Campbell embraces championship expectations after breakthrough title run

EWA BEACH — For the first time in program history, Campbell enters a football season as the team everyone else is chasing.

The Sabers’ improbable run to the 2025 Open Division state championship transformed Campbell from a postseason Cinderella into a title favorite. Now, after a 9-3 campaign capped by a dramatic 26-23 overtime victory over Kamehameha for the Koa Trophy, the challenge has shifted from proving they belong to proving they can stay on top.

Head coach Darren Johnson, entering his 10th season at Campbell after taking over the program in 2017, isn’t interested in reinventing the formula that produced the school’s first Open Division crown.

“I haven’t changed,” Johnson said. “We played good football last year and we hope to play good football this year and hopefully we play great football when it counts. We do preach we’re the reigning champions and we don’t want to be dethroned. People have got to beat you. Don’t beat yourself.”

Veteran head coach Darren Johnson enters his 10th year in charge of the Campbell football team. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Campbell’s championship run was built on resilience. The Sabers won their final three games by four points or fewer, including the overtime state title victory, showing an ability to thrive in pressure situations.

That mentality remains intact thanks to a veteran core led by Sacramento State commit Isaiah Chong and University of Hawaiʻi commit Shaison “Fatz” Kupukaa. Also returning are defensive back Kenaniah Toia, wide receiver Chase Yamashita, linebacker-turned-safety Jeovanny Maghamil-Avilla, running back James Tuazon, defensive end Myikca “Silk” Alston and offensive lineman Siosiua Afungia.

“I think everyone has the same mindset just like last year,” Chong said. “We’re going to build off of it. We have a bunch of guys coming back that have that same mindset. We’ve got a lot of dogs, underrated guys. They want the recognition and they want what’s theirs. Everyone is hungry and we’re going to forget about last season and work harder.”

Kupukaa echoed that sentiment.

“We know we have a lot to prove this season,” he said. “We’re not going to stop for less. We’re going to put our heads down and keep grinding. We’re going to trust DJ again and hopefully go back-to-back.”

Shaison Kupukaa lines up at safety during a Campbell football practice in June 2026. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Campbell also strengthened an already talented roster through several key additions.

The biggest acquisition is offensive lineman Isaiah Bertola, who returns to Campbell after spending last season at Farrington. The California commit gives the Sabers one of the state’s premier offensive linemen and reinforces an offensive front expected to be among the OIA’s best.

Johnson also welcomed linebacker TJ Alualu, a member of Saint Louis’ 2024 state championship team, while running back Charlesten Salazar arrives after rushing for more than 1,000 yards at Keaʻau. Quarterbacks Dallas Carter, formerly of Mililani, and Memphis Baker from Waianae are among several players competing to replace graduated starter Brayden Medeiros.

“Getting Isaiah back is a great addition,” Johnson said of Bertola. “He’s surrounded by good players and they work hard relentlessly. They know we need to win games in the trenches.”

Chong called Bertola’s return equally significant.

“He’s a dog,” Chong said. “He’s a top prospect in the nation. That’s my best friend. Having him back is awesome, not only on the football field but at school.”

Talented offensive lineman Isaiah Bertola lines up at left tackle for the Sabers. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

The Sabers also made a major change on the coaching staff by hiring former Kahuku standout and Oregon State player Lamone Williams as defensive coordinator.

The biggest question entering fall camp remains quarterback.

With Medeiros now playing collegiately at Valley City State, Johnson said as many as five or six players have competed for the starting job, with Carter and Baker emerging among the leading contenders.

“I think we need leadership,” Johnson said. “They’ve got to surround themselves with guys they trust to make plays. It’s a tough competition. We’re happy with what we see, but we’re not satisfied.”

Chong said both transfers have impressed during offseason workouts.

“Dallas came from Mililani. I played against him twice, so I knew he was a dog,” Chong said. “Memphis, I played with him in youth football, so I know he’s a dog too. I’m excited to have both of them.”

Quarterback Dallas Carter fires off a pass during a Campbell football practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Campbell will also navigate another season without a true home field as construction continues on the school’s new stadium. Johnson said the Sabers have embraced the challenge after spending much of last season on the road.

“They know we’ve got to travel,” Johnson said. “We did it last year. We’ve got to do it again. We’ve got to be those road warriors and do what we do best, and that’s try to win football games.”

Despite losing standouts Tainoa Lave, Medeiros, Zayne Pasion, Tevita Paongo, Vili Mareko and Chantz Chargualaf to graduation, along with versatile playmaker Brystin Sansano, who transferred to Bishop Gorman, Campbell believes it has enough returning talent and depth to remain among Hawaiʻi’s elite.

More than 100 players competed for just 55 varsity roster spots this offseason, evidence of how dramatically interest in the program has grown since Johnson arrived nearly a decade ago.

Quarterbacks Memphis Baker (left) and Jayden Delos Santos (right) attempt a pass at practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“It’s still a big work in progress,” Johnson said. “We love these kids. We see which ones are committed. We need a complete kid to play football for us.”

Campbell opens defense of its Open Division title on Aug. 7 with a road game against Waipahu, beginning a season in which the Sabers will no longer surprise anyone.

The expectations have never been higher in Ewa Beach. Neither has the belief that Campbell belongs among Hawaiʻi’s football powers.