No. 6 Kamehameha has passed all of its early-season tests heading into ILH play.
The Warriors handled a traditional OIA power in Farrington, 34-15, to start the season. They then headed to Maui and wore out defending Division II champion Lahainaluna in a 33-10 victory.
Friday night in their only game of the season at Kunuiakea Stadium, the Warriors defended home turf successfully with another impressive showing — a 33-10 win over Carson (Calif.).
Senior quarterback Thomas Yam threw for 262 yards and threw all three of his touchdown passes to Skyler Ramos, who had four receptions for 89 yards. Receiver Onyx Freitas added four catches for 115 yards as Kamehameha rolled up big play after big play on offense.
“When we executed, we were really, really good,” Kamehameha coach Abu Ma’afala said.
Kamehameha led 7-0 after the first quarter and was up 27-0 at halftime after the defense forced turnovers on five consecutive Carson possessions.
Senior defensive back Jonah Apo had two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Desmond Unutoa got things going with the first pick and Kalawaia Pescaia recovered a fumble forced by Jonah Welch.
Kamahoi Sanchez added another interception for Kamehameha in the second half.
Kamehameha’s defense has carried the team in recent years and again has shown it can be one of the top units in the state.
The offense, which was a sore spot for much of the 2016, showed flashes with Yam averaging more than 23 yards a completion.
Although the game was never in doubt, Ma’afala cautioned a lot needs to be fixed if the Warriors are going to open up ILH play with a win over defending state champion Saint Louis next Friday night at Aloha Stadium.
“We’ve got a long, long way to go,” Ma’afala said. “I was not very pleased with the way we played because we just didn’t execute. There were big plays made and all that, but you can’t make simple mistakes. Little mistakes pile up in the ILH and the game gets away from you.”
Kamehameha is 3-0 for the third time in the last four seasons but has lost its last 12 games against either Saint Louis or Punahou.
This current group of Warriors is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
“There’s always room for improvement,” said Ramos, who caught touchdown passes of 7, 34 and 38 yards against the Colts. “We have small goals that we take day-by-day, practice-by-practice, game-by-game.”
A win over Saint Louis would make for a pretty big goal to check off the list.
Their wins aren’t that impressive, more like expected. If it were iolani with these wins then that would be impressive.
ILH has the top 3 teams in the State and its a shame that only one team will advance to the post season. How many teams from oia will be playing post season? Shame on you OIA!
If the morally corrupt ILH football factory wants to recruit and steal our kids from our homes to play for them, then they can just play by themselves. They can make their own super team by cheating and recruiting and turning their kids against their hometowns. We don’t need ILH. We don’t need outer island. All we need is OIA. RRFL!
Kamehameha has never recruited, they deserve a lot more respect. Abu deserves a lot of respect because he does great with what he got.
Anywaaays, I don’t think you tell any truth because your two recent starting RB’s is from Utah and they both are starters there in Kahuku, steeling, oh wait it’s only ok if Kahuku recruits them! Busted your guilty and tried and busted again. Make like Tara n just Getoutahere!
Warrior #2- dont sell yourselves short, the hill has great talent year in and out. only some, have managed to navigate all the challenges that come with being the HC and been successful. looks like Abu is moving in the right direction. good luck to you guys.