Getting a taste of a league title, coming up a bit short in the state tourney, and leaving with a bittersweet taste.

Damien vowed to go further this year after a triumphant 2016 season. This fall, the Monarchs didn’t always win pretty, but they sure knew how to finish a job.

Returning to the state tourney involved a bit of a twist. Last year’s Monarchs played in the Division II bracket, beating Waialua 40-0 before falling to Kapaa 21-14 at Vidinha Stadium in Lihue.

This time, they’re in D-I. Two weeks ago, Damien (10-3) returned to Vidinha Stadium and rallied past Kauai 13-10 to advance to the championship round. Hilo (9-1), the champion of the Big Island Interscholastic Federation, awaits.

“This is where we wanted to be,” Damien coach Eddie Klaneski said.

Damien has won state titles in cross country (1968) and bowling (’93). The football Monarchs played for the D-II state crown in ’03, but lost to Aiea 9-7.

With senior quarterback Marcus Faufata-Pedrina as its maestro, Damien was battle-tested to the hilt — four times — in Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division II play by rival St. Francis, a team that nearly upset Leilehua, the eventual OIA Red Division runner-up (Division I). Damien eked out a 13-12 win nearly three weeks ago to seal its third ILH D-II crown in a row.

Just enough balance, plenty enough leadership and an infinite supply of perseverance. Faufata-Pedrina has been one of the most poised, efficient QBs statewide.

“It’s going to take 11. He’s a playmaker. I’ve been watching the film for the past couple of weeks and the boy is special,” Hilo coach Kaeo Drummondo said. “So, it’s going to take 11 bodies to try to contain him, try to make it as uncomfortable as we can for him.”

Faufata-Pedrina has a Russell Wilson-like quality, reading defenses and executing play-action consistently.

“His ability to run and throw and make decisions, we still have one more game for him to have his best performance of his career,” Klaneski said. “That’s what we’re banking on this week. He has a lot of potential and a lot of things he can do better. We’re just happy with his progress and where he is as a leader today.”

The Vikings bring one of the state’s most explosive running backs, Kahale Huddleston, who averages 11 yards per carry. The senior worked extensively in the weight room, kept his track cleats sharp and has produced one of the finest seasons in BIIF history.

“We’ve kind of seen every kind of team that runs the ball, throws the ball, but Hilo’s a little bit different in that they’re big and athletic up front. They have a really fast running back. They have a really quick quarterback,” Klaneski said. “They have skill guys. To me, some of it, they might be underutilized, so we have to be prepared for both the run and pass. They’re big and physical like St. Francis with more pace.”

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DAMIEN OFFENSE

A perfect storm is what Damien has with its senior-studded line and an almost-perfectly measured dose of skill-position talent. RB Keoua Kauhi has been steady with 869 yards and five TDs, playing in all 12 games. Logan Lauti (292, two) adds depth, and QB Marcus Faufata-Pedrina’s dual-threat talent is a huge component. The senior has passed for 2,052 yards and 20 TDs with 10 picks, completing more than 57 percent of his attempts. He has also rushed for 476 yards and six TDs.

Wide receivers Akila Arecchi and Lindon Sevilleja have been clutch. Arecchi has been a big-play dynamo with 33 receptions for 642 yards (19.5 per catch) and five TDs. Sevilleja has 37 hauls for 542 yards and six TDs. Lauti is also a weapon in the passing game with 24 catches for 458 yards and four TDs. Kauhi has 17 receptions for 184 yards, two TDs. The O-line is perhaps the gem of the unit. The all-senior starting trench men: LT Israel Sagapolutele, LG Aisaac Unga, C Eli Save, RG Brenton Pitt, RT Isaac Sagapolutele.

“They’ve been the strength of our team, I believe,” Klaneski said.

DAMIEN DEFENSE

The senior-laden crew has been vital, but Hilo’s active O-linemen will bring a wide array of traps and pulls.

“It’s going to be a situational thing where we figure out what we can do, whether we’re going to attack them or sit back and read them,” Klaneski said. “Physically, Hilo is similar to St. Francis, but they have a lot of more speed, a higher pace.”

“We have 16 seniors and 14 of them are starters on one side or the other,” Klaneski said.

Senior nose guard Michael Donley is a key piece to the puzzle. Josiah Medal is also a key part of the D-line rotation. Playmakers Pomai Kim and Tristan Blair, also seniors, are at DE.

Senior Matthew Faufata-Pedrina and junior Jon Dalmacio spark the ’backers.

The secondary has a mix of experience and young energy.

“We have two sophomores (Kellen Robins-Beers and Kyle Kinney) at the corners who have done a really good job. Still a lot of work to do, but they’re solid guys who can tackle. They both can run, they both can cover.”

Safeties J.T. White and Arecchi, the wide receiver, provide plenty of support.

“The seniors in the middle kind of guide those young boys and give them help where they need it. We have confidence in all those guys,” Klaneski said.

DAMIEN SPECIAL TEAMS HILO SPECIAL TEAMS

The Monarchs have a bullet-train weapon in Matthew Faufata-Pedrina, who has a knack for blocking kicks. He had a PAT block in the ILH playoffs against St. Francis that was ruled roughing the kicker, though video revealed that he blocked the ball cleanly first. He might be a crucial factor against a very good Hilo kicking game.

Damien’s kicker, DL Shiloh Kaeo, has moderate range.

HILO OFFENSE

Much like Damien, it’s O-line play that has been a bedrock for success: LT Lono Vincent, LG Tilini Livai, C Koa Kapahu, RG Kaeia Vera and RT Loni Bloomfield are the starters.

“That’s a big reason why we’re here, the senior leadership, especially in important positions in the trenches,” Hilo coach Kaeo Drummondo said.

Kahale Huddleston has demonstrated a first-step explosion that may be the best in the state. Part of it is that cohesive, mobile O-line. Huddleston has also put in the work to build more strength on his frame. He has rushed for 1,319 yards and 24 TDs on just 120 carries. He also has seven receptions for 152 yards and three TDs.

“If I’ve got to guess, they’re going to try to take him out of the game early. We’ve seen basically since the Konawaena game (a 24-14 loss) that you have to be ready for it,” Drummondo said.

Kaleo Apao, who started at QB in a 62-35 nonconference win over ‘Iolani, has regained the role. Regular starter Kyan Miyasato will not make the trip to Oahu. Apao is a cautious passer, a converted DB who has wheels. The run-heavy offense has capable receivers.

“Makana Kanehailua has been very effective and reliable,” Drummondo said. “Kainalu Tioganco, we haven’t gotten him the ball nearly enough.”

Guyson Ogata and Kalae Akui are versatile wings/receivers who can block and catch.

HILO DEFENSE

The Vikings have a history of outstanding linebackers, many hailing from Keaukaha district. From the BIIF title team of the early 1990s that featured league defensive player of the year Tod Bello to the current bumper crop of ’backers, the Vikings will be tested by a patient, opportunistic Damien offense.

“I think over the years we’ve had some good ones,” Hilo coach Kaeo Drummondo said. “Their best game can be on Saturday because that’s what we need to try and contain their quarterback and limit the big plays.”

Iosaia Lavatai, Isaac Liu, Kalen White and Kahiau Walker are the LBs.

The D-line has depth. Kuresa Toledo, Kaipo Ramos and Kayden Alameda are in the trenches against a Damien offense that prefers to establish a ground attack. Lono Vincent is part of the rotation, as are OL Koa Kapahu and Tilini Livai.

Micah Bello, a cornerback, is a nephew of Tod Bello.

“All four of our DBs will play a vital role,” Drummondo said. “It’s a challenge. Watching Damien on film, all-around as a team they’re disciplined and take what’s given to them. You’ve got to anticipate what’s coming, put yourself in the best position to try and make a play.

HILO SPECIAL TEAMS

Keanu Keolanui emerged as a premier place-kicker with five field goals this season.

“I’ve seen him attempt 50-yard field goals, and he can make them from the deep 40s,” Damien coach Eddie Klaneski said. “Hilo definitely has a good kicking game and one of the best kick returners in the state.”

Huddleston has returned six kickoffs for 445 yards. Four of those went for TDs.

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TOMORROW: OPEN DIVISION PREVIEW: Kahuku vs. Saint Louis