The HHSAA announced Monday the addition of a third tier to the state football tournament, creating an Open division to go along with both Division I and Division II tournaments. ADVERTISING The HHSAA announced Monday the addition of a third
The HHSAA announced Monday the addition of a third tier to the state football tournament, creating an Open division to go along with both Division I and Division II tournaments.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the one-year pilot program had drawn a largely positive reaction around the state, but just like with any change, there is a level of uncertainty as to how it will affect competition.
The biggest change for the BIIF will be Division I squads receiving two berths to the eight-team tournament. As it stands now, with the league semifinals eliminated this season, the two DI teams with the best regular season record are now guaranteed two more games — the BIIF championship and a state game.
Despite the state tournament shakeup, the BIIF will keep its current classifications. Kealakehe, Hilo, Keaau and Waiakea will make up Division I, and Konawaena, Hawaii Preparatory Academy, Kamehameha-Hawaii and Honokaa Division II.
The last three years, the Big Island’s second team in DI would have been Kealakehe. But while the opportunity to make the tourney is a nice bonus, Waverider head coach Sam Kekuaokalani said it shouldn’t change expectations.
“When it comes down to it, the goal is still the same for us — remain focused on trying to be the BIIF champion,” Kekuaokalani said. “I think it is great news, but I don’t want anyone to settle in complacency.”
There will certainly be more football played, but from a competitive standpoint, it will be different. Of the 45 teams in the state, 20 will play in a state tournament game — almost 45 percent. If the new format existed last year, four of the eight teams in the Division I tourney would have had a .500 record or below, although that does not account for strength of league.
All leagues were offered spots in the Open Division, but with the BIIF posting an abysmal 0-17 in the DI tournament and close games few and far inbetween, the league decided against joining the top squads. The Open Division will be made up of the OIA’s top four teams, with the ILH filling the final two spots.
“I hope that the rational behind the changes are a great one and that it will end up benefiting the state as a whole,” Kekuaokalani said.
For the most part, Division II is not affected by the new format, with six teams still qualifying. But Konawaena head coach Brad Uemoto feels the Open Division will cast a large shadow on the other teams competing for a title.
“It’s a bit of mixed feelings. It reminds me of the Oahu Prep Bowl,” he said, referring to the games held between the OIA and ILH champions from 1973 to 1998 to decide a Hawaii “state champion.” That game never included neighbor island teams.
“I do think it gives smaller schools a chance to compete for a title, although there are still odds and ends that need to be figured out,” Uemoto said.
The HHSAA state tournament begins on Nov. 4, and there will be two championship nights. Division I and Division II crowns will be handed out on Nov.18 and the Open Division title will be settled on Nov. 19.
