In Tuesday’s Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Paul Honda wrote about the top 10 prep stories of 2017. You can read it here.
Here’s a deeper look at one of the 10 stories.
6. The rise of BIIF football
Maybe the Big Island Interscholastic Federation benefited from the OIA’s decision to stay out of the D-I football bracket.
Or maybe it was just good timing. Hilo’s first state title came on the shoulders of a superb, highly mobile offensive line and the fleet feet of running back Kahale Huddleston. The senior raced for 1,463 yards and 27 TDs on the ground, adding seven more TDs by receptions and kick returns. He accounted for 145 yards and two TDs from scrimmage in the Vikings’ 35-19 win over Damien at the D-I state title game.
Konawaena came extremely close to capturing its first football title, losing in the D-II final to Lahainaluna 75-69 in seven overtimes. With senior Austin Ewing at quarterback , the Wildcats toppled OIA champion Waipahu in the semifinal round, 53-50. Konawaena racked up 480 total yards, including 370 by air and 35 by ground from Ewing.
Konawaena then piled up 524 total yards (and 36 first downs) against Lahainaluna. Ewing amassed 334 total yards and five TDs.
Prior to 2017, the Big Island had never won a game in the D-I state tournament.
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