SOUTH KONA — Following Konawaena football’s close road win over Leilehua last week, the Wildcats preached the importance of continuity and upward trajectory as the midway point of the season approaches.
On Saturday night at Julian R. Yates Field against No. 25 Kea‘au, Konawaena did just that — winning 64-0 to soar to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) play. The Cougars moved to 2-3 overall and 2-2 in the conference.
“We did a good job tonight of getting going early,” Konawaena coach Brad Uemoto said postgame. “Kea‘au is a good team.”
Quarterback Keoki Alani finished with 359 passing yards and broke the single-game state record in passing touchdowns with eight. Alani was previously tied with PJ Minaya of Pac-Five (2008) with seven in 2022.
The star passer’s primary target — receiver Zedekiah Anahu-Ambrosio — hauled in 91 receiving yards, three scores and a passing touchdown for himself. Receivers Abraham Ogata (100 yards) and Austin Takaki (95 yards) had two touchdowns apiece, along with Keau Higashi (28 yards) and Ali‘malu Tan (49 yards) grabbing one each.
While the Wildcats’ offense hummed as usual, the team’s defense made things difficult for Cougars quarterback Diego Pettypool all night, consistently putting the BIIF Division I’s second-leading passer under duress.
Konawaena’s stellar defensive play helped defensive back Armenio Blanco force two interceptions — with both turnovers leading to touchdowns from the offense. Defensive end Elias Malapit had nine total tackles and four sacks to lead the line.
“We brought timely pressures and our defensive backs played well,” Uemoto said of the defense’s performance. “When we’re able to execute, we have a tough defense.”
Konawaena first scored quickly following a series of Anahu-Ambrosio catches and a strong gain on the outside by running back Keawe Navas Loa to move the Wildcats inside the 10-yard line. Anahu-Ambrosio then caught the touchdown pass from Alani.
On Konawaena’s next drive following a big punt return from Anahu-Ambrosio, Alani connected with Takaki on a slant route for the second score of the night.
Following Blanco’s first pick in the beginning of the second quarter, Alani connected with receiver Abraham Ogata for a big gain to get back into Kea‘au territory. Division I’s top passer then found Ahahu-Ambrosio again — this time down the middle of the seam for a 40-yard touchdown reception.
On the very next drive, Alani threw a laser to Ogata for a touchdown. Later in the quarter, Alani connected with Anahu-Ambrosio once more on a screen pass for another touchdown. Alani then elected the screen pass to Higashi, who caught Konawaena’s ensuing touchdown.
The Wildcats’ defense continued to deny Kea‘au, as Blanco picked off Pettypool again near the end of the first half to help set up another Konawaena touchdown — this time Tan caught Alani’s third consecutive screen-pass score to go up 50-0 at halftime.
Despite being up so big at the halfway point, Uemoto said there wasn’t a lot of celebrating in the lockeroom, as his team remained focused on finishing the job.
“They’re usually very low key,” he said of the Wildcats’ locker room demeanor. “We talk a lot about continuing to play hard when we have leads.”
Konawaena kept its foot on the gas for the remainder of the game. Navas Loa had a couple of big runs in the opening drive to propel the Wildcats in Cougars’ territory. Alani then struck Ogata for another touchdown. To start the fourth quarter, Alani threw a lateral to Anahu-Ambrosio, who then connected with Takaki for the final touchdown of the night.
Konawaena has a quick turnaround for Week 6, as it will travel across town to Kealakehe (1-4) on Thursday for a rivalry matchup. Kea‘au will have a bye week, returning to play at Waiakea (0-3) on Sept. 23 for its fifth game of 2023.
While the short time in between games is a disadvantage for the Wildcats, Uemoto sees the situation as just another challenge to set for his boys.
“These kids are starting to come around,” he said. “We’re getting to where we want to be.
“We’re gonna get Kealakehe’s best, and we’re gonna have to play them tough.”
