Interview: 2020 California QB Kingston Hala Peaking with Paramount
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All high school football players want to play their best during their senior season, and that is what Kingston Hala is doing. The Paramount High School standout has been accurate and prolific all season guiding his squad to an 11-1 campaign thus far with a plan to keep marching through the Division IV California playoffs.
The rise to all-state caliber attention was on the verge of breaking out during the 2018 campaign. Hala threw for 2,129 yards with 23 touchdowns taking his emerging talents to the next level with more hard work over the offseason. Once the ball was teed up for the 2019 season, the 6-1, 230-pound, strong-armed dual-threat has been on a mission completing 69 percent of his passes covering 3,048 yards with 39 touchdowns. With his high completion rate, he has been careful with the ball throwing just six interceptions in 251 pass attempts. His ability to keep drives alive has shinned this year with 360 yards on the ground off 79 carries with four more scores going up on the board.
As Hala’s game peaks on the field, his Pirates squad is hitting their stride right along with him. The team has picked up playoff wins against El Toro and Roosevelt with a showdown set on Friday against San Juan Hills.
With an offer on the table from Northern Arizona and interest coming in, I sat down for an update interview with one of California’s best kept secrets covering all that he has going on this season.
*Click link for July 2019 video interview with Kingston Hala
Interview
Kingston, with you guiding the Pirates offense, the team is seemingly unstoppable. What is working so well overall for the team allowing an averaging of 46 per game going up on the board?
“Our receivers are working hard and everyone is doing their job – we are all working hard. We are working hard in practice so when game time comes, we are getting it done. The score differential shows.”
What system are you running this season and how does the scheme fit all your talents?
“We run a lot of Spread and RPO (run-pass option). I am getting our guys the ball. For me, I have a strong arm. I can get my receivers the ball so they can make plays. I am showing my legs off this season as well. I am running some pulling the ball.”
The stat line shows a lot of improvement in your game. Where are you producing the biggest changes?
“My arm and my footwork and my ability to see the field and read coverages. I am making the right read and getting it out quick.”
As a quarterback, your preparation is everything. How are you preparing for each game?
“I am preparing by watching a lot of film. We start watching film on Saturday. I spend the whole weekend watching film to get the upper-hand on what they are doing.”
Which game has been your best this season?
“The Bishop Amat game in Week2 has been my best. I performed well in all our games, but that was my best. That was a tough game going into overtime (lost 28-27). It was a big game and a close one.”
What is at least one challenge you have had to overcome this year that has helped your progression as a football player?
“A challenge for me was moving my body in the pocket. Last year I was nervous in the pocket. My planting was not right. I changed all of that this season. I was better at delivering the ball to my receivers in the pocket and taking the big hits so they could make plays.”
You have an offer from Northern Arizona, which schools are showing interest?
“Kansas, Southern Miss, and San Diego State are showing interest.”
The team is in a playoff run, once the season is over do you plan on taking any visits?
“Yes. I have a planned visit to Kansas in December.”
When the time comes, what has you excited about heading to Lawrence?
“I am excited to see something new and to see what the campus life is like there. I am excited to see the facilities, meet all the coaches, and to see how my skills fit their system.”
Turning to the playoffs. The playoffs have not slowed the team down with wins over El Toro and Roosevelt. How are you guys looking so far in this run?
“I think we will take it all this year. We are working hard, but it is up to us to compete and do the game plan the coaches have set up for us.”
On Friday you get San Juan Hills (9-3). What are you expecting to see from the Stallions defense?
“They run a basic 3-4. Our receivers have to eat. They have to perform on Friday. If our offense plays the way we are capable of it will not be close.”
Kingston, always great catching up with you. Congratulations on the big season so far and good luck to you and the team on Friday.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: RNG; Kingston Hala
Photo credit: Press-Telegram; No. 15 Kingston Hala in action