Hilo defensive lineman Kayden Alameda pressures Maui QB Brex Delray. Michael Lasquero | SL

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Maui WR Mitchell Hirose could not come down with this pass on third down while in the end zone. Michael Lasquero | SL

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The Vikings converge on Maui RB Naia Nakamoto in the third quarter. Michael Lasquero | SL

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Although there was a lot more scoring in Hilo's second straight postseason meeting with Maui, the Vikings' defense rose to the occasion in key situations.

Two first-half stops in the red zone was the difference maker in ninth-ranked Hilo's 35-24 seesaw win over Maui at Keaau Stadium in the semifinals of the First Hawaiian Bank Division I Football State Championships last Friday night.

The Vikings' stingy effort to start the game helped Hilo take a 21-10 lead at the half, which also proved to be the final point differential.

"That's our mentality when we go on the field. It's an adrenaline thing for the defense," said senior rover Kahiau Walker.

Hilo's defense was first put to the test midway through the opening period when the Sabers intercepted a shovel pass attempt at the Hilo 14.

Maui burned a timeout at the change of possession, but couldn't get anything going on its next two plays and faced a third-and-12 situation. After another timeout, Maui quarterback Brex Delray tried to get the ball to Mitchell Hirose — who was tightly guarded by cornerback Elijah Apao — in the right side of the end zone. Delray couldn't connect on the pass and had to kick a 32-yard field goal, making it a 7-3 game.

Maui WR Mitchell Hirose could not come down with this pass on third down while in the end zone. Michael Lasquero | SL    Purchase image

After failing to get a first down on their first four possessions, the Sabers found success on their fifth drive as they had three consecutive plays that went for 10 yards or more. They were able to advance the ball all the way from their own 25 yard-line to the Hilo 15.

But that's when the Hilo defense clutched up.

After a run for no gain, the Sabers went into their bag of tricks. Taelen Bates stepped in behind center and handed the ball off to Naia Nakamoto, who then pitched it back to receiver Torryn Kauhaahaa-Sulusi on a reverse. While the misdirection was going on, Bates slipped out of the back field and ran down the left sideline to catch a pass from Kauhaahaa-Sulusi. However, the Vikings were not fooled on the play as they used the sideline as a defender and Bates caught the would-be-touchdown pass out of bounds.

Maui ran another pass play on the next down, but Delray's pass to the middle of the end zone was too high.

"There were a couple times that we were down deep in there, and the kids stood strong," said Hilo coach Kaeo Drummondo.