The Albany Gazette - Kamehameha-Hawaii Defeats Konawaena to Claim First BIIF Division I Football Title

KEALAKEKUA — The era of Konawaena’s dominance in BIIF Division I football came to an abrupt end on Friday night as Kamehameha-Hawaii claimed the island title with a commanding 42-0 victory. In doing so, the Warriors dethroned the five-time defending conference champions and secured their first BIIF Division I crown in program history.

The game took place at Julian R. Yates Field in Kealakekua, a venue traditionally filled with Konawaena supporters. Entering the matchup, the two teams had split their regular-season meetings, but only one could advance to the Hawaii High School Activities Association (HHSAA) Division I state tournament.

From the opening snap, Kamehameha-Hawaii established control. Sophomore quarterback Kahekili Makekau connected with Tanoatoa Muskat over the middle for a 50-plus-yard touchdown on the team’s first offensive play. The Warriors never relinquished that momentum, executing a complete game plan that neutralized Konawaena’s high-powered offense and propelled them to a historic win.

The victory marked a significant milestone for Kamehameha-Hawaii (9-2), which competed in Division I for the first time this season. Head coach Kealoha Wengler noted that moving up from Division II was a deliberate strategic choice made during training camp in July, aimed at reaching the state championship level.

"This is really special," Wengler said after the game. "We’ve been in Division II, and we wanted to stay in DII and win the championship and all that stuff. But it was important to us that we moved up. It allowed us to just go further and further, and practice and play hard for that next level."

While Kamehameha-Hawaii’s offense was efficient, the defense set the tone for the night. Konawaena entered the game with the top offense on the island and had not been shut out all season. The Warriors’ defensive line consistently collapsed the pocket, disrupting Wildcats quarterback Keenan Alani and forcing him to play out of structure. The pressure contributed to three interceptions: one by Chaeden Wong, a second by Muskat, and a third by Mauikekamakupaianaha Kammerer.

Junior linebacker John Sanborn emphasized the team’s collective drive. "We just wanted it more," Sanborn said. "This win means everything to us — bigger challenges, bigger opportunities."

Wengler praised the defensive unit’s preparation and communication. "I think our coaches did a really good job preparing them for all the different formations, everything they would see, and increasing the communication," he said. "You could hear them calling out to each other throughout every defensive play, and that was a big deal for us, because now, we have everybody calling out with confidence."

On offense, Makekau delivered a standout performance, throwing for four touchdowns and completing his game plan by capitalizing on the opportunities Konawaena’s defense presented. His touchdown passes went to Muskat (two), Chaseton Wong, and Iokua Toci-Hookano in the fourth quarter. Makekau finished the 2026 regular season with 26 passing touchdowns and only one interception.

Wengler highlighted Makekau’s unexpected role as a leader for the sophomore signal caller. "He was a leader," Wengler said. "We put him as a captain for us as a sophomore, and we don’t really do that. But he really showed a lot of leadership. And he just took charge, took control of the offense because he had that authority, and I think a lot of his confidence came from that."

Makekau echoed those sentiments regarding his role on the team. "I’ve really tried to be a leader for my team this season," Makekau said. "I think tonight showed that; I think I did a really good job in trying to contribute. All glory to God."

The Warriors’ ground game also contributed significantly, with running back Dallas Enriquez scoring in the second quarter and Muskat adding another touchdown on an end-around play in the third. Enriquez, who finished the season with 14 rushing touchdowns, expressed confidence in the team’s start but remained focused on future goals.

"From the first play of this game, we knew we were gonna come out hot," Enriquez said. "But there’s more work to do for us."

The win also marked Kamehameha-Hawaii’s third shutout of the season, though Wengler described it as the defense’s best performance of 2026. The team now turns its attention to the HHSAA Division I state tournament, where they will enter as the No. 3 seed and host Aiea in the first round on Saturday.

Despite the magnitude of the championship win, the Warriors are already looking ahead. Seniors had set a goal of reaching the state championship, and the team intends to pursue that objective with renewed intensity.

"We gotta keep going, keep pushing," Makekau said. "We’re not stopping — we’re going all the way."

Enriquez added, "It’s gonna take hard work and discipline … just have a great mindset coming into practice this week. Working hard, putting blood, sweat and tears into it."

Wengler encouraged his team to acknowledge their achievement before returning to preparation. "We’re so proud of this team, proud of these boys, I just want them to soak it all in," he said. "This was a stepping stone for us, just to elevate to the next level. And they did; they showed up. I want them to celebrate that first, and then we’ll get to preparing for the next team."

For Konawaena (7-2), the season ends without a state tournament berth. The Wildcats, who averaged 38.4 points per game this season, were able to move the ball on a few drives but were largely halted near midfield. They reached first and goal at the beginning and end of the first half but could not convert against Kamehameha-Hawaii’s defensive stands.

Konawaena head coach Brad Uemoto acknowledged the quality of the opponent. "Congratulations to Kamehameha-Hawaii," Uemoto said. "Well deserved and they earned every bit of being champions."

The victory marks the first time since the start of the 2020s decade that Konawaena has not claimed the BIIF Division I football title, ending a period of sustained dominance in the conference.

(Y.Harris--TAG)