KAILUA-KONA — There’s an overarching theme to Kealakehe’s season, which is evident by just a brief walk through the Waverider facilities.
“Trust” is printed on the back of t-shirts worn by nearly every player and has become a rallying call of sorts for the ‘Riders, who are looking to return to the top of the BIIF for the first time since 2012.
“It’s about trusting the process, trusting each other, trusting the coaches and trusting the system,” head coach Sam Kekuaokalani said. “We as coaches need to trust our players that they are doing everything they can to be great on and off the field.”
“It helped us come together as a team,” quarterback Jorden Himalaya added. “We have that trust between everybody. On the field and in school — we have each other’s backs.”
That trust has also spawned optimism that this year will be different.
“The boy’s attitude and belief has me excited,” Kekuaokalani said. “A lot of guys came out in the offseason, put in the time and now we are ready to get started to see that hard work pay off.”
Four of the last five seasons have ended in the BIIF Division I championship with losses to Hilo, the lone exception being when the Waveriders finished on the outside looking in during the 2016 season — the only year the Big Island was given two state tournament spots in Division I.
Last year, Kealakehe watched as their eastside rival took the D-I state title at Aloha Stadium with a 35-19 win over Damien.
“We could see that track that Hilo took last year,” Kekuaokalani said. “It set the bar high for all BIIF teams. It helped make the idea of competing for a big goal — like a state title — clearer for the boys. Before it seemed so far away, but now it seems like something we can work towards.”
Kekuaokalani is not getting ahead of himself though. Getting back to the top of the BIIF is the primary goal and the Waveriders have an experienced group that feels they can do it.
It starts up front with the offensive line, where the Waveriders return two all-BIIF picks in Kaua Awana (6-foot, 240 pounds) and Setu Vole (6-0, 255).
“Most of us started last year so we feel like we have some good experience,” Awana said. “We feel pretty confident. There’s a lot of chemistry between us.”
They have some big buddies as well, with Michael Gopaul (5-10, 263), Kawai Alices (5-10, 350) and Shea Kedekein (6-1, 276) slated to see time on what is likely the largest offensive line unit in the league.
And don’t sleep on their athleticism and ability to get around the field to deliver big blocks.
“Those guys can move,” Kekuaokalani said.
In a preseason win against Pearl City, the Waveriders were missing starting running back Raymond Skillern. However, Kealakehe still managed to run for almost 300 yards as a team. Duwayne Johnson showed he could carry the rock against the Chargers, along with teammate Kainakoa Broadfoot, before he left the game with an injury. Starting linebacker Trey Lualemaga is also slated to get some carries.
“Raymond earned the starting spot,” Kekuaokalani said. “His work ethic is great and I think what he’s been doing in the offseason will show up on the field.”
Running the spread offense is, Himalaya who takes over the job at quarterback on a full-time basis after a few scattered appearances last season.
His targets will be speedy sophomore Boo Jones and senior Kalani Piltz. Against Pearl City, Piltz showed a keen ability to gain separation on his defender, delivering a huge 131-yard, two touchdown performance. Kaden Baptista and Ikaika Pali round out the primary pass-catchers for the Waveriders.
While there are some new faces, the biggest change on offense will be the play calling, which Kekuaokalani is taking over.
“It adds to the workload, but I really wanted to take that role on,” Kekuaokalani said. “We have a great staff and have been working on it the last four years. It felt like the right time for me to step into that responsibility.”
When moving to the defensive side of the ball, Kekuaokalani can cycle through a bevy of names that will contribute just on the defensive line. Among them are Noble Tetau, Toby Estrella, Kaulana Gonzales-Guzman and Jesus Peralta.
The heart of the defense will be the linebacking corps, which is highlighted by Malositele Abraham and Lualemaga, who transferred from Centennial High School in Corona, Calif.
“We are really happy with that group,” Kekuaokalani said. “Those guys are tough and ready to contribute.”
Kelii Pelekane, Mikah Ascino, Teyler Frasier and Tyson Ryder will see time in coverage as defensive backs.
“Everybody is a weapon on this team — the O-line, the defense, the skill positions,” Himalaya said. “We have high expectations, but we know the only way to win is by taking it one game at a time.”
The Waveriders open the season Aug. 24 at Konawaena.
At a glance
2017 record: 4-6 overall, 4-3 BIIF. Lost in BIIF championship to Hilo.
Coach: Sam Kekuaokalani (fourth year)
Returning starters: Offense 6, Defense 2
Number to know: 276.8 – average weight of five offensive linemen
Quotable: “The boys attitude and belief has me excited. A lot of guys came out in the offseason, put in the time and now we are ready to get started to see that hard work pay off.”
– Kekuaokalani