Konawaena counts on sophomore Nakoa Ige to put up important points

Nov. 27—Two clutch field goals and Nakoa Ige still hasn't lost his cool.

Two clutch field goals and Nakoa Ige still hasn't lost his cool.

His 36-yard field goal opened Konawaena's lead to 10 points with 1 :52 remaining, clinching a 38-28 win over Waipahu to capture the Division I title of the First Hawaiian Bank /HHSAA State Football Championships on Saturday.

That came a week after Ige made a game-winning field goal to lift Konawaena over Aiea 27-24 in the final minute of the semifinals.

"Third field goal attempted all year. Ige ends the year 3-for-3, " Wildcats coach Brad Uemoto said of his sophomore kicker coming through again.

The set-up began with a fourth-and-1 for Konawaena. After a delay-of-game penalty, Uemoto considered his options.

"That penalty is on me. I watched (Ige ) in pregame and he was making every other one from about 35 (yards ). I looked at him and asked, 'Hey, Ige, can you make this thing ?' I didn't realize he's already on the field, " Uemoto said. "(Armenio ) Blanco said, 'Coach, he can make that.' "

Ige stepped up to the tee and drilled it clean from 36 yards out.

"We just went on the field because I was just excited and I wanted to get on the field as much as possible before the season ends, " Ige said. "Before I kick the ball, I usually take three deep breaths and remember it's just a regular kick. It's not normal, but I have to pretend it is. I get nervous, my heart beats faster and I can feel butterflies in my stomach. Inhale, exhale, go and kick."

Ige is built like a linebacker at 5-10 and 210 pounds.

"Everybody is surprised I can kick the ball. It's because I played soccer all my life. Coach Brad usually goes on fourth down, but I've been training, kicking every practice. Make sure I can make those game-winning field goals, " Ige said.—RELATED :—PHOTOS :

Withstanding Waipahu's rally and finishing strong gave Konawaena its first football state title. Sophomore wide receiver Zedekiah Anahu-Ambrosio felt relieved. He had two sensational TD catches before being disqualified after his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty before halftime.

"I honestly didn't know about the rule. I get too excited, " he said. "We worked really hard this season, so I just trusted my teammates. I didn't have to worry about them counting on me. They got it done for me.

"Next time, I'm giving the ball back (to the referee )."