Chris Leonard sat in his office at the UH-Hilo athletic complex earlier this week like many other coaches, but his perch was a little different.

Congratulations and thank yous are self-explanatory, but if UH-Hilo athletic director Pat Guillen walks into a coach’s office and asks if he can offer any assistance, well, that’s a tell-tale sign as well.

KEAAU – It was only apropos that the BIIF girls cross-country season was unveiled on what some runners referred to as a “maze.”

Keaau’s Bryant Respicio-Mercado looked left and gave a pump-fake, then he quickly turned to his right and fired a touchdown pass to a streaking receiver.

Hilo High’s first explosive football play came on a screen. Kyan Miyasato waited for Kilohana Haasenritter to slip out for a short pass, and with Kealakehe defenders engaged elsewhere, Haasenritter cut through the middle of the field and did the rest.

What was the annual BIIF Division I football game of the season – Kealakehe vs. Hilo – is in many ways just another game now that divisional foes are playing home-and-homes this season.

KEAAU – Kamehameha’s first play offensive play from scrimmage Thursday night foreshadowed its dominance.

UH-Hilo interim volleyball coach Chris Leonard wasn’t making too big a deal out of Wednesday’s preseason Pacific West Conference volleyball poll.

PAHALA – Kamehameha quarterback Koby Tabuyo-Kahele was well on his way to a flawless first half when his well-placed ball to a wide-open Izayah Chartrand-Penera was dropped in the end zone.

KEAAU – Hilo High’s Elijah Apao was playing out of position on defense, and his coach figured the move from corner up to linebacker initially caused Apao some discomfort.

KEAAU – Hawaii Prep’s Justin Lina jumped in front of a Pahoa pass and returned it for a touchdown like he knew it was coming.

KAPAAU — Kohala’s football team packed lightly for its flight back from Oahu. Neither the deer, the headlights nor the look were allowed on the plane ride back home.

Hilo High held its postgame victory talk Friday night, its players thanked the lingering crowd at Wong Stadium and then they went around in a semicircle and shook their coaches’ hands.