. 30.
“Big game,” Miranda said, “you want to finish No. 2 or No. 3 and not have to face Kamehameha until the championship.”
Kohala is also lurking in the Blue Division and needs to beat the Dragons on Jan. 23 in Kapaau in a makeup match to have a chance to avoid the No. 4 seed.
After Bostwick opened the scoring about 10 minutes into Monday’s match, Christian Mamone netted the equalizer for the Cougars (2-6 White), knocking in a rebound after Daniel Vierra led a counterattack.
Bostwick assisted on Higa’s goal five minutes before halftime and Micah Miranda added an insurance goal in the second half.
Keaau will miss out on a second consecutive playoff appearance in Division I.
Girls
Kamehameha 3, Makua Lani 0: Keane Farias, Hevani Haunga and Roycie Faye scored goals in a match held at Kealakehe High as the Warriors (6-4) secured the No. 2 seed and a home match in the BIIF semifinals Jan. 24.
Kiani Troy collected the shutout of the Lions (2-7), who can secure the No. 3 seed — avoiding a semifinal at Hawaii Prep — with a win Wednesday at Honokaa.
Keaau 1, Honokaa 1: Earning a point on the road, the Cougars (3-4-1) moved two points behind Kealakehe (4-5), which hosts Keaau on Wednesday in a match with far-ranging implications regarding the final playoff spot in Division I.
Isabella Ferrari scored for the Cougars off an assist by her sister Karli Ferrari, and Rihanna Domingo had a goal for Honokaa.