Recent history suggests Hilo football is on its best run in program history.
Before 2017, the Vikings had never been to a state title game. After two appearances in the HHSAA Division I championship game in as many seasons, Kaeo Drummundo brings back a squad ranked No. 9 in the Star-Advertiser preseason top 10.
This year’s edition looks primed to find itself back in Division I contention, led by 10 returning players with starting experience on defense. On offense, Hawaii commit Kilohana Haasenritter boosts an already potent aerial attack after transferring from Kamehameha- Hawaii.
Talent and recent success aside, Drummundo’s teams will always approach each season in a similar manner.
“Year in and year out, I think there’s a certain way that we try to prepare,” he said. “I think internally, the expectations have always been high. We’ve always stressed discipline, effort, knowing your assignments and executing to the best of your abilities and being a team player.
“At the end of the year, hopefully you’ll be playing your best football. You can be proud of your results if you put in the work and you get out what you think you should get out.”
A 35-19 win over Damien at Aloha Stadium in 2017 gave Hilo its first state title in football. Last November, the Vikings fell 42-22 to Waipahu on the same stage, adding fuel to an otherwise routine offseason.
“That was definitely a situation where we played against a really good team and they executed and caused a lot of problems,” Drummundo said of the loss. “But at the same time, we didn’t play our best ball or our best game. That kind of leaves a sour taste in your mouth personally because you don’t walk off the field being able to say we did everything in our power to play our best football.”
Perhaps the 2018 season was a rebuilding year of sorts, where Drummundo says a lack of experience may have caught up with the team against the Marauders.
The Vikings bring back 10 defensive starters from that game, led by middle linebacker Kalen White, a Star-Advertiser All-State second team selection at linebacker in 2018.
“There’s no doubt that Kalen White is definitely the heart, soul and brains of the defense,” Drummundo said. “But the good thing about this team is that there’s starters coming back from every level from the defense, whereas last year we were plugging in starters at every level of the defense. In that sense, it’s comforting because there’s a lot more coming back.”
As unsettling as the loss to Waipahu may have been, Hilo’s defense now brings back a handful of players who are seasoned and better from the experience. There was no shortage of players Drummundo listed as impact players who could emerge into leaders next to White.
Sophomore Tysen Kaniaupio is a returning starter at nose guard. Josh Niro, Kayden Alameda and Kaoha Wilson are senior defensive lineman who are also returning starters.
Drummundo also mentioned sophomore Lyle Silva and junior Mana Price as impact players who’ll complement White to round out the linebacker corps. Junior Elijah Apao and senior Kapana Kanae-Kane will lead the secondary.
On offense, quarterback Kyan Miyasato has no shortage of weapons from which to choose. Reigning BIIF Division I Offensive Player of the Year Kyler Aguiar returns at slot receiver, as does multi-year starter Guyson Ogata, also a slot.
Then there’s Haasenritter, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year in the BIIF’s second division as a junior at Kamehameha-Hawaii. Despite not suiting up for the Vikings in official game action yet, he’s the rare neighbor island player who’s secured a scholarship from UH straight out of high school. He can play running back, receiver and defensive back.
“It was a big relief for me and my family because we were focusing so much on a scholarship just as much as my playing,” Haasenritter said. “I just had to work in the classroom and work physically and just be strong mentally and know that it would come one day for all that work. It was a big relief for me and my family members.”
A Twitter video of Haasenritter receiving the offer from UH coach Nick Rolovich made the rounds on social media in May. He projects to compete as a running back and slot receiver for the Rainbow Warriors. With his college situation sorted, Haasenritter is ready to shift his focus back to his lone season with the Vikings.
“We’re looking good, we’re ahead of schedule for a lot of the things that we do,” he said. “As long as we keep this pace and be consistent in the work that we put in, we’ll develop into a great team and there’s no stopping there, there’s only stopping ourselves.”
HILO VIKINGS
>> Head coach: Kaeo Drummondo, fourth season, 27-5 (.844)
>> Last year: 9-2 overall, 7-0 BIIF
>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections returning: Kalen White (second-team LB)
>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections lost to graduation: None
SCHEDULE
Date / Opponent, Time
8/16 KS-Hawaii, 6 p.m.
8/23 @ Keaau, 7:30 p.m.
8/30 @ Kealakehe, 7:30 p.m.
9/5 Waiakea, 7:30 p.m.
9/14 Honokaa, 7:30 p.m.
9/20 @ Konawaena, 7:30 p.m.
9/28 Keaau, 7:30 p.m.
10/4 @ Honokaa, 7:30 p.m.
10/12 @ Waiakea, 7:30 p.m.
10/19 Kealakehe, 7:30 p.m.
10/25 Konawaena, 7:30 p.m.
