Red Raiders Return to Title Stage with Commanding Win Over Sabers

The Kahuku Red Raiders are heading back to familiar ground — the OIA Open Division Championship.

Behind a ferocious defense and big plays through the air, the Red Raiders defeated Campbell 24–6 on Friday night at John Kauinana Stadium to earn another trip to the title game. With the win, Kahuku will look to claim its fifth OIA crown in six seasons and extend its record to 31 league championships overall.

Early Exchange

Campbell delivered the first strike late in the opening quarter when Brayden Medeiros found Shaison Kupukaa for a 20-yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked, but the Sabers led 6–0 — briefly.

Just a minute later, Christian Sanford-Tupuola hauled in a 79-yard touchdown reception from Troy Mariteragi, turning the momentum immediately in Kahuku’s favor.

“We just had to get on the ball,” Sanford-Tupuola said afterward. “We had a big speech by our team leaders, and that really got us going. Once we started clicking, we just kept driving down the field.”

Defense Takes Control

The Red Raiders’ defense took over from there, smothering Campbell’s run game and forcing two interceptions.

Early in the third quarter, defensive back Taimua Pule jumped a pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown, putting Kahuku ahead 14–6 and sending the Red Raider sideline into celebration.

Campbell’s offense — despite 115 passing yards from Medeiros — couldn’t find a rhythm against Kahuku’s pressure. Defensive standouts Siale Reid and Talanoa Ili anchored the front, while Pule’s pick-six and tight coverage from the secondary stifled any comeback attempts.

Twin Towers Take Flight

Sanford-Tupuola wasn’t done setting the tone for the passing game. His chemistry with Mariteragi showed throughout the night.

“We’ve been with Troy since baby days — JPS, big boys,” Sanford-Tupuola said. “We always had that chemistry and kept building it up.”

In the fourth quarter, Mariteragi found Rhino Aumua for an 11-yard touchdown, sealing the win and completing a big night for Kahuku’s tall receiving tandem.

“Yo, Rhino got in on a TD too,” Sanford-Tupuola laughed. “The big guys — the Twin Towers — got in on the action tonight.”

Red Raiders Pull Away

Jadyn Parker added a 52-yard field goal midway through the final period, rounding out a balanced Kahuku performance that showcased offense, defense, and special teams.

Mariteragi finished 10-for-18 for 142 yards and two touchdowns, while Sanford-Tupuola led all receivers with four catches for 116 yards and a score.

“It feels great knowing we lost [the state championship] last year,” Sanford-Tupuola said. “We just want to come back and win it all — show people we’re not gone, we’re still here.”

Standout Performances

• Troy Mariteragi: 10-of-18, 142 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT

• Christian Sanford-Tupuola: 4 receptions, 116 yards, 1 TD

• Taimua Pule: 40-yard interception return for TD

• Jadyn Parker: 52-yard field goal, 3 extra points

• Brayden Medeiros (Campbell): 14-of-28, 115 yards, 1 TD

Kahuku’s defense limited Campbell to just 115 passing yards and forced three turnovers, while the Red Raiders’ balanced approach and playoff poise carried them through another semifinal test.

What’s Next

The Red Raiders will meet Kapolei for the OIA Open Division Championship on Nov. 8 at Farrington’s Kusunoki Field at Edward “Skippa” Diaz Stadium, aiming to defend their crown and capture a 31st league title.

Campbell will face Mililani in the third-place game, with the winner earning the OIA’s final berth in the four-team Open Division state tournament.

PHOTOS BY CJ CARAANG