League champions to tangle in Hanapepe Saturday If the 2001 state football playoff format were structured differently, Saturday night’s game in Hanapepe might be called a preview of things to come. But the Kaua’i Interscholastic Federation champion and Big Island
League champions to tangle in Hanapepe Saturday
If the 2001 state football playoff format were structured differently, Saturday night’s game in Hanapepe might be called a preview of things to come.
But the Kaua’i Interscholastic Federation champion and Big Island Interscholastic Federation champion will be in opposite brackets at the state tournament. And it’s not likely that both Waimea and Hilo will qualify for the Big Game.
Nonetheless, a preseason match-up between the schools is intriguing.
The Menehunes have won nine consecutive KIF titles. The Vikings won the BIIF championship last year, its first since 1991.
“They should be a really good test for us,” Waimea coach Jon Kobayashi said. “They won their league last year and are going to be tough.”
And prepared.
The game will be Hilo’s first of the season. Waimea dropped its opener 24-14 at Punahou last Saturday.
Not only will the Vikings come to the Garden Island ready to hit an opponent, but they will also come with experience.
Hilo returns a host of skilled seniors from a team that finished 8-2 last year and lost 20-0 to Kaimuki in the state playoffs. Tops among the returnees is running back Hayden Stevens, thought by some to be the top rusher in the BIIF.
“In the tapes we’ve seen, Hilo runs the ball very well,” Kobayashi said. “They don’t pass too much, but are effective when they need to be.”
Also returned is quarterback Davin Feary and co-defensive-player-of-the-year Edmund Daog at linebacker. Other key Vikings are lineman Sosaia Tauelangi and defensive back Kaiana Trask.
“We’ll be looking for a tough match,” Kobayashi said.
And looking to get better.
Waimea is still suffering from injuries to key players and taking things slowly.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do, so we’re keeping things basic and simple,” Kobayashi said.
The Menehunes will look to rebound from their loss to Punahou, an improved team in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu. Kobayashi was happy with his team’s play against the Buffnblu, but eager to return to the field.
“I thought we did a good job holding Punahou in check,” the coach said. “But we need to throw the ball better and execute the run.”
Expect Adrian Agan to again start under center and for the Menehunes to work on fine-tuning their passing game.
The Skinny
– What: Preseason high school football
– Who: Hilo vs. Waimea
– When: Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
– Where: Hanapepe Stadium
– Last year: Teams did not play
– Last week: Waimea lost 24-14 to Punahou; Hilo did not play
