ilo senior Ka‘aina Lewis remembers the countdown talk from his brothers when they played BIIF football and how it shaped his mindset.
Makena Lewis, a 2008 Hilo graduate, and Kamaka Lewis, a 2011 grad, figured out how many games they had left, especially in their senior year, and played each one like it was their last.
Lewis is in a different boat from his two older brothers. They’ve never won a BIIF Division I championship as players, but they’re big influences as members of the coaching staff.
On coach Kaeo Drummondo’s crew, Kamaka is in charge of the defensive backs with Leo Kozlowski while Makana is the wide receivers coach.
For three years running, the Vikings have not been the biggest team in the league.
But they’ve beaten Kealakehe, which annually holds a size advantage in the trenches, for the last three BIIF titles.
Lewis, an All-BIIF pick at safety last year, and his teammates find a way to make clutch plays, especially in the playoffs when it’s do-or-die time.
That’s part of Hilo’s mindset. Treat each game the same way, like a championship, and it becomes a habit. Do it long enough and a habit grows into a routine.
“Everybody wants to keep that tradition going,” Lewis said. “You want to make everyone proud and play for your school, family, last name and your teammates.”
It’s a Special K thing with the Lewis boys. All have K in their first name: Kekuamakana, Kamaka, Ka‘aina, and Kainalu, a freshman on the junior varsity.
Someday when Kainalu gets promoted to the varsity, he can expect to get that countdown talk from his older brothers.
Drummondo also serves as the defensive coordinator and his oft-repeated mantra is to give a full effort and rely on instincts to make a play.
When a defensive captain, like Lewis, can diagnose a play and get his guys in the right alignment then 11 hats can fly to the ball — Drummondo’s second favorite slogan.
“He’s our leader and the heart and soul of our defense,” the second-year coach said. “We can count on him to check us in the right coverage. He’s a good vocal leader, he leads by example, and he’s relentless to the ball.
“We need his hard play to become contagious. We need our guys to trust their eyes and attack the ball.”
Josh Whisler, a senior, will be at one corner while juniors Kaleo Apao, the other corner, and Kashten Ioane, a safety, round out the secondary.
Seniors Rylen Kaniaupio and Wela Mamone and juniors Isaac Liu and Iosaia Lavatai will plug holes and drop into coverage at linebacker.
Tracen Calicdan, Lono Vincent, Kuresa Toledo, Kinohi Galderia, Tilini Livai, and Kalea Vera will rotate on the D-line to keep bodies fresh.
On the lines, Hilo’s returning starters are always a floating number. That’s because Drummondo likes to play a bunch of players to build experience and depth.
Senior center Chandler Kelii and junior tackle Koa Kapahu return on the O-line and the defensive brutes will also see time there.
Also if any Vik puts in a productive practice, then another candidate is added to the line rotation. It’s a way of life in Drummondo’s egalitarian system.
Kahale Huddleston and Kore Ohumukini will share time at the running back spot in Hilo’s Pistol set where returning quarterback Ka‘ale Tiogangco will take directions from offensive coordinator Chris Todd.
Huddleston, Lukas Kuipers and Kalei Toletino-Perry will get a chance to catch balls from Tiogangco, who’s grown more comfortable in the offense and as a vocal leader.
“I’ve improved in the offseason,” said Tiogangco, who took time to praise his pass catchers. “I did a lot of weight lifting, worked on my passing form, staying in the pocket, and reading the defense.
“We take things day by day, but we want to be better than we were yesterday. Lukas has incredible speed and hands as well. He’ll be a main target and Kalei too. They’ll be key weapons this year.”
Tiogangco stands 5 feet 11 and weighs 165 pounds. The senior QB doesn’t carry the largest frame, but he’s got enough of a gun to throw a pretty deep ball.
But like on defense, where the philosophy is to keep things basic and simple, it’s the same on offense. That means to make a good presnap read and if a primary target is covered, then take a checkdown play.
“We’ve seen improvement in Ka‘ale’s football IQ,” Drummondo said. “Last year, he was building it. Now we want him to see it and just react.”
The Special K brothers summed it up best: play every game like it’s your last and that mindset becomes a powerful championship routine.
