Hawaii players at center of Valley City State’s comeback bid against Eastern Oregon

Hawaii players at center of Valley City State’s comeback bid against Eastern Oregon

Sep 20, 2026

Hawaii players at center of Valley City State’s comeback bid against Eastern Oregon

VALLEY CITY, N.D. — Hawai‘i was well represented on the field at Lokken Stadium on Saturday, with former Campbell teammates Brayden Medeiros and Tyson Ball providing one of Valley City State University’s biggest moments in a wild homecoming game against Eastern Oregon.

Medeiros, a true freshman quarterback who led Campbell to the 2025 Open Division state championship, connected with Ball for a 35-yard touchdown with 1:55 remaining to tie the game at 39.

But Eastern Oregon answered with a touchdown with 12 seconds left to hand the Vikings a 46-39 loss.

Valley City State, an NAIA program in North Dakota, has more than a dozen football players from Hawai‘i on its roster.

Quarterback Brayden Medeiros drops back to pass in Valley City State University’s game against Eastern Oregon. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Medeiros completed 22 of 37 passes for 201 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in his third collegiate game. Ball, a Campbell graduate who is one year older than Medeiros, finished with five catches for 67 yards and a touchdown.

The touchdown was the latest chapter in a connection that began in Hawai‘i.

Ball had watched Medeiros’ work leading into his senior season at Campbell and encouraged Valley City State offensive coordinator Dustin Yorek, the Vikings’ point recruiter in Hawai‘i, to bring the quarterback to North Dakota.

“It feels good,” Ball said of catching passes from his former Campbell teammate again. “I saw all the work Brayden was putting in going into his senior year. Told coach Yorek, ‘got to get him here, got to get him here.’ He came here, went through a couple of things, ended up getting the starting spot and he balled out.”

The pair nearly helped Valley City State complete one of the biggest comebacks in school history.

The Vikings trailed 20-0 early in the second quarter and 30-14 early in the third before gradually working their way back into the game.

Laggarius Marshell, another key contributor for the Vikings, rushed for career highs of 138 yards on 24 carries and scored two touchdowns.

Bayette Akaka-Folau lines up at defensive end for Valley City State University. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Valley City State’s Hawai‘i contingent also included Kapolei graduate Bayette Akaka-Folau, who started at defensive line and recorded four tackles, including three solo stops.

Kap‘a‘a graduate Christopher Rapozo earned the starting punting job and averaged 42 yards on three punts, including a 47-yarder and a punt downed inside the 20-yard line. Waipahu graduate Javaughn Endemann also contributed on special teams.

On the other side, Eastern Oregon had a Hawai‘i connection of its own in Castle High School graduate Coby Tanioka, a Kaneohe native. Tanioka had one reception for 21 yards and three kickoff returns for 102 yards.

His 21-yard reception helped set up an Eastern Oregon field goal in the third quarter. He also returned a kickoff 21 yards after Valley City State tied the game at 39 and helped break up the Vikings’ final pass attempt.

Coby Tanioka celebrates after an Eastern Oregon touchdown. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

For Ball, the Hawai‘i presence on the Valley City State roster has created a sense of familiarity thousands of miles from home.

“It feels good coming all the way from Hawai‘i, building a brotherhood with everybody,” Ball said. “We’re just all one family.”

The Vikings’ comeback began after Eastern Oregon built its early lead.

After Eastern Oregon went ahead 20-0, Valley City State put together a 16-play, 70-yard drive that ended with Jonathan Hunter’s 4-yard touchdown run.

The Vikings added another touchdown before halftime when Marshell scored from 3 yards out, cutting the deficit to 23-14.

Eastern Oregon extended its lead to 30-14 early in the third quarter after intercepting a Medeiros pass, but Valley City State responded.

Marshell scored from 4 yards out and added the two-point conversion to make it 30-22. After Eastern Oregon pushed the lead to 33-22, Marshell’s 40-yard run helped set up Nick Mears’ 4-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 33-28.

The Mountaineers answered with a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to go up 39-28.

Valley City State then cut the deficit to eight on Walker Brondos’ 28-yard field goal with 3:09 remaining.

The Vikings’ defense gave them another opportunity when Gavin Gerhardt blocked Ethan Cutler’s 45-yard field-goal attempt with 2:41 left.

Medeiros took advantage.

He led Valley City State 72 yards in four plays, finding Ball for the 35-yard touchdown. Medeiros and Nick Mears connected on the two-point conversion to tie the game at 39 with 1:55 remaining.

Eastern Oregon quarterback Kallen Gutridge then led the decisive drive, going 69 yards in eight plays before finding Dylan Shipley for a 45-yard touchdown with 12 seconds remaining.

Cutler’s extra point made it 46-39.

A personal foul on the kickoff gave Valley City State the ball at midfield with seven seconds left, but Medeiros’ five-yard completion to Ball was followed by an incompletion that ended the game.

Tyson Ball lines up at wideout for Valley City State University. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“It started off a little slow, dumb mistakes, but we ended up picking it up, punching them in the mouth,” Ball said. “Just fell short at the end. Felt good though.”

Valley City State dropped to 1-2 and will close its nonconference schedule next Saturday at Simpson University in Redding, California.

For Ball, the message to Hawai‘i players considering a move to North Dakota is simple.

“Come, it’s a great place, everybody’s nice,” he said. “It’s a little cold, but you deal with it. It’s good.”

From Aiea to North Dakota, Colburn brothers continue football journey together

From Aiea to North Dakota, Colburn brothers continue football journey together

Sep 19, 2026

From Aiea to North Dakota, Colburn brothers continue football journey together

VALLEY CITY, N.D. — For Chad and Champ Colburn, football has always been something they did together.

Now, thousands of miles from their Aiea home, the brothers are living out a shared dream at Valley City State University, an NAIA school in North Dakota.

Chad, a year older than Champ, arrived at Valley City State first. A sophomore defensive back, he helped open the door for his younger brother, who joined the Vikings this season as a freshman receiver.

“It feels great,” Chad Colburn said. “We’ve been playing together our whole life and it feels super good to be at the next level. We were always pretty overlooked our whole life and now we made it here together so it’s pretty good.”

For Champ, the opportunity represents another step in a journey that began on the football fields of Aiea.

“It’s just been a journey,” Champ Colburn said. “We made it this far and we just got to keep competing at the next level. It’s a blessing to be here and be able to play together.”

The Colburn brothers are part of a growing contingent of Hawai’i players at Valley City State. More than a dozen players from the islands are on the Vikings’ roster this season, providing a familiar connection for players making the transition from Hawai’i to the mainland.

The connection to home runs even deeper for the Colburn brothers.

Their father, Chad Colburn Sr., has been a constant source of motivation throughout their football careers. Their grandfather, Bobby Craig Keli’i Colburn, was a respected coach and member of the Aiea community before his passing in 2012.

The brothers still call him Papa.

“I think a lot of it goes to our dad,” Chad said. “He really pushed us our whole life. Every time, he tells us workout, three times a day. He never lets us rest and I feel like that’s a big reason to why we got here together.”

The brothers also credit Aiea coach Mika Li’ili’i for helping prepare them for the next level.

“Having coach Mika in high school, Coach Mika was really good for us,” Chad said. “He really helped us improve a lot.”

Representing Aiea remains important to both brothers, especially knowing what their grandfather meant to the community.

“We love to put Aiea on the map, that’s where my family is from,” Chad said. “My Papa did a lot for the community so it’s good to represent him.”

Champ remembers his grandfather in much the same way.

“Our Papa, he was a good guy,” Champ said. “He was always a good coach for everyone in the Aiea community and his goal was for us to make it to the next level and go college and represent our family so it means a lot for us to be here right now.”

Finding a path to Valley City State

Chad earned Second Team All-OIA honors at defensive back in 2024 before graduating from Aiea in 2025.

The 5-foot-10, 150-pound sophomore is majoring in software engineering at Valley City State.

His path to North Dakota came through Vikings offensive coordinator Dustin Yorek, who serves as the program’s primary recruiter in Hawai’i.

Chad said playing at an NAIA school was a goal as he approached his senior season.

“My senior year, I was really looking forward to getting to a NAIA at least, because D3 was kind of out of the price range,” Chad said. “Once I seen Valley City, I really liked how it looked so I was trying to get in contact with coach Yorek.”

Yorek eventually reached out, and the conversations led to an opportunity.

“I just been talking with him a lot and then he finally gave me the chance and just happy to have it,” Chad said.

That opportunity eventually extended to Champ.

When Yorek visited the Colburn family, he met Champ and began recruiting him as well.

“When coach Yorek came by to my house to meet my family, he met Champ and ever since, they’ve been in contact and it’s really good, thankful for him,” Chad said.

Champ arrived after putting together a standout senior season at Aiea.

The 5-foot-8, 150-pound receiver earned First Team All-OIA honors in 2025 after catching 70 passes for 950 yards and six touchdowns.

“It was great because coaches really believed in me and I just had to put in the work and put my name on the map,” Champ said. “It just feels good making it this far getting all this exposure. I just got to keep working.”

Adjusting to a new world

For Chad, getting to college football was only the beginning.

The transition from Hawai’i to North Dakota brought a new school, a new football system, new teammates and a climate dramatically different from home.

Valley City State coach Dennis McCulloch, known as “Coach Mac,” said the adjustment can be difficult for any freshman or first-year college player.

“Chad last fall, it was hard,” McCulloch said. “It’s not an easy adjustment to tell anybody that comes over here that this is a really easy adjustment to college. It doesn’t matter where you go to college, it’s homesickness, away from family, all the things that are going on, where you are on the depth chart early on, it’s hard.”

Chad experienced those challenges firsthand.

“For me, just playing with new people, playing in a new system and playing in different weather,” he said. “It’s a lot different in Hawai’i. Eventually it’s going to be like under 40 degrees when we practice. That was rough last year, it takes some getting used to, but it’s a good experience.”

Rather than allowing the adjustment to push him away, Chad embraced it.

“What Chad has done, he’s embraced it,” McCulloch said. “He’s stuck with it and taken a step in a positive way to working his way onto the field.”

And now, his younger brother gets to experience that same environment with him.

For McCulloch, Chad’s experience was an important part of Champ’s decision to follow.

“First of all, Chad has to have a good experience that Champ would want to come here, right, that he feels comfortable enough to have that happen,” McCulloch said. “So I think that’s a big positive piece.”

The brothers also provide each other with a familiar source of competition.

“It’s also fun to see those two go against each other,” McCulloch said. “That’s always a tough challenge when you have to go against your brother. It’s a fun little competition piece of it.”

For two players who have shared the field for most of their lives, the competition is nothing new.

What is different is the setting.

Instead of Aiea, they now line up in North Dakota, carrying their family name, their hometown and their grandfather’s legacy with them.

And they are doing it together.

For Chad, the message to other Hawai’i players hoping to make the same journey is simple.

“Don’t listen to what other people have to say,” he said. “Just focus on yourself and you’ll eventually get there when you believe yourself.”

Champ has a similar message.

“It just comes with believing in yourself and working hard as much as possible and you’ll get there when you get there,” he said. “Just keep trusting the process.”

Discipline driving Kalaheo’s Marquez Mellor on and off the field

Discipline driving Kalaheo’s Marquez Mellor on and off the field

Sep 17, 2026

Discipline driving Kalaheo’s Marquez Mellor on and off the field

The numbers are hard to ignore.

Through three games, Kalaheo running back Marquez Mellor has rushed for 694 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 12.2 yards per carry. The Class of 2027 Air Force-commit has helped the Mustangs open the season 3-0 overall and 2-0 in OIA Division II play.

But if you ask Mellor what has fueled his fast start, he is unlikely to point first to his speed or strength.

For the 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior — it starts with discipline.

It is the discipline to take care of his responsibilities in the classroom. The discipline to train year-round. The discipline to recover from an injury. The discipline to stay humble after success — and eventually, the discipline to serve something bigger than himself.

That mindset has followed Mellor throughout his football journey and has become especially important as he begins a new chapter at Kalaheo.

“I’m feeling great,” Mellor said of the Mustangs’ 3-0 start. “I’m very happy that we came out with these first three games as a W. We’re going to stay humble, keep grinding.”

The results have followed.

Mellor opened the season with 137 yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries in a 59-7 victory over Hawaii Prep Academy. He followed that with 256 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries in a 48-7 win over Kalani.

Marquez Mellor celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Kalani. | Photo: Adam Hufstetler

After a bye week, he exploded for 302 yards and five touchdowns on just 14 carries in a 56-27 victory over Kaiser.

Yet Kalaheo coach Jaymason Lee sees more than a productive running back.

“He’s the first one to tell you that every big run starts up front and finishes on the outside,” Lee said. “He gets the headlines, but he knows those yards belong to all 11 guys on the field.”

That willingness to put the team ahead of himself is something Lee said defines Mellor.

“He runs hard, but he plays for the team and he’s the first to give credit to the linemen digging in the trenches and the receivers downfield throwing those extra blocks,” Lee said. “That’s what this program is built on. Playing for the guy next to you, taking care of one another and doing the unseen work that makes us successful as one team.”

Mellor’s approach is rooted in lessons learned from his family and his faith.

His father, Chris, coached Kalaheo from 2006-11 and later taught at the school from 2012-23. Mellor’s older sisters, Christyn and Alanna, also graduated from Kalaheo.

Chris Mellor helped coach the Mustangs with Lee during the offseason and now serves as an on-call offensive consultant during the season.

Returning to Kalaheo after helping Kailua make history last season was not an easy decision.

Marquez Mellor runs the ball for Kailua in the 2025 OIA Division I championship game against Aiea. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Mellor helped the Surfriders win the OIA Division I championship and the school’s first-ever state football title. He rushed for 1,165 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior and earned First Team All-Hawaii honors from ScoringLive.

“It wasn’t easy,” Mellor said of leaving Kailua. “Kailua was a great home for me, but I felt this calling to come play for my dad and the legacy that we have built here.”

The move was about more than football.

“I think we got a good program going,” Mellor said. “I think we got a great season coming up. We got to stay humble, keep working. The job’s not finished.”

A 4-month-old Marquez Mellor plays with a Kalaheo football helmet, where his dad served as head coach at for a few years. | Courtesy photo Chris Mellor

That same philosophy applies to Mellor’s academics.

He has a 4.0 grade-point average, and his father said Marquez has never received a B on his report card.

Mellor views his academic success not as an accomplishment separate from athletics, but as another responsibility that must be handled.

“Student-athlete, student comes first,” Mellor said. “You got to handle your responsibilities and my parents have given me so many amazing opportunities, so doing good in the classroom and setting myself up in a position of success is the least I can do for them and myself.”

His discipline has also been tested away from the classroom and football field.

Mellor competes in track and field, where he has personal bests of 11.16 seconds in the 100-meter dash, 22.62 in the 200 and 49.53 in the 400.

But his junior track season ended earlier than he wanted when he pulled his hamstring shortly before the state finals.

Instead of allowing the setback to derail him, Mellor spent much of the summer rehabbing and preparing to return for football.

“It was a lot of adversity,” Mellor said. “I wasn’t in a good place, but I stayed level-headed. I had to trust in God and I was able to do rehab and get back out to summer training for football pretty fast.”

That ability to remain focused through setbacks is part of what he believes will help him at the next level.

Mellor committed to the Air Force Academy, where he will have the opportunity to play Division I football while pursuing another lifelong goal.

“I always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Mellor said. “I’ve always wanted to be a pilot as well, so being able to play Division I football, I’m grateful for that opportunity.”

Marquez Mellor takes part in a flight simulator during an official visit to Air Force. | Courtesy Photo

His path to Kalaheo included stops at Saint Louis and Kailua, experiences that he says helped shape the person he is today.

“Saint Louis has always been a home for me,” Mellor said. “They got the brotherhood over there. I made some of my lifelong friends. I’m super appreciative of those guys.”

He also credited Saint Louis with helping strengthen his faith.

“Being in that Catholic school was amazing, praying at the start and end of every class,” he said. “It was amazing, but God had a different plan for me and I’m grateful that he brought me here.”

That faith is woven into how Mellor approaches football, school and his future.

It is also evident in one of his interests away from both.

Mellor taught himself how to cut hair and now cuts his friends’ hair for free while accepting donations. He shares his work on Instagram at @kez.clips.

Marquez Mellor taught himself how to cut hair and has slow turned the skillset as a way to earn extra money. | Courtesy Photo Chris Mellor

Throughout the process, barbering taught Mellor something that translates directly to being a teammate.

“As a barber my biggest goal is to make the client feel confident and happy, so I always want to boost my teammates,” he said. “We can’t have that negativity bringing us down, so we always got to be that helping hand, that pat on the back when we need to boost our brothers up.”

For Mellor, confidence and discipline go hand in hand.

“Half the battle is mentally and believing that you can win is going to get you halfway there,” he said. “Then you got to go out on the field and execute.”

That is the balance Mellor is trying to maintain as the attention surrounding his performance continues to grow.

The next test comes Friday when Kalaheo travels to Pearl City in a pivotal OIA Division II matchup. Pearl City enters the game 4-0 overall and 2-0 in league play, setting up a meeting between two undefeated teams competing near the top of the standings.

For Mellor, it is another opportunity to put his discipline to work.

“We’re going to see what God has in store for us,” he said. “But we’re going to keep working.”

After season-opening loss, Campbell climbs to No. 2 in Lasquero’s latest HS Football rankings

After season-opening loss, Campbell climbs to No. 2 in Lasquero’s latest HS Football rankings

Sep 15, 2026

After season-opening loss, Campbell climbs to No. 2 in Lasquero’s latest HS Football rankings

Campbell WR Shaison Kupukaa scored two touchdowns in the Sabers’ win over Moanalua. | Photo: CJ Caraang

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

1. Mililani (5-0)

Previous rank: 1

Last week: beat No. 12 Leilehua, 43-0

This week: vs. No. 3 Kahuku Saturday

Analysis: The Trojans continued their strong start to 2026 by picking up their third shutout of the season against Leilehua. The last time Mililani allowed a touchdown was in the season opener against Liberty. Sophomore ATH Ashton Grace had a breakout game offensively in the win over the Mules with seven receptions for 89 yards and one TD to give QB Hunter Fujikawa another trusted target to throw to opposite WR Bless Cabrera-Hopkins. First real test is this weekend against the Red Raiders.

2. Campbell (4-1)

Previous rank: 4

Last week: beat No. 2 Kapolei, 17-14

This week: at No. 22 Kailua Saturday

Analysis: The team from Ewa Beach is one of the hottest teams in the state right now after knocking off Kapolei with 17 straight points before holding off the Hurricanes. You can make the argument that the first touchdown that Campbell scored shouldn’t have counted, but it was relatively early enough in the game. The one concern I have though is the Sabers did not score an offensive touchdown against the Hurricanes. Still, a defense that held Kapolei to just 105 yards of total offense is championship-caliber.

3. Kahuku (3-2)

Previous rank: 3

Last week: lost to St. John Bosco (California), 49-13

This week: at No. 1 Mililani Saturday

Analysis: After sweeping the ILH big three, the Red Raiders challenged themselves in losses to top teams from out of state. The edge Kahuku has this weekend against the top team in the state is that its squad has shown it can perform in the clutch. Outside of the Trojans’ season opener against Liberty, Mililani has relatively been on cruise control the past month. If the score is close in the second half, Kahuku might be able to pull off the upset.

4. Kapolei (3-1)

Previous rank: 2

Last week: lost to No. 4 Campbell, 17-14

This week: vs. No. 15 Leilehua Friday

Analysis: The Hurricanes suffered their first loss of the season in a game that you can argue they should have won if the officials correctly officiated Campbell’s kickoff return. Still, great teams should be able to overcome those early setbacks. Not developing a vertical passing game in the preseason definitely came back to bite Kapolei last weekend. It is not a good look that four different players attempted a pass — and the only touchdown pass thrown was by a non-quarterback. The Hurricanes do have a few get-right opponents to close out the September schedule so it would be wise if they worked on the passing game while they can.

5. Waipahu (4-1)

Previous rank: 5

Last week: beat No. 16 Nanakuli, 78-0

This week: vs. No. 9 Aiea Friday

Analysis: The win against Nanakuli was expected, the margin of victory was not. The Marauders have outscored their regular season opponents, 144 to 0, in their first OIA Division I contests and have no intentions of slowing down. Sophomore QB Jake Garcia threw for 207 yards and two TDs and added three more rushing scores on the ground in the rout. Waipahu is a team playing in the wrong division this season and won’t be ranked any higher than No. 5 the rest of the season.

6. Kamehameha (2-4)

Previous rank: 6

Last week: beat No. 7 Punahou, 16-6

This week: idle

Analysis: It wasn’t the cleanest win, but it was a much-needed one. Junior WR Loea Asuega-Stark had a huge game to get the Warriors in the win column with 10 receptions for 134 yards and a 27-yard receiving touchdown. Kamehameha will take the victory into its first bye week of the season after being the only team in the state to play a game every week in the first six weeks of the season.

7. Punahou (1-3-1)

Previous rank: 7

Last week: lost to No. 6 Kamehameha, 16-6

This week: idle

Analysis: It was going to be a tough one for a young Buffanblu team going on the road to take on rival Kamehameha, but they did get a much-needed boost in the fourth quarter when senior RB Aaron Johnson found the end zone to help snap a string of eight scoreless quarters. Depending on what happens across the state in the next two weeks, Punahou is in danger of dropping lower on this list without a quality win this season to its resume so far this year.

8. Kapaa (1-1-1)

Previous rank: 8

Last week: vs. Kauai (postponed)

This week: idle

Analysis: Hanapepe Ballpark, the site of last weekend’s scheduled game against Kauai, was heavily affected by Hurricane Lowell as the rest of the island tries to recover from the storm’s impact. The Warriors will have a week off before taking on Waimea in round No. 2 to close out the September schedule.

9. Aiea (3-0)

Previous rank: 9

Last week: idle

This week: at No. 5 Waipahu Friday

Analysis: Na Alii has been waiting to play a game since going undefeated in the month of August with a trio of one-possession victories. Aiea has a tough task going against a powerful Waipahu team that blew out the same Nanakuli team that Aiea beat earlier in the year, but HC Mika Liilii’s defense did outscore the Marauders’ offense in last year’s meeting.

10. Saint Louis (0-4)

Previous rank: 10

Last week: lost to Sierra Canyon (California), 52-0

This week: vs. St. John Bosco (California) Saturday

Analysis: A coaching change midseason is tough for any program, but its up to the players and coaches that remain to make the best of the situation. There is a legitimate concern that the Crusaders might finish the season 0-9, which is just  unbelievable to fathom for those that remember their dominance in multiple decades. Like Punahou, Saint Louis is in danger of falling out of the Top 10 if the product on the field doesn’t improve.

11. Waianae (3-0)

Previous rank: 11

Last week: idle

This week: vs. No. 19 Moanalua Friday

Analysis: The Seariders are back in action after a rare double bye. They will host a Moanalua squad that was embarrassed on homecoming, giving them a good test before traveling to Waipahu to close out September.

12. KS-Hawaii (3-1)

Previous rank: 13

Last week: beat Waiakea, 56-12

This week: at Hilo Friday

Analysis: The Warriors continue to roll with quarterbacks Kahekili Makekau and Lekahi Coloma combining for six touchdown passes with senior SB Chaseton Wong having a breakout game with eight receptions for 168 yards and two scores in the win over Waiakea.

13. Konawaena (2-1)

Previous rank: 14

Last week: beat Kealakehe, 63-0

This week: vs. Keaau Friday

Analysis: The Wildcats got back in the win column with senior QB Keenan Alani throwing for five touchdowns as the defense held the Waveriders to negative 23 yards of total offense in their second shutout victory of the season. Konawanea should have no problem with the rest of its September schedule and should be 4-1 before its rematch against KS-Hawaii.

14. Iolani (4-1)

Previous rank: 17

Last week: beat Keaau, 63-6

This week: idle

Analysis: The Raiders have quietly climbed up the ranks and is one of the more welcomed surprises of the season in Pat Samsonas’ inaugural season as the head coach of the program. Senior ATH Ayden Teranishi turned in all three of his receptions into touchdowns in Iolani’s high-scoring win over the visiting Cougars.

15. Leilehua (0-3)

Previous rank: 12

Last week: lost to No. 1 Mililani, 43-0

This week: at No. 4 Kapolei Friday

Analysis: Record wise, the Mules are not having a good season to start 2026, but it’s not their fault that they are stuck playing in the wrong division. Senior LB Jack Beaulieu had an impressive game with 10 total tackles and two TFLs in the loss to Mililani and is one of the most slept on defensive prospects in the state. Friday’s game against Kapolei is expected to be a loss, but if Leilehua is able to shut down the Hurricanes’ run game, this game could be much tighter than expected.

16. Damien (2-3)

Previous rank: 19

Last week: beat No. 18 Kailua, 35-22

This week: idle

Analysis: The Monarchs picked up a pair of much-needed wins after going 0-3 in the month of August as they head into the bye week with some momentum. Senior WR Wyatt Ho-Williams continues to deliver with his third 100-yard game of the season with six receptions for a season-high 156 yards and a 54-yard score in the win over Kailua.

17. Baldwin (4-1)

Previous rank: 20

Last week: beat Kulanihakoi, 43-6

This week: vs. Lahainaluna Friday at KS-Maui

Analysis: The Bears earned their fourth straight win of the year and has looked like the best team on Maui so far six weeks into the season. They’ll have an opportunity to show how good they are to a wider audience this weekend when they take on the Lunas at a neutral site in a televised game on OC16.

18. Farrington (1-4)

Previous rank: 25

Last week: beat No. 15 Moanalua, 51-19

This week: vs. Radford Friday

Analysis: The Governors are back in business after their dominant showing at Managua’s homecoming. Junior RB Tabu Nathan rushed for 205 yards and two TDs while junior LB Kale Lundvall showed off his playmaking ability on defense by picking off two different quarterbacks and returning it to the house. Sophomore QB Kenzo Kawai only threw two passes, but he set the tone with his rushing ability with scoring runs for Farrington’s first two touchdowns. Don’t count out Farrington just yet.

19. Moanalua (2-3)

Previous rank: 15

Last week: lost to No. 25 Farrington, 51-19

This week: at No. 11 Waianae Friday

Analysis: The loss to Farrington was a big hit on homecoming, but the gameplay wasn’t as lopsided as the final score indicated. Giving up three defensive scores is not a recipe for success for any team. Moanalua did make adjustments to give itself a chance, but it was a little too late. Subbing out of their base three-man front when playing run-heavy teams is something Na Menehune should consider in the future. The biggest question is does Moanalua still operate as a spread offense, or does the team switch to a I-formation system to feature RB Titan Te’o — which was successful with the play-action passes in the second half against Farrington.

20. Nanakuli (1-3)

Previous rank: 16

Last week: lost to No. 5 Waipahu, 78-0

This week: at Roosevelt Friday

Analysis: I expected more out of the Golden Hawks in their game against Waipahu, but the Marauders are just on another level right now playing in the wrong division. Nanakuli has a solid chance to get back into the win column this weekend against winless Roosevelt.

21. Kalaheo (3-0)

Previous rank: 21

Last week: beat No. 22 Kaiser, 56-27

This week: at No. 24 Pearl City Saturday

Analysis: The Mustangs look like the cream of the crop in the OIA Division II race after a surprisingly lopsided victory over Kaiser last weekend. Senior ATH Loch Moorman had one of his best games as a passer for Kalaheo with three touchdown passes while senior RB Marquez Mellor stole the show with 302 yards rushing and five scores on just 14 carries in the win over the Cougars. A win this weekend against the Chargers will likely mean that the Mustangs go through the regular season undefeated.

22. Kailua (0-3)

Previous rank: 18

Last week: lost to No. 19 Damien, 35-22

This week: vs. No. 2 Campbell Saturday

Analysis: For the record, the Surfriders are not a bad team. They just have to replace over 30 players that were lost to graduation. Kailua even had the lead over Damien at one point in this game, but giving up two scores in the final 67 seconds of the first half and then giving up a pick-six in the third quarter was the difference in what could have been the team’s first win of the season. Junior ATH Timothy Kailiehu showed a spark in the fourth quarter playing the quarterback position and having a hand in two scores.

23. KS-Maui (3-1)

Previous rank: 23

Last week: beat Maui, 28-18

This week: vs. King Kekaulike Friday

Analysis: The Warriors got back into the win column with sophomore QB Ryder De Silva throwing for 218 yards and three TDs — two of which went to Bruce Beltran. The running game also was effective with four different ball carriers combining for 140 yards on the ground. Friday’s game against Na Alii is the first of three games against their upcountry rivals.

24. Pearl City (4-0)

Previous rank: 24

Last week: beat Kalani, 48-0

This week: vs. No. 21 Kalaheo Saturday

Analysis: The Chargers are riding high after a dominant showing against the Falcons as quarterbacks Jayden Delos Santos and Brydan Gaoiran each threw three touchdown passes in the blowout victory. Junior RB Cole Reason also was solid on the ground with 109 yards rushing and one TD on 16 carries. Saturday against the Mustangs will be Pearl City’s first real test of the season.

25. Kaiser (2-1)

Previous rank: 22

Last week: lost to No. 21 Kalaheo, 56-27

This week: vs. Kaimuki Friday

Analysis: The Cougars suffered their first setback of the season after losing a shootout to Kalaheo. Despite two interceptions thrown, Kaiser did enough on offense to win the game — but it was the team’s run defense that was most concerning as the Mustangs were able to rumble for 407 yards rushing on the ground. The Cougars will have a solid chance to get back into the win column this weekend when they host the Bulldogs.

Moanalua Outlasts Kahuku in Five-Set OIA East Thriller

Moanalua Outlasts Kahuku in Five-Set OIA East Thriller

Sep 17, 2026

Moanalua's Kingston Auva'a celebrates with teammates after big play against Kahuku | Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo, Special to HSRNHONOLULU — Moanalua and Kahuku needed five sets — and then some — to settle another chapter of their growing OIA...

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Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Sep 10, 2026

MAKIKI — There was no scenario where the home team didn’t win this match. Roosevelt made sure the first contest in its new gymnasium was a victory as the Rough Riders came away with a four-set win over visiting Kalaheo Wednesday night in an OIA Division-I East...

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Farrington uses ground game, defensive scores to earn first win of the year

Farrington uses ground game, defensive scores to earn first win of the year

Sep 12, 2026

Farrington uses ground game, defensive scores to earn first win of the year

Farrington’s Royalty Talamoa celebrates after making a play against Moanalua. | Photo: Adam Hufstetler

SALT LAKE — Farrington finally found its breakthrough.

The Governors relied on a dominant rushing attack and three defensive touchdowns to spoil Moanalua’s homecoming, pulling away for a 51-19 victory Friday night in an OIA Division I football game.

The win was Farrington’s first of the season and snapped a four-game losing streak. The Governors improved to 1-4 overall and 1-1 in league play, while Moanalua dropped to 2-2 and 1-1.

Farrington ran for 272 yards and attempted only two passes. Tabu-Rinthon Nathan carried the load with 205 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries, including a 93-yard touchdown run with two minutes remaining that put the game out of reach.

“We really wanted to flip the switch and start showing everyone what we’ve been working hard on,” Farrington sophomore quarterback Kenzo Kawai said. “In the past few weeks, we’ve been trying to find the right offense that fits us. We finally found out that our run game is the most effective so we’ve been just pounding the ball on every play.”

Kawai helped establish that identity immediately, rushing for the first two touchdowns of the game.

Farrington opened with an 85-yard drive that consumed 17 plays, all on the ground. Kawai capped the possession with a 4-yard touchdown run.

“It was really big to score on the first drive because it sets the tone for the whole team and hypes up the defense to dominate,” Kawai said.

Farrington quarterback Kenzo Kawai scored the first two touchdowns for Farrington in the win over Moanalua. | Photo: Adam Hufstetler

The Governors then turned a strong special teams play into another touchdown.

Lexzyah Faumui’s 52-yard punt pinned Moanalua at its own 3-yard line. Farrington forced a strip sack on the ensuing possession, and Kawai scored on the next play. Faumui ran in the 2-point conversion to give the Governors a 16-0 lead.

Farrington’s defense continued to make the difference.

Kale Lundvall intercepted two passes and returned both for touchdowns, taking his first pick 62 yards to the end zone in the second quarter and his second 38 yards for a score in the third. Both interceptions came in the right flat.

The first pick-six helped Farrington take a 24-7 lead into halftime.

Linebacker Kale Lundvall scored two defensive touchdowns for the Governors. | Photo: Adam Hufstetler

“I’m really happy for our defense,” Kawai said. “They work really hard every day for it. I’m happy it paid off. I just thank them for putting the offense in a great position where we could score on almost every drive. Most of the props should go to our defense for that.”

Nathan added a 21-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to extend Farrington’s lead to 37-7 before Moanalua mounted a brief comeback.

Na Menehune quarterback Tyler Gines-Hufana completed 16 of 28 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Carson Hunnicutt for a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter and Isaiah Griffin for a 19-yard score in the third.

Gines-Hufana also added an 11-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, cutting Farrington’s advantage to 37-19.

Nathan answered with his 93-yard touchdown run, his second score of the night, to halt any hopes of a Moanalua comeback.

Farrington RB Tabu Nathan was a workhorse for the Governors against Moanalua. | Photo: Adam Hufstetler

Farrington added one final defensive touchdown when Loverson Kerly returned a fumble 28 yards for the score.

Kawai finished with 53 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Titan Te‘o led Moanalua with 102 yards on 17 carries.

For senior left tackle Darrius Uperesa, the victory provided a much-needed boost after the Governors’ difficult start.

“Winning always feels great, but we needed this win for both the coaches and especially the players,” Uperesa said. “Team morale was at its highest I’ve ever seen this season. Great hustle on both sides of the ball. This was a great team win.”

Lundvall was selected as the Fun Factory VIP of the Game after his two interception returns for touchdowns helped spark Farrington’s first victory of the season.

Three players to watch as Hawai’i hosts San Jose State

Three players to watch as Hawai’i hosts San Jose State

Oct 3, 2026

HONOLULU – Stakes are high. Hawai’i football’s slow start to the 2026 campaign has allowed pessimism to permeate the fanbase, but there are still eight games left for the Rainbow Warriors to right the ship and earn their way into a bowl game for...

Kaiser spoils Castle’s homecoming with 42-20 win

Kaiser spoils Castle’s homecoming with 42-20 win

Oct 3, 2026

KANEOHE — Kaiser built a four-touchdown lead, weathered a spirited Castle comeback and pulled away for a 42-20 victory Friday night in an OIA Division II game. The Cougars got back into the win column as they improved to 4-2 overall and 3-2 in...

Slow starts have continued dooming Hawai’i football

Slow starts have continued dooming Hawai’i football

Oct 1, 2026

HONOLULU – The red light is flashing. The alarm bells have not hit full blast and there might be many weekends remaining in the 2026 college football season, but an unexpected 1-3 start by the University of Hawai’i football team has put everyone...

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