While teams are only loosely associated with their designated high school names at the Big Island Candies AYSO Volcano International Soccer Tournament, everything was in order in the under-19 boys division.
Kealakehe was the last team standing Sunday, and after accepting their medals, one players said, “Now we go back to the good side of the island.”
Whether you prefer sunshine or a lush landscape, his point was inarguable when it comes to boys soccer.
There were whispers Saturday at Hilo Bayfront that Kealakehe wasn’t quite up to its usual high standards, but after a talking to from coach Alden Sawada, it whipped into shape a day later and played like its BIIF juggernaut, beating Rush 99 twice, including 4-2 in the championship game.