Major movement in Lasquero’s HS Football rankings after the first three weeks

Michael Lasquero gives his Top 25 best teams in the state heading into the fourth weekend of the Hawaii High School Football season.

1. Mililani (2-0)

Previous rank: 2

Last week: beat No. 7 Saint Louis, 42-0

This week: vs. McClymonds (California) Friday

Analysis: The Trojans showed why they are the top team in the state in a dominating win over Saint Louis over the weekend in a matchup when they did all their scoring in the first half. The Hunter Fujikawa and Bless Cabrera-Hopkins connection continues to be automatic with the duo hooking up on two touchdown passes. New playmakers on the defense continue to arise with senior LB LJ Jelf having a breakout game with 11 tackles (seven solo), two forced fumbles and two pass breakups. Only question to be answered is which team in the state has what it takes to go toe-to-toe against Mililani.

2. Kahuku (2-0)

Previous rank: 3

Last week: beat No. 1 Kamehameha, 13-5

This week: vs. No. 7 Punahou Saturday

Analysis: It wasn’t a textbook win, but it was a defining moment of the Red Raiders’ season as they were able to get it done on the road in comeback fashion despite not playing well. Defense did not allow a single touchdown and the offense was able to make mid-game adjustments with QB Lucky Suguturaga making clutch plays with his feet and his arm to show that he can play winning football. Head coach David Stant has assembled an Avengers-level coaching staff around him for a young Kahuku team that has the biggest ceiling in the state.

3. Kapolei (1-0)

Previous rank: 4

Last week: beat No. 6 Waipahu, 50-15

This week: vs. No. 4 Kamehameha Saturday

Analysis: The Hurricanes were able to impose their will offensively in their season opener and saw senior RB Mikey Kapahu set a new school rushing record with 223 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries. As impressive as Kapolei was upfront offensively, the defense did its thing in the trenches as well as Waipahu struggled to move the ball down the field and had negative yards of total offense until the Marauders’ first scoring drive. Big test this weekend against a Kamehameha team that is hungry to get back into the win column.

4. Kamehameha (1-2)

Previous rank: 1

Last week: lost to No. 3 Kahuku, 13-5

This week: at No. 4 Kapolei Saturday

Analysis: For the first six minutes of the game, the Warriors looked like they were going to steamroll Kahuku — but they constantly found ways to give the game away and it eventually came back to bite them. Although defense held up its end of the bargain, offense struggled with execution and turnovers and there weren’t any real in-game adjustments made that would have changed the outcome. If Kamehameha wants to win it all at the end of the year, the team needs to learn how to seize the opportunity and make things happen. Success isn’t handed to anyone, it favors the bold that is going to grab it by the horns, something the Red Raiders did against the Warriors.

5. Campbell (1-1)

Previous rank: 8

Last week: beat No. 12 Moanalua, 56-7

This week: idle

Analysis: You can argue that the performance was against a lesser opponent, but you can’t deny that this Campbell team looks like a completely different squad than the one that showed up on opening weekend. Junior QB Jalen Kimble is making the most of his opportunities and has transformed the offense into an efficient machine as he has less incompletions (3) than touchdowns (5) so far to start the season. After last week’s performances, I think the Sabers can beat the Marauders in a hypothetical rematch if there was ever a Round 2 later in the season — and I’m not talking about the song by Sons of Yeshua.

6. Waipahu (1-1)

Previous rank: 6

Last week: lost to No. 4 Kapolei, 50-15

This week: vs. No. 19 Farrington Friday

Analysis: The Marauders came back down to earth after their opening win over Campbell and looked mediocre against Kapolei with inconsistent play on offense and tackling issues defensively with two defensive starters sidelined. There was just a different vibe from the team this past weekend compared to the one that showed up in Week 1. Sophomore WR Ian Tutuvanu was a bright spot in the loss with a career performance of six receptions for 78 yards. Waipahu should have no problem getting back on track when it hosts Farrington this weekend.

7. Punahou (1-0-1)

Previous rank: 5

Last week: tied No. 9 Kapaa, 14-14

This week: at No. 2 Kahuku Saturday

Analysis: The Buffanblu did not lose, but giving up a 14-0 lead after the first quarter to a team in a lower division visiting from another island drops them a few spots. Junior DE Tyler Lim was a standout in the tie with two sacks and a forced fumble while senior RB Aaron Johnson turned in another 100-yard plus performance on the ground. This young Punahou team has had the luxury of playing at home for the first two games so Saturday’s game on the road against Kahuku will be a much-needed measuring stick.

8. Kapaa (0-1-1)

Previous rank: 9

Last week: tied No. 5 Punahou, 14-14

This week: idle

Analysis: The Warriors deserve credit for rallying to force a tie against Punahou while traveling to another island under first-year head coach Ryan McKeague. Senior DE Siotame Malafu had himself a day with a three sacks in the tie as Kapaa shutout the Buffanblu after the first quarter. The No. 1 team on Kauai did what it needed to do by playing a challenging non-league schedule and will likely go undefeated until the state tournament.

9. Konawaena (1-0)

Previous rank: 10

Last week: beat Truckee (California), 24-0

This week: idle

Analysis: The Wildcats started their season with a road win in California, being the first team from the state to notch a victory on the continent this year. Senior ATH Anakin Punihaole turned in a solid two-way performance with three catches for 97 yards and a score while recording seven tackles and forcing a fumble on defense. Senior LB/K Makani Ige was also solid with 3.5 tackles for loss and six points on special teams.

10. Saint Louis (0-2)

Previous rank: 7

Last week: lost to No. 2 Mililani, 42-0

This week: idle

Analysis: If you want to look at the positives so far for Saint Louis, you would say this is a team that outscored Kahuku 12-0 in the second half and shutout Mililani after halftime. You can also say that the last time the Crusaders lost to those two same teams to start a season, they were state champions at the end of the year — but the likelihood of that scenario repeating is very slim right now. Saint Louis is young and dealing with injuries on the offensive side of the ball and will have major growing pains. Still, the Crusaders can start the season 0-5 and sweep ILH conference play to reach the state tournament with a losing record.

11. Aiea (2-0)

Previous rank: 13

Last week: beat No. 11 Leilehua, 14-13

This week: at No. 20 Nanakuli Saturday

Analysis: Another gritty win for Na Alii with a road victory over the Mules on a statewide televised game. Sophomore QB Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi has deservingly gone viral over the weekend, but senior LB Lance Fatiaki should also get some love for recording 13 total tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss. Momentum is on Na Alii’s side right now, but they still have things to clean up with this being the second straight game where they gave the ball away multiple times in the second half with the lead.

12. Leilehua (0-2)

Previous rank: 11

Last week: lost to No. 13 Aiea, 14-13

This week: idle

Analysis: One of those games that could have gone either way and the Mules were on the wrong side of that equation this time around. After throwing two interceptions in the season opener, junior QB Peyton Lee Molina-Gamponia bounced back with two touchdown passes as Leilehua did not turn the ball over against Aiea. Senior LB Chavis Acol also showed out as the smallest guy on defense with two interceptions. The Mules will have two weeks off before taking on Mililani in the middle of September.

13. Waianae (2-0)

Previous rank: 16

Last week: beat No. 15 Kailua, 21-7

This week: vs. Roosevelt Friday

Analysis: The Seariders are the real deal after earning back-to-back road wins to start 2026 and first-year head coach Whiston Kaleimamahu should be the early favorite to win a coach of the year award. Sophomore RB Maxumus Quon-Kaleiopu has been a workhorse offensively with over 324 rushing yards in two games while senior QB JJ Kaio can make the throws when he needs to in the passing game. Sophomore ATH Mike Satele has also shown solid two-way ability in clutch moments in both victories. The first game at Raymond Torii Field this weekend should be a sellout because this team deserves it.

14. Damien (0-2)

Previous rank: 14

Last week: idle

This week: at Oakridge (Texas) Friday

Analysis: This week’s game won’t affect the Monarchs’ ranking in my book, but they do have non-league games against Farrington and Kailua coming up that they need to have a good showing in.

15. Moanalua (1-1)

Previous rank: 12

Last week: lost to No. 8 Campbell, 56-7

This week: vs. Radford Friday

Analysis: Na Menehune held brief leads over the reigning Open Division state champion, but felt the full wrath of the Sabers, who were hungry to get back into the win column. This weekend’s regular season matchup against neighboring rival Radford will give a better sense if Moanalua are contenders or pretenders in the OIA Division I race.

16. KS-Maui (1-0)

Previous rank: 18

Last week: beat Kulanihakoi, 63-0

This week: at Lahainaluna Saturday

Analysis: This result was expected against a Manta Rays squad that was making their first appearance on the varsity level. Sophomore QB Ryder Silva has fit in nicely at the position with senior WR Bruce Beltran providing a big-play target with four receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown in the win. The trio of Xander Pagan, Kaikea Hueu and Nakoa Pau gives the Warriors the best running back room in Division II.

17. Iolani (1-1)

Previous rank: 17

Last week: idle

This week: vs. Westview (California) Saturday

Analysis: After a week off, the Raiders are back it with a home game against the Wolverines from San Diego.

18. Kailua (0-2)

Previous rank: 15

Last week: lost to No. 16 Waianae, 21-7

This week: idle

Analysis: Things are not looking good for the Surfriders right now in their first season as an Open Division team in school history. They will have two weeks off before hosting Damien, which is a must-win game for morale before the start of the regular season. Senior WR Tayvin Kahele continues to be a bright spot with double-digit receptions for the second straight game.

19. Farrington (0-2)

Previous rank: 19

Last week: idle

This week: at No. 6 Waipahu Friday

Analysis: Farrington has a tough task ahead of itself as it travels to a Waipahu team that is hungry to get back into the win column. The Governors will need to establish the run game on Friday, otherwise it will be a long night for them.

20. Nanakuli (0-1)

Previous rank: 20

Last week: at Kealakehe (cancelled)

This week: vs. No. 11 Aiea Saturday

Analysis: Nanakuli has a golden opportunity this weekend to establish itself as a contender in the OIA Division I race with a home game against a red-hot Aiea team that has all the momentum. Saturday’s matchup against Na Alii has potential to be the highest scoring game of the weekend.

21. KS-Hawaii (1-1)

Previous rank: 22

Last week: beat No. 21 Waimea, 49-27

This week: idle

Analysis: The Warriors scored at will against the visiting Menehune to pick up their first win of the season as  sophomore QB Kahekili Makekau threw for 266 yard and three touchdowns against just three incompletions and junior RB Dallas Enriquez ran for 128 yards and two scores. Kamehameha-Hawaii will have a week off before hosting Konawaena in a battle between the top two teams on the Big Island.

22. Kalaheo (1-0)

Previous rank: 25

Last week: beat Hawaii Prep, 59-7

This week: vs. Kalani Saturday

Analysis: The Mustangs picked up a big win on another island to start the season with senior QB Loch Moorman accounting for four total scores and Air Force-commit Marquez Mellor running for 137 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries. Kalaheo fans will get to enjoy their first night game on the Windward side of the island in years this weekend.

23. Kaiser (1-0)

Previous rank: —

Last week: beat No. 23 Pac-Five, 55-7

This week: vs. McKinley Friday

Analysis: The Cougars were able to add a last-minute game to their schedule and just dominated a previously-ranked team in Pac-Five as they put up 431 yards of total offense while holding the Wolfpack to just 96 yards. Junior QB Koa Reis was efficient at the controls with 269 yards passing and three total scores while the defense recorded two interceptions.

24. Waimea (1-1)

Previous rank: 21

Last week: lost to No. 22 KS-Hawaii, 49-27

This week: idle

Analysis: The Menehune scored in every quarter against Kamehameha-Hawaii, but had no answers defensively as the Warriors got whatever they wanted. Waimea’s secondary was supposed to be one of the team’s strengths so this loss was a bit concerning and opens the door for Kauai to make a push to be the KIF representative in the Division II state tournament.

25. Pearl City (2-0)

Previous rank: —

Last week: beat El Capitan (California), 28-21

This week: vs. Castle Friday

Analysis: Junior WR Maiaku Lii finished with eight receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown and was one of four different players to find the end zone in the Chargers’ latest victory. Senior DB Kealiiomana Keola continues to be a clutch player in the secondary with two interceptions in the win over El Capitan.