Moanalua Football looking to turn continuity into playoff berth in 2026

SALT LAKE — A year ago, Keone Batoon inherited Moanalua’s football program just weeks before the start of the season.

The late-June hiring left little time to install systems or establish the culture he envisioned, but the Na Menehune still finished 5-5 in 2025 and closed the year by winning three of their final four games, narrowly missing the postseason.

Now, with a full offseason behind them, Moanalua believes it is positioned to take another step forward.

“It’s exciting, finally get the full year of offseason, finally get my hands on the program,” Batoon said. “I think we’ve made a lot of strides in the weight room and our kids came a long way with the development during the offseason.”

Moanalua head coach Keone Batoon addresses his team after a summer practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Batoon said his focus has been establishing accountability throughout the program, emphasizing consistency and discipline long before Friday nights.

“I think just the expectation of no nonsense,” he said. “Doing things the right way, showing up early, putting in the work, even when nobody is around. That’s the biggest time for them to push mentally and physically.”

Players have noticed the difference.

“Honestly I feel like it’s more locked in,” returning two-way standout Gabriel Smith said. “Everybody has been out here early. We’ve been communicating outside of sports, helping each other out, building friendships. Guys are out here putting in the work.”

That continuity extends to the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Ron Lee, whose résumé includes multiple Prep Bowl and state championship teams at Saint Louis, returns for a second season directing Moanalua’s run-and-shoot offense.

With another year in the system, the Na Menehune are hoping for continued growth from quarterbacks Tyler Gines-Hufana and AJ Withy-Allen.

“Year 1 was new for us, running the run and shoot because it’s different from before,” Gines-Hufana said. “This year I feel like we’re getting way better.”

Moanalua QB Tyler Gines-Hufana prepares for a pass in a summer practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

He added that the offense has become more comfortable with the scheme.

“I feel like we’re definitely preparing, getting the scheme ready for the season. Everybody is locking in right now.”

Moanalua returns a veteran nucleus on both sides of the ball, led by Smith at defensive back and wide receiver. The offensive line brings back John-Michael Defreitas and Noah Twiggs, while the defense returns linemen Joel Taylor and Jett Filisi, linebackers Parker Gordon and Sefo Noga, and safety Dream Vistante.

The returning group has not forgotten how close it came to reaching the playoffs last season.

“It was honestly heartbreaking,” Smith said. “Knowing the playbook, the coaching staff not coming in late, now everybody gets used to the playbook and we can be in tune and have more chemistry as a team.”

Smith said finishing games will be a major emphasis after several close losses in 2025.

“We just need to close out games better,” he said. “Sometimes we lost the game when it came down to the second half. We just have to be able to finish out games better.”

The Na Menehune won’t have much time to ease into the season. Their nonleague schedule includes Open Division opponents Kailua, Punahou and Campbell, along with a Class 6A team from Washington.

“The mindset is always to play up in talent, just to see where we stand,” Batoon said. “We’ve got three Open teams and a 6A team from Washington coming down, so a bunch of good preseason talent that we’re going to see and be able to measure ourselves up.”

Gabriel Smith lines up at receiver in a Moanalua practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Smith welcomes the challenge.

“I’m looking forward most to playing against the Open Division teams and being able to show that we can compete at a high level with high-level teams,” he said.

Moanalua opens the 2026 season at home against Kailua on Saturday, Aug. 8, providing an early measuring stick for a program hoping that a full year of continuity translates into a return to postseason contention.