Tribune-Herald Athlete of the Week: Panaewa Alii’s Akea Cariaga

Akea Cariaga made the very best of a bad situation for Panaewa Alii at the Pop Warner National Championships.
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Akea Cariaga • football

The running back/outside linebacker “bailed us out,” according to Panaewa Alii 14-under coach Sergio Mamone at the Pop Warner National Championships in Florida.

In Sunday’s quarterfinals, Cariaga turned a bad punt snap into a 40-yard touchdown as Panaewa beat the San Antonio Gorillas 34-12.

Panaewa – which also got two touchdowns from quarterback Zedekiah Ambrosio – plays in the semifinals Wednesday.

5 questions

Favorite food: The Longest Yard

Favorite movie: Pizza

Favorite thing about football: The bond with teammates

Favorite athlete: Ezekiel Elliott

Favorite place on the Big Island: Mauna Kea, to hunt