Gridiron Preview: Full Interdivisional Slate Scheduled

If anyone had their doubts that Division II teams would press the issue against their Division I counterparts, Hawai`i Preparatory Academy and Kamehameha-Hawai`i reminded fans last week that their victories would be commonplace.

Last Friday, Kamehameha-Hawai`i got its most consistent game of the season from quarterback Micah Kanehailua, who completed 11 of 13 passes and tossed three touchdowns in the Warriors’ two-point victory over Waiakea.

Twenty four hours later, Ka Makani polished off a dominant victory over Division I powerhouse Kealakehe, handing its opponents a loss for the first time since 2007.

Hawai`i Preparatory Academy (3-1 overall, 1-1 BIIF) at Waiakea (2-3 overall, 1-1 BIIF) – 7:00 p.m. Friday, ESPNHawaii.com

HPA’s quest for offensive balance was achieved Saturday with a mix of big passing plays to compliment the hard-nose running style of senior Bobby Lum.

Quarterback Koa Ellis Jr. completed half of his 20 passing attempts for 190 yards and a pair of long touchdown connections.

The Warriors started Bryce Felipe at quarterback in their 27-25 loss to Kamehameha-Hawai`i. Felipe threw for 219 yards while standout rusher Devin Preston collected 111 yards and two touchdowns in the losing effort.

Waiakea fell at HPA 34-0 to open the season.

Kea`au (0-2 overall, 0-2 BIIF) at Konawaena (3-1 overall, 2-0 BIIF) – 7:30 p.m. Friday

Konawaena quarterback Brandon Howes was featured Thursday night on KHON-2’s “Cover Two,” a weekly television show devoted to previewing the upcoming week in high school football. His numbers (1,330 yards passing 14 total touchdowns) explain why. He sits second in the state in passing yards behind Kalani’s Noah Brum.

While the Wildcats’ offense continues to smoothly roll through the league, Kea`au continues to look for its stride. The Cougars gained only 117 yards of total offense in a 35-7 loss last Saturday to Hilo.

Kamehameha-Hawai`i (2-2 overall, 1-1 BIIF) at Kealakehe (1-2 overall, 1-1 BIIF) – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, ESPNHawaii.com

Kealakehe’s loss at home against Hawai`i Prep didn’t come without several bright spots. Riggs Kurashige rushed for 188 yards on 20 carries in the losing effort, generating big plays in the Waveriders’ offense.

Also a positive was the connection between quarterback Kaimi Wilson and receiver Keaho Kaakimaka. The two hooked up three times, twice for touchdowns. Kaakimaka has hauled in eight passes this year for 107 yards, team highs in each category. He has also caught all three of Wilson’s touchdown passes.

Honoka`a (0-3 overall, 0-2 BIIF) at Hilo (3-1 overall, 2-0 BIIF) – 7:00 p.m. Saturday

For the second straight week, the Vikings alternated Donovan Kelley and Sione Atuekaho at the quarterback position. Both made plays in multiple ways.

Kelley tossed a touchdown pass to Hunter Macabio in the first quarter of the Vikings’ 35-7 win over Kea`au. Later in the quarter, he caught a touchdown pass from Atuekaho from nine yards away. To top it off, he ran for a 59 yard touchdown in the second half to start the 35-point running clock on the Cougars.

Atuekaho, meanwhile, rushed for a touchdown in the second quarter and threw for 27 yards in the win.