From afar, homecoming for Hilo High’s football team did, in fact, seem to represent a return to yesteryear – last year to be precise.
The Vikings’ 40-0 romp against Waiakea on Saturday night at Wong Stadium felt just like old times in the sense it was the first time all season that they went beast mode and overwhelmed an opponent in the first half, leaving little doubt.
Such performances were commonplace from the 2017 state Division I champions.
Anyone feeling nostalgic?
Not really.
“Tonight felt different than last year,” said senior Guyson Ogata, who scored two touchdowns. “I think we had that fire more than last year. We wanted to have fun and play the game
“Last year was more experience, this year not really, but we put it together.”
Another resemblance to 2017: Hilo (4-0 BIIF) scored in all three phases of the game, getting a 58-yard interception return from Elijah Apao during a second-quarter surge, and Ogata returned the kickoff to start the second half 80 yard for a score.
Cue the running clock for the first time since …
“I just think last year, we always dominated,” senior left tackle Lawaia Enos said. “This year, we have to work for it, just drive for it.
“We just keep on cheering each other on and letting everyone know we’re not finished yet.”
The Warriors (3-2) came in as one of the feel-good stories in the league, but their eight first-half possessions netted just 83 yards and resulted in four turnovers. Waiakea compiled 181 yards in all.
Vikings junior quarterback Kyan Miyasato played well for the second consecutive week, firing three touchdown passes, two to Fiki Aguiar and one to Ogata, finishing an efficient 15 of 20 for 152 yards and an interception in one half of work.
“I see improvement,” coach Kaeo Drummondo said. “I see confidence building in him. A better grasp of the offense, getting the ball out.”
If he wants to quibble about something in the film room, look no further than the 11 penalties called on the Vikings, but his team was on point for the most part execution-wise. Kaleo Ramos ran 11 times for 99 yards and a score behind a rebuilt offensive line that continues to build chemistry.
“We’re heading in the right direction, but there is still so much we have to clean up,” Drummondo said. “It’s becoming a pattern that we’re saying that. I just would like to see that cleaned up.”
The Vikings used a second-quarter scoring blitz to put away their rivals for the 10th consecutive time.
Only four plays comprised a 62-yard drive – two Ramos runs and two catches by Aguiar – then, ahead 19-0, the Vikings forced turnovers on four consecutive Waiakea possessions.
Kalen White’s fumble recovery set up Ogata’s touchdown reception off a deflection in which he dove inside the right pylon in the end zone.
Miyasato completed passes to six different receivers, finding Aguiar four times.
“He’s progressing very well,” Ogata said of his QB. “If he makes a mistake he stands up and gets on to the next play.”
The Warriors’ next series ended with Apao streaking down the left sideline, his second pick-six in as many weeks.
Junior quarterback Justin Nakamoto-Baltazar completed 11 of 28 passes for 87 yards and two interceptions (Kainalu Lewis had the other), and Brandon Perreira ran hard for the Warriors, gaining 54 yards.
Waiakea will try to regroup for a big home game against Kealakehe (3-1) on Saturday and a chance to bolster its postseason chances and reach second place.
Hilo is where it always is, heading to Keaau on Friday, and it can secure home-field advantage for what would be its seventh consecutive appearance in the Division I title game.
“It’s a new program, because everything changes every year,” Ogata said. “We’re moving steady and each and every day we get better and better and higher and higher.”
