KAILUA-KONA — After a long BIIF season, the state tournament has arrived for Big Island squads and it’s win or go home time. ADVERTISING KAILUA-KONA — After a long BIIF season, the state tournament has arrived for Big Island squads
KAILUA-KONA — After a long BIIF season, the state tournament has arrived for Big Island squads and it’s win or go home time.
Waiakea and top-seeded Hilo will suit up for the Division I tourney against a pair of OIA squads today, while Konawaena gets a bye week off before taking the field in the DII semifinals.
Here are coach Sam Papalii’s thoughts on the upcoming state tournament matchups:
1. The state tournament is here. How does the preparation change for teams heading into these games against unfamiliar opponents?
The No. 1 priority is becoming familiar with the opponent in any way possible by acquiring as much information and video, or even flying off isle to acquire some first hand scouting. It takes watching the tape or talking to friends from opposing leagues that have played them this year to know the areas of emphasis in preparation.
A lot will depend on understanding an opponents strengths and what kind of team they are. How do they run their offense, and are there any exotic plays or trickery that you have to watch out for. Knowing and understanding the type of competition and league the opponent comes from also helps gauge real strength.
2. Waiakea plays Campbell tonight without its two biggest weapons in Makoa Andres and Gehrig Octavio. What do you expect from that game?
With a 3-8 overall record, Waiakea surely benefits from the DI format allowing two teams from a four-team BIIF DI in. Their win over perennial BIIF contender Kealakehe clinched their return to the state playoffs after a fifteen year absence, but it will likely be short lived. The Campbell Sabers of the mighty OIA are the No. 2 seed in the pilot version of this Division I state playoff format, and have a track record of putting a solid product on the field against some of top teams in the state.
As for the two players missing — to be brutally honest — it probably would not have mattered in the end result, but I feel bad for coach Pita and his team. You need your best available on the biggest stage of the year. Campbell is too talented with quality depth, and has been on a late season roll. I don’t expect this one to be close.
3. Do you think Hilo was deserving of the No. 1 seed in Division I? Why or why not?
In my humble opinion, Hilo being the top seed caught me by surprise. But, I believe their chances for success have improved purely due to playing a team like Leilehua as opposed to a Waianae or Farrington, who moved up to the Open bracket.
My top four seeds are purely based on level of competition, talent, depth and winning tradition over time: No. 1 would be Miliani, followed by Campbell at No. 2, Iolani of the ILH at No. 3 and Leilehua rounding out the top four.
I respect what the Vikings have accomplished this year. Their preseason loss to ILH powerhouse Saint Louis was an early indicator of the disparity in talent and depth against established Oahu programs. The Vikings regrouped and defeated DII favorite Konawaena in a game of twists and turns, with both teams battling until the end. Thus far, that was the defining win for the Viks.
The format this year should make it a more even playing field for BIIF DI teams, who are 0-17 in the state tournament. It will continue to be a tough road to tow, but with the perceived top six teams in the state playing in the Open Division, the road is a lot less treacherous for teams like Hilo to realistically win a state title.
Hilo will have its hands full with Leilehua and their veteran coaching staff led by Nolan Tokuda. The Mules are a program used to playing and winning at the state level. The Vikings can win this game, but they need to be on the right side of the turnover battle, play great defense and score points. Leilehua certainly has the ability to put up points in bunches.
4. Konawaena will have almost three weeks off before playing their first round matchup. What can teams do to maximize the time off?
For the Wildcats, the focus has to be getting back to full health and learning as much as possible about potential opponents.
In practice, it will be mostly about maintaining and fortifying their strengths and conditioning appropriately. What can’t be lost in the hoopla of the tournament is working on basic fundamentals of football with everyday drills. Don’t stray to far from the normal routine, but revisit a variety of other drills as needed, focused on concepts, adjustments, proper execution, and polishing all phases of the game.
And of course, focus on academics is especially enhanced with the additional free time.
Sam Papalii is a long-time Hawaii high school coach. He also has multiple stops as an assistant at big name college programs around the nation on his resume and is a Saint Louis (Oahu) grad.
