BIIF football: Aipia, Hoopai headline DII First Team

The Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) recently recognized the top football players from the 2024 season, releasing the All-BIIF First Team for Division II. The Division I team was acknowledged earlier in March.

Hawaii Preparatory Academy and Kamehameha-Hawaii, two of the top teams in BIIF DII this past fall, had a combined 19 of the 26 selections on the list.

Ka Makani senior running back Alaka‘i Aipia was named DII Offensive Player of the Year after posting one of the dominant rushing seasons in state history. He finished with a BIIF-record 2,111 rushing yards (11.9 yards per carry) and 25 touchdowns. Aipia rushed for at least 118 yards every game, including six 200-yard games and two 300-yard games. He even broke the state record for most rushing yards in a single game against Ka‘u on Oct. 12, 2024 — accumulating 427 yards and four touchdowns on an incredible 20.9 yards per carry.

Unsurprisingly, the red and white were one of the top rushing teams on the island thanks to Aipia’s services — averaging nearly 248 yards on the ground per game.

HPA head coach Lincoln Kalama was ecstatic to hear of Aipia’s recent recognition, praising him as a winner on the field and as a teammate.

“I’m very proud of (Aipia),” he told West Hawaii Today. “He had a dream of becoming one of the best in Hawaii, and he sure did. As a captain this year, he was a person of a few words, but he let his play lead by example of what his teammates would follow. He cared for his team and put the work in.

“He pushed everyone, even when his body was hurting. Showed up every day ready to work. Very proud of him.”

Kalama was additionally named DII Coach of the Year after leading Ka Makani to a 6-3 record and third-place finish in BIIF DII. His team averaged 38.8 points per game while allowing 18.4, establishing itself as one of the island’s more-complete teams.

Aipia’s teammates — junior wide receiver Christian Rhodes (672 receiving yards, seven touchdowns), sophomore offensive lineman Kamea Leleiwi, senior defensive lineman Abiel Wilson, senior defensive back Jordan Kaluhimoku and senior punter Kena Craven — also made the BIIF First Team.

KSH’s selections were headlined by linebacker and running back Xander Hoopai, who was named DII Defensive Player of the Year. The senior finished a dominant 2024 season of stellar play on both sides of the ball. Defensively, Hoopai was a play-maker and leader of the unit, helping the BIIF DII champions allow under 10 points per game.

In the backfield, Hoopai rushed for 1,152 yards and 16 touchdowns — leading an offense that relied heavily on its run game. He was named to the First Team as a running back, utility on offense and utility on defense.

“This recognition is a testament to his hard work and dedication,” KSH head coach Kealoha Wengler said of Hoopai. “(Hoopai) maintained a very positive attitude and work ethic and it showed on the field this season. Many knew him for his elusive running back skills, but he was also our leading tackler on defense.

“Xander was the captain of our stingy defense. He led humbly by example with a relentless drive to improve and help the rest of his teammates. His ability to read the game and make crucial plays was instrumental for our success this past year.”

Finishing 2024 with an 11-2 overall record, 10-0 conference record and state tournament appearance, it was no surprise that the Warriors had a multitude of selections to the first team. In addition to Hoopai, junior wide receiver Kealohi Ramos, junior offensive lineman Masahiro Hopkins, senior offensive linemen Ka‘aipohaku Brown and Talaimoto Lau, senior kicker William Henderson, freshman defensive lineman Dallas Enriques, junior defensive lineman Teva Sanchez, sophomore defensive back Kainalu Kaku and junior defensive back Paliku Nachor were selected to the BIIF DII First Team.

The remaining players named to the list were Kohala senior quarterback Hezekiah Wilson, Honoka‘a junior wide receiver Hunter Liborio, Pahoa senior offensive lineman Jordan Horn, Honoka‘a senior defensive lineman Tauarii Key, Ka‘u senior linebacker Vladmir Fedoruk, Pahoa senior linebacker Soulijah Gorospe-Gonsalves, Honoka‘a junior linebacker Isaac Derego and Kohala junior defensive back Tirus Perez.

The paper would like to congratulate all who were selected to the BIIF DII Football First Team!