First two week HS Football analysis and latest Lasquero rankings heading into Week 3

It has been a crazy first two weeks of the season with a number of thrilling games on opening weekend followed by a slew of cancellations with Hurricane Lala affecting the state.

Because of the number of cancellations and numerous matchups featuring a Hawaii team against a team from the continent, no changes were made in my rankings between Week 2 and Week 3.

Although my Week 2 rankings were only posted on social media, I did not get a chance to put out a full rankings breakdown last week so this post will feature my thoughts recapping my thoughts on the first two weeks of the season.

1. Kamehameha (1-1)

Starting ranking: 1

Defeated No. 14 Farrington, 65-0

Lost to Orem (Utah), 16-7

This week: vs. No. 3 Kahuku Saturday

Analysis: The Warriors looked the part as the No. 1 team in the state on opening weekend with a dominant win over Farrington, while holding their own against an Orem team that boasts many top prospects on its squad. I was actually surprised at the final result against the Tigers with RB Maddox Sharrer leading the way offensively with over 100 yards of total offense while LB Iraia Manumaleuna had 10 total tackles, three for loss, to lead the defense. Turnovers ultimately hurt Kamehameha in this game with sophomore QB Loea Keopuhiwa throwing two picks — one of which was returned for the game’s opening score — but it was a necessary growing experience in pursuit of a state title for a young offense that graduated a slew of offensive starters a season ago.

2. Mililani (1-0)

Starting ranking: 2

Defeated Liberty (Nevada), 31-24

This week: vs. No. 7 Saint Louis Saturday

Analysis: The Trojans held it down for the 50th state with their dominant second-half as they outscored the visiting Patriots, 17-0, after the break to rally from a 24-14 halftime deficit. The most impressive thing about this game is players without Division I-FBS offers stepped for Mililani in this win. WR Bless Cabrera-Hopkins was the definitive star with eight receptions for 148 yards and two TDs, NT Lincoln Uiagalelei sealed the game with an interception while sophomores DB Taua Fonoti and LB Adrian Dias were everywhere defensively. You can make the argument that the Trojans should slide up to No. 1 after defeating the second-best team in Nevada, but national high school football media folks that I talk to say that Orem — although viewed as the fifth-best team in Utah — is still better than Liberty.

3. Kahuku (1-0)

Starting ranking: 4

Defeated No. 6 Saint Louis, 20-12

At No. 16 Waianae (cancelled)

This week: at No. 1 Kamehameha Saturday

Analysis: Kahuku looked strong in its season-opening win over the Crusaders, taking a 20-0 lead at halftime before playing conservative in the second half while experimenting with defensive fronts. Behind RB Blake Alo’s 117 rushing yards, the Red Raiders were able to rush for over 200 yards. QB Lucky Suguturaga also made the plays when he needed to with WR Bodhi Kaanga showing he can be the No. 1 receiving option with five receptions for 85 yards and a 30-yard TD. Junior LB Siale Reid continued to show how skilled he is with an interception, sack and forced fumble in the win over Saint Louis. The Red Raiders have a big test ahead of them this week in their ninth overall meeting with the Warriors — their first ever at Kunuiakea Stadium, per Hawaii Prep World records.

4. Kapolei (0-0)

Starting ranking: 5

At No. 18 KS-Maui (cancelled)

This week: vs. No. 6 Waipahu Friday

Analysis: The Hurricanes will be making their season-debut this weekend against an upstart Waipahu squad that is looking to defeat its second straight Open Division opponent. This matchup will be determined in the trenches with Kapolei’s offensive line boasting an edge over the Marauders’ base three-man front.

5. Punahou (1-0)

Starting ranking: 7

Defeated Roosevelt, 70-0

At No. 12 Moanalua (cancelled)

This week: vs. No. 9 Kapaa Saturday

Analysis: The Buffanblu were the highest scoring team on opening weekend with an overwhelming win over Roosevelt as RB Aaron Johnson rushed for 179 yards and four TDs on just 14 carries. The Rough Riders unfortunately should be in Division II this year so it was not a good test for Punahou before the Kapaa game, especially with the intriguing matchup against Moanalua getting wiped from the schedule. The upcoming matchup with the Warriors will give a better sense of how good the Buffanblu are.

6. Waipahu (1-0)

Starting ranking: 8

Defeated No. 3 Campbell, 40-17

This week: at No. 4 Kapolei Friday

Analysis: The Marauders definitely put the state on notice on opening weekend with their commanding win over Campbell, the team’s first since 2004. With a mix of veteran players like DB Jayboy Ganiron and LB Christopher Togiai along with newcomers WR Jayse Braun, DB Alii Togiai-Woodard and QB Jake Garcia, it should be no secret that Waipahu has established itself as the favorite to win the Division I state title. Friday’s game against Open Division opponent Kapolei doesn’t have the same emotional weight as the Cane Knife Classic did, but it does provide an opportunity for the Marauders to prove they can make the key necessary in-game adjustments. The Hurricanes’ dominant offensive line has the edge against Waipahu’s 3-4 defense, but the Marauders do have the linemen on the offensive side of the ball that can slide over for a bigger defensive front if they chose to do so.

7. Saint Louis (0-1)

Starting ranking:  6

Lost to No. 4 Kahuku, 20-12

This week: at No. 2 Mililani Saturday

Analysis: Despite the opening loss to the Red Raiders, the Crusaders showed some grit in winning the second half while not allowing a score. Sophomore QB Luke Shigeta accounted for two rushing scores while throwing for 128 yards, giving Saint Louis a performance to build off on. The defensive front also tallied four sacks proving they are an elite unit that travels well. The Crusaders have a tall task this weekend against a Mililani team riding a second-half comeback victory.

8. Campbell (0-1)

Starting ranking: 3

Lost to No. 8 Waipahu, 40-17

This week: at No. 12 Moanalua Friday

Analysis: A promising opening drive of the season that milked the clock was derailed by a penalty, uncaught backwards pass and an interception on third-and-forever. Before you know it, the Sabers were down 17-0 to Waipahu and could never recover. The final result was not good, but this was the best thing that could have happened to Campbell in a game that really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of the Open Division championship picture. People forget that Saint Louis had late-game mental miscues in non-conference play against Kahuku and Mililani the same year the Crusaders won it all in 2024. For many on this Campbell team, that first game of the season showed what it was like to be the hunted instead of the hunters. The Sabers will have a chance to prove losing the Cane Knife was just a temporary setback when they travel to Moanalua this weekend.

9. Kapaa (0-1)

Starting ranking: 9

Lost to San Clemente (California), 23-8

This week: at No. 5 Punahou Saturday

Analysis: The Warriors mustered just 141 yards of total offense in their season opener, adding a rushing score from QB Kaitin Mundon late in the fourth quarter to avoid the shutout. Defense did its thing though with a shutout in the second half with DL Bryden Sugai-Salvador getting seven tackles and DE King Pitts getting two sacks. Kapaa has a big test this weekend traveling to take on Punahou in an afternoon tilt — but the early kickoff time shouldn’t affect the Warriors as they are accustomed to playing during the day time on the island of Kauai.

10. Konawaena (0-0)

Starting ranking: 10

Vs. No. 13 Aiea (cancelled)

This week: at Truckee (California) Friday

Analysis: A potential shootout between the Wildcats and Na Alii was wiped off the board with Hurricane Lala affecting the state. Konawaena will have to make its season debut on the road this weekend.

11. Leilehua (0-1)

Starting ranking: 11

Lost to Chaminade (California), 38-9

This week: vs. No. 13 Aiea Friday

Analysis: Despite missing some personnel, the Mules kept fighting against the Eagles and avoided the shutout in their season opener. Friday’s televised game against Aiea should give us a better sense of how good the Mules are this season.

12. Moanalua (1-0)

Starting ranking: 15

Defeated No. 12 Kailua, 41-18

Vs. No. 5 Punahou (cancelled)

This week: vs. No. 8 Campbell Friday

Analysis: Na Menehune saw a number of young players make an impression in their win over the Surfriders, with sophomore RB Titan Te’o rushing for three TDs and freshman SB Zaysten Kealoha scoring the team’s first TD of the year. Senior DE Joel Taylor was also solid with five tackles, three for loss, in the win against Kailua. Friday’s matchup against the Open Division Sabers, who are coming off a loss, will give Moanalua an opportunity to prove itself as a contender in the Division I ranks.

13. Aiea (1-0)

Starting ranking: 16

Defeated No. 13 Damien, 39-31

At No. 10 Konawaena (cancelled)

This week: at No. 11 Leilehua

Analysis: Despite dealing with injuries in the season-opener, the electric duo of QB Caizel Jesus-Kapesi and WR Cason Brooke lit up the scoreboard in Na Alii’s shootout win over Damien. The final score was a lot closer than the game indicated, with Aiea’s chew-clock offense falling prone to a trio of second-half turnovers that kept the Monarchs in it. Na Alii should have at least one starter on both the offense and defense making their season debut against Leilehua this weekend.

14. Damien (0-2)

Starting ranking: 13

Lost to No. 16 Aiea, 39-31

Lost to Capistrano Valley (California), 55-6

This week: idle

Analysis: The Monarchs showed life in the second half during their matchup against Aiea, but also showed youth in the following game against Capistrano Valley. It was also the second straight week that Damien allowed the opposing quarterback to rush for multiple touchdowns. Ultimately, the Monarchs have time to figure things out in non-league play before playing in their first ILH game at the ending of September.

15. Kailua (0-1)

Starting ranking: 12

Lost to No. 15 Moanalua, 41-18

At No. 22 KS-Hawaii (cancelled)

This week: vs. No. 16 Waianae Friday

Analysis: The Surfriders surprisingly aired it out 37 times in their season opener while running the ball just 12 times between their running backs. Senior WR Tayvin Kahele is certainly someone that you want to pass the ball after he finished with 10 receptions for 226 yards and two TDs, but he’s going to need help if the Surfriders want to stay relevant in the Open Division. Kailua will have a chance to bounce back when it hosts Waianae for its first Friday night game since 2022.

16. Waianae (1-0)

Starting ranking: 17

Defeated No. 22 KS-Hawaii, 22-16

Vs. No. 3 Kahuku (cancelled)

This week: at No. 15 Kailua Friday

Analysis: The Seariders kept their offense on the ground in their season-opening win, with sophomore RB Maximus Quon-Kaleiopu being the breakout star with 157 yards rushing and a 77-yard TD against KS-Hawaii. What made Waianae’s win even more impressive was it pitched a shutout after the first quarter to rally for a road win on the Big Island. Senior DL Titan Kia Cox Bongo was the forefront of the defensive performance with 2.5 sacks. The Seariders will try to replicate their rushing success on the road this weekend against a Kailua team that allowed four rushing scores in the opener.

17. Iolani (1-1)

Starting ranking: 19

Defeated Baldwin, 27-6

Lost to Edison (California), 41-27

This week: idle

Analysis: The most impressive thing about the Raiders so far to start the Pat Samsonas’ era is that their first score in the first two games have been via an interception return, one by senior DB Kela Briones against Baldwin and senior DB Tuaveve Sataraka against Edison. Senior RB Jadon Anzai has also proven to be a consistent back in both games, averaging 5.7 yards a carry to start 2026. Improving the run defense will be key though for Iolani to push Damien for the ILH Division I crown.

18. KS-Maui (0-0)

Starting ranking: 18

Vs. No. 4 Kapolei (cancelled)

This week: vs. Kulanihakoi Saturday

Analysis: The Warriors will be making their season debut against the Rays, a team playing in their first varsity season as a program.

19. Farrington (0-2)

Starting ranking: 14

Lost to No. 1 Kamehameha, 65-0

Lost to Villa Park (California), 55-6

This week: idle

Analysis: It’s been a rough start to 2026 for the Governors. They have a chance to recover this weekend, but it doesn’t get any easier with a road game at Waipahu to close out the month of August.

20. Nanakuli (0-1)

Starting ranking: 20

Lost to Newport Harbor (California), 41-0

This week: idle

Analysis: Despite a shutout, the Golden Hawks managed to put up 220 yards of total offense in the season opener. The bad news is the defense allowed five scores while Newport Harbor also returned an interception for a touchdown. Senior RB Cruz Montez averaged seven yards a carry in the loss and could be in line for a greater workload with the passing offense operating at a 34.4 percent completion rate.

21. Waimea (1-0)

Starting ranking: 21

Defeated Kaimuki, 67-6

At King Kekaulike (cancelled)

This week: at No. 22 KS-Hawaii Friday

Analysis: The Menehune were impressive in their win over the Bulldogs, getting five rushing scores while also rotating in three different quarterbacks to develop their passing attack. The upcoming matchup against KS-Hawaii will give Waimea a chance to defend a team that can both run and pass successfully.

22. KS-Hawaii (0-1)

Starting ranking: 22

Lost to No. 17 Waianae, 22-16

Vs. No. 15 Kailua (cancelled)

This week: vs. No. 21 Waimea

Analysis: The Warriors jumped out to a 16-6 first quarter lead against Waianae in the opener, but was unable to punch in anymore scores despite having a 100-yard rusher in Dallas Enriquez and pass catchers Iokua Toci-Hookano and Chaseton Wong both going over the century mark in receiving yards. Like Waianae did, Waimea will keep things on the ground offensively so this weekend will give KS-Hawaii a bounce back opportunity.

23. Pac-Five (1-0)

Starting ranking: 23

Vs. Kealakehe (cancelled)

Defeated Kalani, 14-8

This week: at Kaiser Saturday

Analysis: The Wolfpack deserves credit for making the most of a tough situation after seeing their opener against Kealakehe last Saturday get cancelled. With limited preparation, Pac-Five was able to defeat Kalani on an accelerated week behind the two-way performance of senior ATH Avari Zion-Branch, who turned in five catches or 77 yards while getting an interception on defense. The Wolfpack also recently added a new game this weekend against the Cougars, which could be a potential state tournament game preview.

24. Lahainaluna (0-0)

Starting ranking: 24

At Keaau (cancelled)

This week: vs. Maui Friday

Analysis: The Lunas will be making their season debut with a home game against the Sabers this weekend.

25. Kalaheo (0-0)

Starting ranking: 25

This week: at Hawaii Prep Saturday

Analysis: The Mustangs are scheduled to play their first game of the 2026 season this weekend on the Big Island against the HPA Ka Makani.

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The Radford Rams are the next team looking to move into the Top 25 after their 44-20 win over Castle during the opening weekend. Junior Colby Burgess was the breakout player for Radford with 201 rushing yards and three TDs on just 12 carries while sophomore Silas Schulz dominated on defense with nine tackles, five for loss, with two sacks and a forced fumble.

Pearl City made some waves last Friday too with a 31-12 win over Roosevelt, one year after going 0-3 against the Rough Riders in 2025. The late-addition of QB Jayden Delos Santos from Campbell definitely keeps the Chargers on the radar in the Division II picture.