If @Paul Honda can verify that would be helpful, however that is how understood it to be.

My only issue was the comment that suggests any post season play other the state tournament was somehow to placate mediocre teams. Or to suggests that this is “let’s give everyone a trophy” bowl game. I find those comments out of bounds considering the work and effort by coaches and players since week one of June. And the successes achieved on the field of play.

The rules of the HHSAA states are set (just like the contract), and a 1-team league does not qualify for states. No getting around that unfortunately. However, if the 2-year OIA-ILH contract is finished this year, then Pac-5 definitely should declare for D1 next year.

Konawaena was the BIIF champ and got left out of postseason in 1991. Damien was ILH runner-up (better than Punahou and Kamehameha that year!). Of course that was a intriguing match up to make … 28 years ago!!! That situation does not happen today because there are three levels of state tournaments.

But, to suggest this bowl game the week of the final game of the season is an insult. Teams like Pac5 did not budget for this and unlikely to participate.

So, again why does Pac5 not qualify for their (earned) spot in the D2 tournament?

Here’s the thing. Pac-5 and ILH knew about this since last year when St. Francis went out of business. Pac-5 could have and should have moved up to D1 with Iolani and Damien and that would at least give them a shot at competing for a state title.

Yes, Pac-5 is behind Iolani and Damien right now, but not that far behind. It certainly could not be considered a dangerous situation for the boys if Pac-5 had to play against Iolani and Damien.

I don’t know if ILH and Pac-5 made this decision together. Did ILH force Pac-5 to stay D2? Did Pac-5 truly fight to move up to D1? I don’t know. Hopefully it is a lesson learned and Pac-5 declares for D1 next year. Keep them in D1 and I bet they raise their level of play over the next few years.

Aloha Hee-Haw. I also see a certain, aesthetic beauty in keeping things simple. In the 1970s, we had the National League and American League West and East Divisions. Two teams made the playoffs in each league, then the World Series. Basic. We also had “only” eight or 10 college football bowl games. And, of course, the Oahu Prep Bowl.
Guess what? Most teams only played seven or eight games if they missed the playoffs. Nobody likes that. Everybody loves one more game.
The Neighbor Island Football Classic was interesting, but again, with only three leagues participating, it had its limitations. I covered those games in the 1990s and they were fantastic sometimes. However, there’s nothing like matchups between Oahu programs and Neighbor Island programs. Fans love it. Teams love it. That’s why the ’91 game between Damien, arguably the second-best team in the ILH that season, and Konawaena (at the tail end of its dynasty) was so intriguing.

Falcon Future, thank you for responding. I see your points. I don’t look at an exhibition (bowl) game as “enablement.” On the contrary, these kids and coaches worked very hard for months and months. If they can find another game against another good team, MORE POWER TO THEM. This has nothing to do with the state tournament, not “creating another level” of anything. If Pac-Five can play Konawaena or Kealakehe or Hilo or HPA or Kamehameha-Maui, that’s up to them. It would be good football. And everything I saw in that 1991 Damien-Konawaena game was proof positive that it is possible, and wonderful. I challenge you to find one athlete or coach from that game who would agree with you about “enablement.” Sheesh…