It is, as Hilo coach Kaeo Drummondo says, “David vs. Goliath.”
“Arguably, the best running back in the state that we have to contain. One of the best quarterbacks if he comes back. One of the best receivers,” Drummondo said.
The Vikings overcame their own set of obstacles, including the loss of head coach David Baldwin early in the year. He was suspended by administration for an unspecified incident during preseason with no state timeline for return.
Hilo suffered in his absence, losing to ILH powerhouses Punahou (59-0) and Kamehameha (41-0). Then came a 34-27 road loss to D-II Konawaena in week 4. Since then, Drummondo and the staff have turned momentum around. Drummondo, who is still defensive coordinator, guided the Viks to six wins in their last seven games, including a 41-20 victory at Kealakehe for the BIIF title.
Offensively, the Vikings threw the ball 25 times per game, a high number that compares to the title team nearly a quarter-century ago with Robert Medeiros at QB.
Defense remains a staple, led by lineman David Pakele (5-10, 300).
“He’s an anchor for our front four. He played a big role last year and we need him to play big Friday night. Our front four is our most experienced group on the defensive side of the ball,” Drummondo said.
That veteran D-line includes sophomore Karesa Toledo (5-8, 260), Malu Lapiliio (5-9, 220) and Tausala Pola (5-10, 200).
Kaale Tiogangco has passed for 1,520 yards and 20 TDs.
The O-line is led by three seniors.
“They’ve come along. They’re going to have to come up big and protect Kaale,” Drummondo said.
For Hilo, getting to this point is an accomplishment in itself. Drummondo and his staff never expected to be without Baldwin this long.
“Coach Baldwin put together a great staff. It was a shock to us when this all happened. We just tried to pull together to keep the on-field stuff that same as before. We had our struggles. You don’t lose a head coach and such a great organizer and football mind and not go through struggles. The team has become stronger,” Drummondo said. “It was hard for a lot of the student-athletes at the beginning, but we had to get used to the new normal. At a certain point, hey, we had to go out there and compete, and things turned for us. We’re back where we want to be, and now we have to get ready for Goliath on Friday night. The kids have an opportunity to do something special.”
Sad, that teams like Hilo are in the fake state tournament, while teams like Kamehameha and Punahou stay home.
I agree that Kamehameha AND Punahou are both deserving of a chance to play for the state title but to call it fake is not giving credit to the teams who did make it. The rules need to change so the top teams are playing for the title.
How many teams does ILH D1 need to have to get more than 1 team into States?
Hilo is the outer island football Champion. Punahou and Kamehameha can only challenge for song fest champion. Sorry bout it
@aok, The ILH would need 7 teams in d1 for them to have 2 teams in the state tournament. The HSSAA’s formula for all sports Is you divide the amount of teams in your division ( ILH would be 4) by 6 (the amount of slots available in the tournament) that would give you .6 that would round off to 1. OIA has 14 ÷6= 2.3.it is what it is until till someone makes a change.
I am just saying it is sad that Hawaii does not have a real football championship, where the best teams get in, regardless of affiliation. Just like the NCAA football championship. Would be more exciting to have watch, instead of these blowouts.