KAILUA-KONA — Another week of prep football is on tap, and there are plenty of storylines to talk about as the playoffs near. Here are Sam Papalii’s thoughts about what’s going on around the BIIF:
What has been the most interesting storyline so far this season?
I still think it has to be the Konawaena Wildcats building momentum toward a state title run. They took a hit early in the season with the loss to Hilo, but have rebounded well with three straight blowout victories.
With the Wildcats dominating opponents, and only getting better, I believe they give the BIIF its best shot to win a state title, possibly ever. That will be the storyline to watch going forward.
At this point in the season, some teams are fighting to lock up playoff spots, while others are just trying to keep their narrow hopes alive. What do you think about the elimination of the semifinals and the affect it has on the regular season?
Back when it was a round robin format, it seemed unnecessary to have that semifinal round. Sometimes, we would play the same team three times! From my experience, the regular season usually dictates the top two teams in each division.
However, teams improve as the season goes on. Back in 2004 at Kealakehe, we started 0-3 before changing things up and eventually winning the program’s first BIIF title. We might have not had that chance with this format, which adds a bit more urgency to the regular season.
The Waveriders face a near must-win on Saturday against Keaau. How does that affect the game plan?
Since 2002, Kealakehe has played in every BIIF championship. The Waveriders don’t want that streak to end, so I believe the urgency will translate over to preparation and eventually the play on the field. It has been a long week of preparation, and that late Saturday kickoff will feel like an eternity to wait for.
Bottom line is, the Waveriders have to do whatever it takes to win. Whether that means going for onside kicks or two-point conversions, every game the rest of the way matters.
Honokaa has had a hard time getting going since knocking off Kealakehe in the BIIF opener. What can the Dragons do to get back on track?
It’s all about understanding that improving as a program is a process. It usually doesn’t happen in one season.
On the field, coaches need to identify what is going on, evaluate every position and maximize opportunities for the players to make plays.
Looking toward the future, the coaches need to continue to teach the game, focusing on the basic fundamentals of football. Even if a playoff spot becomes out of reach this year, there is a lot of young talent returning that will benefit from the final few games.
Konawaena is starting to peak at the right time, but what are some things the Wildcats could still be thinking about to improve?
I think depth is an area of concern. Konawaena usually doesn’t carry a huge roster, so staying healthy and on the field is important.
One of the key missing pieces has been defensive tackle Austin Santos-Johnson. He is a game-changing type of talent. When he gets back on the field, it will help beef up the defensive line.
Establishing the depth in the run game will also be important. The team has started to do that in recent weeks, but they really want to find their guy who can be a change-of-pace back with Micah Laban. The other DII contenders in the state have a lot of size and the Wildcats will need that kind of runner down the stretch.
Lastly, who plays QB if Austin Ewing goes down? You never want to think of that, but there should be a contingency plan if it does happen.
Hilo is facing that exact situation, losing its QB, Tiogangco, for an extended period of time. Is that team still an equal threat, and what are things the Viks could do internally to help a young, inexperienced QB?
To the question of if Hilo will be the same threat, the answer is simply no. When you lose that kind of weapon, it’s a matter of fact that things will be different.
Freshman Cyan Miyasato is expected to take over, and the Vikings have high hopes for him. Internally, the play calling has to cater to the new quarterback’s strengths and capabilities. Hilo also needs to establish a solid, consistent run game. You cannot expect Miyasato to beat anyone by himself and it will help open up the passing lanes for the frosh.