Hilo and the BIIF gridiron people have heard it all before: that the Big Island is no match for the state’s best football powerhouses.
Hilo and the BIIF gridiron people have heard it all before: that the Big Island is no match for the state’s best football powerhouses.
For the record, the league is 0-17 at the HHSAA Division I state tournament. The BIIF is the only neighbor island not to have won a game.
Last year, the Vikings went to Punahou, where they lost 59-0 in a preseason game that turned lopsided in a Honolulu minute.
The next week, Hilo played another ILH Goliath, Kamehameha-Kapalama, at Wong Stadium and fell 41-0. The Warriors weren’t good enough to make states.
It should be noted that only one ILH team represents the league at states — a reason, among many, that the ILH-OIA Super Alliance hasn’t been formed.
In, arguably, the most inspirational moment for the Big Island when it comes to D-I state football was in 2014. That year, Hilo led Kahuku 10-0 at halftime in the first round, before falling 20-10 at Aloha Stadium.
Kealakehe fell to Farrington 34-25 in the first round at home in 2012. But in the semifinals, Kahuku pulverized the Governors 47-14 to eventually win the state title.
Last year, Hilo suffered an ugly defeat to Mililani 62-18 in the first round and fell to Campbell 42-27 in 2013 at Keaau High’s stadium.
It’s the first non-league game for Hilo and Saint Louis, which had all sorts of drama when senior quarterback Tua Tagovailoa tweeted, “Farewell to the Lou,” on Monday.
The QB, who has a scholarship on the table from Alabama, was reportedly at practice Tuesday and is expected to be throwing bullets at Wong Stadium.
Of course, even the most talented blue-chip prospects have an off day. Last year, the Red Raiders hammered the Crusaders 39-14 for the state title. Tagovailoa threw three picks and was sacked four times.
If the Vikings can do something like that, they’ll be on YouTube forever and become legends on the Big Island even longer.
Still, Saint Louis is a state contender with a knockout punch, despite losing 15 of 22 starters, because coach Cal Lee is back at the controls.
Last year was the first time the Crusaders qualified for states since 2007, an eternity by Saint Louis’ lofty standards.
Lee is recognized as the state’s most successful high school. He led the Crusaders to 14 Prep Bowl titles, 18 ILH championships, and the inaugural state crown in 1999.
In 2007, Lee was in his second season on UH coach June Jones’ staff. That season, for local football fans anywhere in Hawaii, will be remembered for eternity.
Colt Brennan led the Warriors to a 12-1 season, including a 41-10 loss to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
It was further confirmation when Lee is on a coaching staff his teams win and his Crusader teams usually dominate, unless his foes are in the ILH or named Kahuku or Mililani.
That’s why Hilo coach Kaeo Drummondo has modest expectations against Saint Louis, which is filled with potential Division I recruits.
“We’re hoping, for us, we can execute our stuff,” he said. “We’ll look for success in spots. It’ll be a tough game. Tua is one of the best QBs in the country. We want to get back to states, and this is the type of game we have to get used to.”
Over the years and proven time and again, the biggest difference between the BIIF and the state’s superpowers is line play.
The ILH teams, Kahuku and Mililani typically generate a ferocious pass rush with a four-man front, providing big-time mismatches everywhere else.
On the offensive line, Oahu’s bullies have exhibited superior line play (usually with strength and clean technique), picking up blitzes and stunts and wearing down defenses.
In that 2014 state game against Kahuku, the Vikings couldn’t stop running back Salanoa Wily in the second half, even though the 3,588 fans in attendance and the OC16 audience knew he was getting the ball.
The Red Raiders threw the ball just 11 times and completed only three passes. Wily bulldozed for 138 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
Tagovailoa is a different type of threat. He’s a home-run hitter as a passer and runner. His skill-set fits into what Alabama likes to do, a reason the Tide could keep rolling for more national titles.
Basically, the Vikings won’t see another elite guy like him again, unless, of course, they reach states and face the Crusaders for a rematch.