Wildcats and Warriors Dominate to Capture Island Football Titles

In a commanding display of skill and strategy, the Konawaena Wildcats and Kamehameha-Hawaii Warriors clinched the island football championships in their respective divisions. The Wildcats triumphed over the Kea‘au Cougars with a decisive score of 41-6 at the CPB/BIIF Division I Football Championship held on November 4, 2023. This victory secured Konawaena’s place in the HHSAA Division I State Tournament, marking their perfect season with a record of 10-0.

Konawaena’s Dominance Continues

Under the guidance of head coach Brad Uemoto, the Wildcats celebrated their fifth consecutive BIIF championship and eighth overall. Uemoto expressed pride in his team, stating, “We don’t take these BIIF titles for granted… It’s become an expectation for us year in and year out to get there.” The Wildcats showcased their prowess throughout the season, maintaining a strong momentum with nine straight victories leading up to the championship.

The game began cautiously, as both teams adjusted to each other’s defenses. However, it was Konawaena that struck first, with Keenan Alani scoring a rushing touchdown at the end of the first quarter. As the first half progressed, Alani connected with Kareem Walker for a 50-yard touchdown, bringing the halftime score to 21-0. Kea‘au struggled to gain traction, with their offense held in check by a relentless Wildcats defense.

Despite a valiant effort, including a touchdown by Kea‘au’s star running back Charleston Salazar, the Cougars could not overcome the gap. The Wildcats’ defense, led by linebacker Chevy Flanary, stifled any potential comeback attempts, ultimately allowing Konawaena to seal the championship with a final rushing touchdown from backup quarterback Elston Hooper.

Kamehameha-Hawaii’s Thrilling Victory

On November 3, 2023, the Kamehameha-Hawaii Warriors also proved their mettle, winning the BIIF Division II Championship against the Honoka‘a Dragons with a score of 39-26. Dallas Enriquez, a standout sophomore running back, delivered an extraordinary performance, accumulating 329 rushing yards and scoring four touchdowns. His efforts were pivotal, particularly during the fourth quarter when the game was tied at 26-26.

Enriquez opened the scoring early and maintained the Warriors’ momentum with multiple rushing touchdowns. Despite falling behind at halftime, Kamehameha-Hawaii regrouped under the leadership of head coach Kealoha Wengler. Enriquez credited Wengler for keeping the team focused and confident during the break, emphasizing the importance of preparation and resilience.

As the game progressed, Kamehameha-Hawaii’s offense surged back to life, with quarterback Kahekili Makekau contributing both as a passer and rusher. The Warriors’ defense held strong against Honoka‘a’s offensive attempts, ultimately sealing their victory and securing a place in the HHSAA Division II tournament as the No. 3 seed.

Both teams will now shift their focus to the upcoming state tournaments. The Wildcats, entering as the No. 2 seed, will enjoy a bye and face the winner of Kailua vs. Aiea on November 22, 2023. Meanwhile, the Warriors will take on fourth-seeded PAC-5 at 19:30 on Friday at Farrington High School. Both teams are eager to build on their championship successes as they enter a new phase of competition.

As the excitement of the championships lingers, the Wildcats and Warriors look to harness their winning momentum, aiming for further glory in the state tournaments. Each team brings a mix of experienced players and newcomers ready to rise to the occasion, promising thrilling matchups ahead.