Kaimuki’s Toloa Loketi hopes to end high school career with a win

Kaimuki’s Toloa Loketi hopes to end high school career with a win

Dec 16, 2025

Kaimuki’s Toloa Loketi hopes to end high school career with a win

Kaimki’s Toloa Loketi smiles during practice for the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

It’s been a long time since Kaimuki senior Toloa Loketi has enjoyed a win on the football field.

He is hoping that changes this weekend.

After more than a year without a win, Loketi will get one final opportunity to finish his high school football career on a positive note when he takes the field in the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Waipahu’s Masa Yonamine Athletic Complex.

Loketi, a 6-foot-1, 300-pound lineman, is among over 200 student-athletes that were selected to participate in the annual senior bowl, which is hosted by the Hawai‘i Chapter of the National Football Foundation and draws college coaches and scouts from across the country.

Kaimuki enters the postseason showcase having lost 17 consecutive games dating back to 2023. The Bulldogs’ last victory came on Oct. 28, 2023, making the senior bowl not only a recruiting opportunity for Loketi, but also a rare chance to end his high school career with a win.

“It would be a great opportunity to get this win because I don’t want to end my senior year without a win,” Loketi said. “To have that winning feeling would mean a lot.”

Loketi will suit up for the Oahu Seniors-Blue team, composed of players from OIA Division I and Division II schools. Kaimuki competes in OIA Division II. Team Blue will face a squad of seniors from Hawai‘i Island in the opening game of the day, scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff.

“I’m very excited because I get to play with some new teammates, get to know the different experiences people have and I just get to represent the name that’s on my chest and across my back,” said Loketi.

Beyond football, Loketi is a multi-sport athlete, also serving as a goalkeeper for Kaimuki’s boys soccer team. He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Tevita Loketi, who played defensive line at the University of Hawai‘i.

“I always wanted an opportunity to play at the next level, just like my older brother,” Loketi said. “If I’m able to play at the next level too, that would be a blessing.”

For Loketi, representing Kaimuki and his community remains at the center of the experience.

“It means a lot to me because this is the people who raised me,” Loketi said. “This is the only place I’ve ever been, so it feels good to be supported by my people and represent my name.”

Team Blue assistant coach James Mane, who coaches the offensive line at ‘Aiea during the regular season, said Loketi made an immediate impression during practices.

“The kid is a hard worker,” Mane said. “From the very first rep it was like, ‘Whoa.’ He has a high motor, goes all out and he’s very humble. Any coaching tip I give him, he does it right away. He’s very coachable, and I can’t wait to see him in the game.”

With college evaluators in attendance and one final chance to compete at the high school level, Loketi hopes the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl can serve as the perfect closure of his high school career while being the start of his collegiate journey.

Game Day Schedule – Saturday, December 20, 2025

12:30 PM — Hawai‘i Seniors–Black vs. Oahu Seniors–Blue
3:00 PM — Maui Seniors–Pink vs. Oahu Seniors–Gold
6:00 PM — Hawai‘i Wahine–Red vs. Oahu Wahine–Yellow (Girls Juniors & Seniors Flag Football)
7:30 PM — Oahu Seniors–White vs. Oahu Seniors–Red

Football Rosters: CLICK HERE
Girls Flag Football Rosters: CLICK HERE

Purchase Tickets: CLICK HERE

All games will be held at the Masa Yonamine Complex, Waipahu High School.

Mahalo to Fantastic Sams Hawai‘i

Fantastic Sams Hawai‘i is a proud supporter of the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl, helping elevate opportunities for local student-athletes and strengthening the foundation of Hawai‘i’s football community.

Supporting the Mission

The Hawai‘i Chapter of the National Football Foundation remains focused on:

  • Providing scholarship opportunities tied to both athletics and academics

  • Supporting families who cannot afford exposure camps on the continent

  • Ensuring every student-athlete—regardless of circumstance—has a chance to be evaluated by college coaches

  • Using football as a tool for leadership, discipline, and lifelong growth

The 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl is more than a showcase. It’s a lifeline. A celebration. A chance for Hawai‘i’s young athletes to chase dreams they’ve earned.

Nanakuli senior representing Native Hawaiians in Native All-American Game

Nanakuli senior representing Native Hawaiians in Native All-American Game

Dec 13, 2025

Nanakuli senior representing Native Hawaiians in Native All-American Game

Nanakuli senior OL Richard “Keoki” Chun plays in his final game as a Golden Hawk against the ‘Aiea Na Ali’i  | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Minneapolis is quite a journey away from Nanakuli, but Richard “Keoki” Chun is taking in every moment.

The Nanakuli senior offensive lineman is among a group of nearly seventy Native American high school athletes that were selected to participate in the 2025 Native All American Football Game and Camp at U.S. Bank Stadium, the home of the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL.

While majority of the participants are Native American from various different tribes, Chun is representing Native Hawaiians in the event with Proof of Ancestry from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Hawaiian Registry Program.

“This opportunity means more than just me,” Chun said. “I’m grateful and excited to represent Native Hawaiians and to carry respect, discipline and resilience wherever I go. I’m truly blessed. I give all my glory to God and just thank him for all my opportunities.”

The camp portion of the annual event ran from Dec. 10th to 13th, while the game will kickoff at 7:00 a.m. HST on Sunday, Dec. 14. Click HERE to watch.

During the event, Chun got to be coached by former NFL players Derek Fine, Ahman Green, Levi Horn and Chase Johnson. Recruiters from college and professional organizations were also in attendance.

Chun — who is 6-foot-5, 340-pounds — will be a part of the designated visiting team named Wa’Ya and be coached by Horn, who is a enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. Horn began his collegiate career as a standout tight end at Washington State before excelling as an All-American offensive tackle at the University of Montana and getting signed by the Chicago Bears in 2010.

“I’ve learned so much from this experience and the cultural exchange connecting to many different athletes with similar backgrounds,” Chun said.

“Glad to be a part of this and hopefully inspire others to dream big as well.”

HPU baseball lands solid player in Kaiser’s Tanner Kagimoto

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Hawaii football gets dynamic playmaker in Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo

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Dec 11, 2025

Hawaii football gets dynamic playmaker in Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo

‘Aiea High School senior wide receiver Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo will continue his career at the University of Hawai’i.

When you combine hard work with phenomenal talent and loyalty, the end result is Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo.

The ‘Aiea senior was honored by family, friends and faculty members in a commemorative signing day event Thursday afternoon to signify his future as a member of the University of Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors football team.

With fellow student-athletes and even future collegiate teammates in attendance, the ceremony not only served as a testament of Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo’s journey — but also a celebration for an entire community.

“It’s special, it’s like the first time (that ‘Aiea) did this,” Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo said of the event put on at the ‘Aiea High School gymnasium. “Shoutout to the staff for making this possible for me, this day is special.”

Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo wore many hats during his four-year varsity career for the Na Ali’i, ranging from safety, wide receiver, running back, quarterback and as a kicking and return specialist.

After catching 78 passes for 1,067 yards and 12 touchdowns in his senior year to help ‘Aiea reach the OIA Division I championship game and state tournament, Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo will likely be playing receiver for the Rainbow Warriors, but he is willing to play any position to get onto the field.

“They listed me as a receiver, but I’m open to playing on the defensive side of if I got to fill in on running back or just anything, I’m just excited to be on the field,” he said.

First-year ‘Aiea offensive coordinator Ola Willing spoked glowingly of Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo.

“I think Hiki just comes out and plays the game the right way,” Willing said. “He’s unselfish, he does what the coaches ask. His work ethic is just right on and it spreads out to the rest of the team and that’s why I think we were so successful this year.”

Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo’s greatness was evident very early on for the ‘Aiea football team.

As a freshman, Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo shined in big moments with an interception and fumble recovery in back-to-back weeks in the OIA Division I championship game and state quarterfinals.

In his sophomore year he had nine receptions for 170 yards and two scores in a game against Moanalua and then filled in at quarterback in a must-win game against Nanakuli to make the playoffs and ran for 135 yards and three TDs while completing eight passes for 89 yards.

Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo flexed his versatility even more as a junior by adding a pair of passing TDs to his ledger in addition to scoring on a kickoff return and a punt return.

But there were no college offers yet.

With the talent that Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo possessed, he could have easily left ‘Aiea to go play high school ball at a higher profile school in the state to boost his recruiting stock. Instead, he put his head down and continued to work where his feet were planted.

“It was a struggle because my freshman to my junior year, I didn’t get no looks, no scouts,” said Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo.

“I reached out everyday after every game, I was sending my film out and got nothing until my senior year that UH just gave me a shot, just grateful for them.”

He also credited the staff at ‘Aiea for pushing him to be great off the field as well.

“It means a lot because it starts with them,” said Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo. “They just pushed me every single day to do better in the classroom. Without them, I don’t know where I would be.”

During the ceremony, ‘Aiea head coach Mika Liilii commended Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo’s loyalty and said that he is the example for the next generation of Na Ali’i student-athletes.

“He signs with the University of Hawai’i, not just as an athlete, but also as a blueprint, a reminder to every kid coming up behind him that greatness grows right here, in A-Town,” said Liilii.

In addition to his gaudy receiving stats as a senior, Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo also rushed for 358 yards and nine scores while also adding a defensive TD off an interception to his ledger. He also kicked the game-winning field goal from 21 yards out with 2:34 remaining in regulation to beat Wai’anae on the road in the OIA semifinals.

Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo will greyshirt for the Rainbow Warriors before joining the team for practice in spring 2027.

Moanalua handles visiting Kailua, 41-18

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Tainoa Lave set the standard in Campbell’s championship run

Tainoa Lave set the standard in Campbell’s championship run

Dec 9, 2025

Tainoa Lave set the standard in Campbell’s championship run

Tainoa Lave celebrates after making a defensive play against Kamehameha in the Open Division championship game. | Photo: CJ Caraang

By the time he walked off the field in his final game wearing a Campbell jersey, Tainoa Lave had left his imprint on nearly every chapter of the Sabers’ long-awaited championship night.

The Campbell senior did it all in the Sabers’ Open Division Football title win over Kamehameha, 26-23, in overtime Friday night before a crowd of 10,131 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.

Literally.

Lave, who has signed to play collegiately at the San Diego State University, recorded a game-high 11 total tackles with a tackle for loss and a pass breakup in the win. He also had a 55-yard punt return to set up Campbell’s opening touchdown, scored on a 5-yard run for the go-ahead score on the first play of the fourth quarter and even completed a 23-yard pass in the second half.

The Sabers leaned on Lave in their possession of the overtime period as well. After Kamehameha kicked a field goal to go up 23-20, Lave took two snaps behind center with a pair of runs to set up Brayden Medeiros’ walk-off TD pass to Zayne Pasion.

“First I just want to give all the praise and glory to God,” said Lave, a four-year starter. “So many blessings. My family always showing love. The Ewa Beach community always supporting me. And our coaches for trusting in me.”

The road to the championship began long before Friday night, Lave said. It began after last year’s semifinal loss to Saint Louis, in what was a devastating end to the season for a team that started the season with nine consecutive victories.

“The week after we lost in 2024, we were back in the weight room. The work started there,” Lave said. “All the hard work and dedication led to a state championship.”

For Lave, the journey is personal. Each of his four seasons ended one step short: state semifinals as a freshman, state semifinals as a sophomore, heartbreak again as a junior.

Individually he shined with multiple All-OIA and All-Hawaii first-team selections, interception returns, punt-return touchdowns, but the ultimate prize always slipped away.

“It means a lot,” Lave said, moments after embracing family members. “All (the past) years always falling short… I just had to put it all out for the boys, for the community, for our school, for my family.”

Lave and the Sabers endured heart break during the season too. With losses to Mililani, Kapolei and Kahuku, Campbell’s state tournament hopes were on a lifeline.

But the Sabers rallied with a last minute touchdown against Mililani in the rematch before stunning Kahuku in the state semifinals with a go-ahead score with two seconds left on the clock.

Lave was at the controls in that win against the Red Raiders, running in two TDs, including the game-winner on fourth-and-goal.

“We found ourselves in that Mililani game,” Lave said. “Then going on to Kahuku and beating them… all that film, all that hard work helped us in the long run.”

Campbell head coach Darren Johnson constantly praised Lave in the midst of the Sabers’ championship run and after it was complete.

“Man, he’s such a special young man,” Johnson said. “People follow him. Coaches listen to him. He’s undersized but plays big, reminds me a lot of my son.”

Johnson said Lave is more than a star athlete. He is the example.

“Because he leads by example, his teammates follow,” Johnson said. “He’s quiet, humble, and when he speaks, our team listens.”

Lave’s work ethic has been there since youth football with Fiyah Squad. His also versatility extends beyond the gridiron. Johnson noted he’s “a heck of a baseball player” and one of the most coachable athletes he has worked with.

The SDSU-bound Lave finishes his senior season with 77 total tackles, 10 for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and three pass breakups.

Moanalua handles visiting Kailua, 41-18

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Waimea Menehune seeking third football state title in four years

Waimea Menehune seeking third football state title in four years

Nov 23, 2025

Waimea Menehune seeking third football state title in four years

Waimea sophomores Kaikea Miyashiro and Kolby Correa celebrate after a Menehune touchdown. | Photo: Nate Ragragola

The Waimea football team is on the verge of a dynasty.

After a one-year absence, the Menehune are back in the First Hawaiian Bank Division II Football State Championships after a thrilling 27-26 semifinal win over Roosevelt at Hanapepe Ballpark Saturday afternoon.

Waimea built a 27-7 lead early in the second half before holding off a furious comeback by the Rough Riders to reach the team’s third state final in four years when they take on Kamehameha-Maui on Nov. 28 at Mililani’s John Kauinana Stadium.

“Total team effort,” said Waimea coach Kyle Linoz. “We played 3-deep on both sides of the ball today. We knew how good of a team Roosevelt was and if we didn’t bring everything we got and be perfect, we wouldn’t have a shot against them. Hats off to our kids, they got the job done.”

With both teams scoring four touchdowns apiece, it was a gutsy 2-point conversion stop that helped seal the win for the Menehune.

After scoring their third unanswered touchdown of the second half with two minutes to play in regulation, the Rough Riders (11-2) elected to go for the win instead of forcing overtime. Waimea got a great jump on the snap, forcing Roosevelt quarterback Kaeo Bush to scramble for his life before a throw into the end zone was broken up Kalawaia Martins.

“Bring the house and tighten your coverage and let it roll, and that’s exactly what I told them in the huddle,” Linoz said of the defensive gameplay on the 2-point try.

“One play, no tomorrow and thankfully it went our way.”

The nail-biting win also snapped a three-game losing streak by the Menehune as Waimea recorded its first win since Sept. 27 to improve to 4-5 overall.

While not an impressive record, It’s a result of circumstance. The Kauai Interscholastic Federation just has three football members which features a triple round-robin schedule between the three teams. Three of Waimea’s losses have come to reigning Division I state champion Kapa’a, who will try to defend its crown in the Division I final that follows the Division II championship game.

“I think this one is especially special because we have two games in the championship games out of three, and there’s only three teams in our league,” Linoz said.

“Just to show over and over again how much good football we have here on Kauai, not just the coaches doing their jobs but we have tremendous athletes out here. It’s good for them to show what they got at this stage. It’s special and unique that a three-team league has two guys in the championship. We’re proud of that.”

Waimea also dropped a 21-0 contest to Kauai High in the midst of its three-game losing streak, a team who denied a state tournament appearance to the Menehune a season ago.

“We take it not as losses but as learning lessons,” Linoz said. “Coach Mel Purcell (at Kauai High) and his staff is awesome. Coach Mike Tresler (at Kapa’a) and his staff is next level. We call them the juggernaut out there and we call Kauai High the big bad red wolf, so anybody can win on any day.”

Kickoff for the Division II state championship game is slated for 4:00 p.m.