Iolani seeks its first title since moving up to Division I play, while Hilo is seeking its second title in three years. ScoringLive photo illustration

Purchase image 1 of 1

The color schemes are different, but Iolani and Hilo mirror each other in many ways as the Raiders and Vikings face off for the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Division I Football Championship.

Iolani won the rematch against Moanalua, 35-9 in the semifinals and Hilo bested Leilehua, 19-9 to set up the final showdown of the season at Aloha Stadium in the second game of a triple header on Black Friday.

The two teams met in a 2017 preseason game at Iolani's Kozuki Stadium and Hilo crushed the home team, 62-35.

"A handful of players on our team played a big roles in that game that year. Carter Kamana played a big role for their team that year. Just the familiarity from that point and watch film to see what they did then and what they might be doing now and what's changed. It's big and those experiences, the kids can watch film and remember the things that happened in that game. It helps to study your own film against your opponent. This year's team is different and we played it different in 2017," Hilo coach Kaeo Drummondo said.

Both teams relied on their senior leadership and experience to navigate through the course of the season.

"When you get leadership like that and can manage and lead the team, that's what you strive for. It's their team, it's not my team. It makes my job easier. They manage and held everyone accountable for what they do on and off the field. It's nice to see a team come together like that," said Iolani coach Wendell Look, whose team has 19 seniors.

The Vikings also have 19 seniors on their roster and Drummondo echoed the same sentiments.

"I think the good part is the senior leadership. They took it upon themselves in the offseason to work hard to get back here. Nothing is guaranteed. No matter what it's a tough trek back, we had a tough game against Leilehua to get back here. At the end of the day you have to execute and win ball games. They were able to because of how hard they worked in the offseason."

Iolani turned over Moanalua and forced Na Menehune QB RJ Javar to throw a season-high five interceptions. Micah Shikada and Lanakila Pei each had a pair of picks.

"It's about understanding the concept of the defense. Del (Delbert Tengan) does a great job putting a game plan together. If the kids don't understand the game plan, they can't execute it. This group has bought in to what Del implement and understand the big picture of what he's trying to do," Look said.

The weather played a factor as the Vikings lost two fumbles in the semifinal win. Ball security is going to be key especially going against a team that hunts for turnovers.

"From what I saw from Iolani, they turn you over so much. They might give up yards, but they force turnovers. A lot of times they are not waiting for turning it over, they rip it out, ball's in the air, they go out there and get it. Ball security and turnover margin is a huge role especially when you play against a team that is taught to attack the football. For us, we want to to take what they give us. We don't want to force things, execute our scheme and make sure we protect the football. We didn't do a good job of that last week, we have to make sure we're better this week," Drummondo said of Iolani's defense.

The Vikings rolled through a 12-0 regular season in the BIIF and posted seven shutouts on their way to a seventh-straight league crown. Hilo faced their toughest test to date in the semifinals to remain unbeaten.

"They have been a power house on the Big Island and building their own culture and dynasty there. The coaches do a great job utilizing their talent and making the talent fit their program. When you go 13-0 in a season, it's tough to do," Look said of the Vikings' success.

Hilo averages 52.6 points per game and yields a measly 5.5 points per contest which got Look's attention.

"It's scary. The amount of points they put up and the speed and athleticism they have. It's going to be a big challenge for our guys. Everyone talks about their offense, but their defense is just as athletic and quick. They show you a lot of different things and move around a lot. It's going to be a big challenge for us on offense and defense," Look said.

Hilo's success on offense can be attributed to QB Kyan Miyasato, who has has 2,784 passing yards, 44 TDs and four picks on the season. The senior threw for 206 yards and two scores in the semifinal win and is second in the state in Division I overall in passing.

"He makes plays with his legs. He keeps plays alive with his legs. He has great receivers to complement his athleticism. If you try and contain him, it's going to be a challenge," Look said of Miyasato.

"As progressed as a staff, so has our scheme. We had a lot of talented quarterbacks and we had different times we were asking different things with their athletic abilities. For Kyan, we shaped to fit the offense to his abilities. He's taken it upon himself to learn and improve. A lot of it is maturing over the years and maturing within the offense, his IQ and reads getting better," added Drummondo.

Iolani makes their first appearance in the title game since 2016, the first year of the three-tiered format. The Raiders are seeking their first D1 state title after winning six-straight D2 titles from 2007 to 2012.

"We've had success in Division 2. These kids wanted to challenge themselves and move up. It's nice to see them reach their goals and understand that to push themselves not only in football but in the classroom and in life," Look said.

Hilo is seeking their second D1 state title in three years. The Vikings won in 2017 over Damien, but came up short last season against Waipahu.