Kailua Surfriders Capture First OIA Football Title Since 2001

PEARL CITY – The Kailua Surfriders added another chapter to their storybook season with a 21–19 victory over ‘Aiea Na Ali‘i at Beno Neves Stadium, capturing their first OIA Division I football championship since 2001.

Under 12th-year head coach Hauoli Wong, Kailua delivered a hard-fought win to bring the title back to the Windward side — 60 years after their last outright championship in 1965.

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First-Half Battle

It took until midway through the second quarter for either team to break through.

Kailua utility Micah Sua capped an 80-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run to give the Surfriders the early edge.

‘Aiea answered quickly, as junior quarterback Caizel Jesus-Kapesi connected twice with receiver Legend Byrd-Tauala on explosive scoring plays of 56 and 45 yards, helping Na Ali‘i grab a 13–7 lead by halftime

Surfriders Rally in the Fourth

After a defensive stalemate in the third quarter, Kailua’s offense found its rhythm when Sua powered in for his second rushing touchdown early in the fourth to reclaim the lead.

Moments later, senior running back Marquez Mellor barreled through the defense for a 9-yard touchdown that extended the cushion to 21–13.

‘Aiea continued to fight — Jesus-Kapesi found Champ Colburn for a 68-yard touchdown to bring the score within two. On the ensuing two-point conversion attempt, Kailua’s defense came up with a huge stop on Hiki Kim Choy-Keb-Ah Lo, preserving the 21–19 advantage and keeping the Surfriders in front.

Kailua’s defense held firm from there, forcing Na Ali‘i to turn the ball over on downs in the final minutes to secure the championship.

Historic Moment for Kailua

The victory marks Kailua’s first league crown since 2001, when the Surfriders shared the OIA title with Kahuku during a season shortened by the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

Their last outright title before that came in 1965, completing a three-year championship run.

Keaunui-DeMello earned Fun Factory ‘VIP of the Game’ honors for his performance and leadership for the Surfriders. Despite some dropped passes, he completed 15 of his 21 passes for 171 yards to engineer three scoring drives.

“It’s amazing,” said senior quarterback Isaiah Keaunui-DeMello. “Most of us grew up playing with each other so that chemistry and that bond has been there for years.”

Top Performers

Kailua Surfriders
– Micah Sua: 2 rushing TDs, 15-of-21 passing for 171 yards, plus 3 punts for 101 yards.
– Marquez Mellor: 17 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD; also had a 16-yard reception.
– Isaiah Keaunui-Demello: Efficient in the passing game, orchestrating drives with poise under pressure.
– Defense: Allowed just 30 rushing yards while controlling possession (30:12).

‘Aiea Na Ali‘i
– Caizel Jesus-Kapesi: 21-of-36, 316 yards, 3 TDs.
– Legend Byrd-Tauala: 6 receptions, 144 yards, 2 TDs.
– Champ Colburn: 6 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD.
– Hiki Kim Choy-Keb-Ah Lo: Contributed across all phases — handling kicking, punting, and connecting on an extra point, while adding 45 receiving yards and 13 rushing yards

What’s Next

Both teams advance to the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA State Football Championships in Division I.

• First Round: Saturday, November 15

• Semifinals: Saturday, November 22

• Championship: Friday, November 28 @ Mililani High School

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL LASQUERO