The matchup for the BIIF Division I title between Hilo and Kealakehe has quite a bit of history that extends far beyond the now notorious double-overtime game earlier this season.
The matchup for the BIIF Division I title between Hilo and Kealakehe has quite a bit of history that extends far beyond the now notorious double-overtime game earlier this season.
Back in 2003, when Kealakehe was still in the early stages of making a name for itself as a program on the Big Island, Hilo turned away a heavily favored and undefeated Waverider squad that was seeking its first title.
Kealakehe wouldn’t have to wait long though. The teams flipped roles the following year, with a Waverider squad that went 6-3 heading into the title game, knocking off the Viks for the school’s first BIIF football championship.
The rivalry has emerged again recently, with the cross-island squads meeting up for the fourth consecutive year on Saturday. Kealakehe last brought home the BIIF banner in 2012, with Hilo taking the last two.
The 2015 championship edition of the rivalry could be one of the most tightly contested games in the series, but are the Waveriders ready to reclaim the throne, or will it be the Vikings pulling off a rare three-peat? Here is a position-by-position look of the BIIF Division I championship to see who has the edge.
Quarterback
After going back and forth to start the season, the Waveriders landed on senior Markus Degrate as their starting quarterback.
Degrate turned the corner in the regular season with a win against Hilo. He tossed two long touchdown passes of 48 and 72 yards, and limited mistakes. In the semifinals against Keaau, Degrate didn’t need to throw much, but made good plays off play-action and found the end zone twice.
On the Hilo side, Kaale Tiogangco has been a difference maker all year. He has had multiple touchdowns in every BIIF game this season, including four touchdown tosses in the semifinals against Waiakea to lead the Viks to the title game.
Tiogangco also has great ability with his legs, and can make plays when forced out of the pocket.
Edge: Hilo
Running back
Isaac Lerma is an all-around back the Vikings have relied on this season. His best game came in the form of a 155-yard performance against rival Waiakea. The Vikings also have Kahale Huddleston and Pono Landford as capable carriers.
Kealakehe used the I formation for the first half of the semifinal game against Keaau, and drove the ball at will against the last-place Cougars by using a revolving door of running backs.
After missing a few games with an injury, Riggs Kurashige has returned to his role as the Waveriders’ primary playmakers. He can line up at a variety of spots and can make a difference running and catching the ball.
Kobe Antolin is a big back, capable of delivering a big block as a full back, or dragging defenders for first downs.
The Waveriders also like to sprinkle in Akoni Demello, Mason Kaawaloa, and Ini Paio.
Edge: Kealakehe
Wide receiver
With the passing game struggling to get going for most of the season, the majority of the targets and catches for Kealakehe go to the running backs.
However, sophomore Anthony Trevino has emerged as a great deep threat for the ‘Riders that can go up and battle for the ball.
However, Hilo holds a pretty decisive edge at receiver with multiple receivers hauling in three or more touchdown passes. Keaho Kaawa, Lukas Kuipers and Kalehaila Tolentino-Perry have been the Viks top threats in 2015.
Edge: Hilo
Offensive line
Kealakehe has had a lot of underclassmen step up on the offensive line and fill in admirably. Senior Josiah Kia continues to anchor the unit and is a good downhill blocker on runs.
Hilo’s line brings experience and has helped steer the Vikings to 40-plus point games on three occasions this season.
Edge: Hilo
Overall offense
Kealakehe’s offensive has found its groove the last three weeks, outscored their last two opponents 93-24. The Waveriders need to stay consistent for four quarters and capitalize on big play opportunities.
Hilo has been consistent the majority of the season, and has picked up steam heading into the playoffs. Tiogangco is a proven playmaker with the ball in his hands. He missed the first half of the regular season meeting, but should get the full of reps in the title game to help the offense stay on track.
Edge: Hilo
Defensive line
Spearheading Kealakehe’s defensive line are seniors Joseph Kaopua, Isaac “Sake” Kioa and Howard Cosare. All have three years of varsity experience and know what it’s like to play in the title game. The Waveriders have been among the best at shutting down opponent’s ground games, and getting to the passer.
Hilo also has a strong unit — headlined by overpowering tackle David Pakele — but its hard to contend with the experience of the ‘Riders.
Edge: Kealakehe
Linebacker
Hilo linebackers Rylen Kaniaupio, Wela Mamone and Taulelei Toledo have great awareness to go with speed and power to make plays.
Kealakehe has a similar duo in linebackers in Pulama Louis and Randy Hatori. Both have made big plays this season and can deliver big hits.
Edge: Too close to call
Secondary
After giving up nearly 400 yards passing to Honokaa on Sept. 4, the secondary has improved tremendously for Kealakehe. Senior safety Sequoia Iona’s showed off his ability to track the ball with a four-pick performance against winless Keaau, and Klein Hao has been a leader all year for Kealakehe on defense.
The Hilo defensive backs have also made their share of plays this year, but have been susceptible to the deep ball. Evidence of that came in the form of two long touchdowns by Kealakehe when the teams met up in the regular season.
Edge: Kealakehe
Overall defense
Both defenses have been dominant for the majority of the season, making plays and capitalizing on opponent’s mistakes.
Hilo has been the epitome of opportunistic, flipping a lot of turnovers into points.
However, when the Kealakehe offense was still finding its footing early in the season, the defense stepped up and is a big reason Kealakehe has home field on Friday.
Edge: Kealakehe
Special teams
Kurashige is a great weapon on offense for Kealakehe running and catching the ball. But where the senior might be most dangerous is in the return game.
Kurashige is electric and dangerous every time he touches the ball on returns. The senior shows similar swagger to other Kealakehe greats with the ball in his hands, and is not scared pull off a full field cut back if he thinks he can make a play.
In the semifinals, Hilo’s Kore Ohumukini came up from the JV to make an immediate impact with an 80-yard return on the opening kickoff. Kuipers is another speedy return option for Hilo.
In the kicking game, Kealakehe’s Colby Martin has shown a big leg this season. His extra point in the regular season ended up being the difference in double overtime.
Edge: Kealakehe
Final prediction:
Papalii: Kealakehe 21, Hilo 20
De Groote: Kealakehe 20, Hilo 14