State runner-up Kamehameha opens at No. 1 in Lasquero’s HS Football Power Rankings

State runner-up Kamehameha opens at No. 1 in Lasquero’s HS Football Power Rankings

Aug 3, 2026

State runner-up Kamehameha opens at No. 1 in Lasquero’s HS Football Power Rankings

Kamehameha WR Jayden Braun (12) is one of the top playmakers in the state coming back for the state runner-ups. | Photo: Ku’ulei Agbayani

The 2026 Hawai’i High School Football season is upon us!

Michael Lasquero, who nearly has 15 years of experience covering high school sports in the state, ranks his Top 25 teams in Hawai’i regardless of Division heading into the opening week of the season.

1. Kamehameha
This week: vs. No. 14 Farrington Friday
Analysis: The 2025 Open Division state runner-up opens the season at No. 1 with the best linebacker corps in the state that features Evan Cazimero and Linkin Apana. Lennox Chee and Esaiah Wong are also solid on the interior of the defensive line while safety Moose Wailehua headlines a talented and deep secondary. Jayden Braun is one of the top playmakers in the state, but will have to shoulder the load for an offense that is relatively inexperienced. The deciding factor in making the Warriors the top team in the land is special teams star Tyler Fujimoto.

2. Mililani
This week: idle
Analysis: To be fair, the top four OIA teams all can beat each other and are championship contenders. The Trojans get the edge for their impressive offseason, headlined by the additions of quarterback Hunter Fujikawa and receiver Zion White, a Cal-commit. Four other projected offensive starters also arrived via the portal. Mililani’s front seven is also one of the best in the state with DT Trison Satele and LB Toa Satele, an Oregon-commit, leading the way. The Trojans have all the pieces to win the title this year, but they are far from a finished product. Special teams also tends to be Mililani’s achilles’ heel in the big games.

3. Campbell
This week: at No. 8 Waipahu Friday
Analysis: No one outside of Ewa Beach would have picked the Sabers to win the state crown in 2025, and you can make the case that this year’s squad is better with the return of OL Isaiah Bertola, a Cal-commit. The addition of LB TJ Alualu from Saint Louis also gives Campbell championship experience to add to a core that includes ATH Shaison Kupukaa, a Hawai’i-commit, and DB Isaiah Chong, a Sacramento State-commit. The Sabers had many position battles in the offseason, which in turn provided opportunities for growth and healthy competition. Not having a home field for another season is not an issue for Campbell, but it does present an interesting scenario if the Sabers have a high seed in the playoffs.

4. Kahuku
This week: vs. No. 6 Saint Louis Saturday
Analysis: Out of the four OIA contenders, the Red Raiders are the youngest — which means they have the most potential for growth over the course of the season. David Stant adds head coach to his title and will still call the offensive plays, so another year in his scheme should see improved results with new QBs Lucky Suguturaga and Justice La’a coming in. Teave Crawford has an argument to be named the No. 1 cornerback in the state while Siale Reid is solid at linebacker for the returning defensive staff. Kahuku is still the ringleaders in the league with 31 OIA titles, so it’s a safe bet the Red Raiders will figure themselves out by the time the postseason comes around.

5. Kapolei
This week: idle
Analysis: On paper, Kapolei might actually be the best team in the OIA. The Hurricanes boast the best offensive line and the best running back room in the state, have the only returning quarterback in the Open Division, two solid safeties and a dynamic receiver returning in Nikko Smith. So why isn’t Kapolei higher? Team leaders and head coach Darren Hernandez acknowledge that a state title has eluded the Hurricanes’ program and that they need to be great in the big moments this season in order to bring home some hardware in 2026. Kapolei has a great opportunity to shift the narrative and make history this season. Consistency will be pivotal for the Hurricanes’ chances.

6. Saint Louis
This week: at No. 4 Kahuku Saturday
Analysis: Times are changing in the ILH with a mass exodus of players from Kalaepohaku departing for OIA schools in the offseason. Still, the Crusaders have the best defensive line in the state with edge rushers Ricky Liilii and Kona Acedillo, an Air Force-commit, coming back along with interior defensive lineman Stone Ah Quin. RB Tenari Fuamatu-Maafala is a solid runner that is one of the few returners from the 2024 state championship squad. Former Moanalua coach Savai’i Eselu joins head coach Tupu Alualu’s offensive staff so expect a pro-style approach to how Saint Louis operates on offense. The Crusaders have a challenging preseason slate with Kahuku and Mililani lined up before taking on IMG Academy, Sierra Canyon and St. John Bosco — so there is concern that they might start the season 0-5.

7. Punahou
This week: vs. Roosevelt Saturday
Analysis: The Buffanblu are relatively young after losing their quarterback to transfer in the offseason, which opens the door for track athlete Tai Utoafili to step in behind center. Drew Kinney coming back at wideout will help ease his transition along with RB Aaron Johnson running behind an offensive line that includes Simone Lakalaka-Sole. Tua Tafiti moves over permanently to the middle backer position to be the general of a defensive unit that includes DL Tyler Lim, NB John-Luke Twigg and DB Kanoa Kameehonua. There are no easy games during the ILH season however so the Buffanblu will need to grow up fast if they want to usurp the current hierarchy in the conference.

8. Waipahu
This week: vs. No. 3 Campbell Friday
Analysis: The Marauders open the season as the favorites to win the Division I state title as they look to bounce back from a disappointing end to last season. While they hardly possess top-end talent at any position, the Marauders have a roster that virtually has no weakness with depth at every position. The offense is primed to put up numbers with most of the offensive line and RB Tristan Pacheco coming back along with the additions of QB Jake Garcia and WR Jayse Braun. The defense is also solid at all three levels with DL Jordan Pefua, LB Christopher Togiai and DB Jayboy Ganiron. How Waipahu handles the expectations is the big question.

9. Kapaa
This week: idle
Analysis: The Warriors are primed to return to the Division I state title game for the third straight year after seeing the return of elite lineman prospect King Pitts back to the Garden Isle. The rest of the defensive line is loaded with Siotame Malafu and Bryden Sugai-Salvador along with defensive backs Eleu Keawe and Takazee Thomas. Yair Antonio is also a solid kicker that was in line to be the 2025 state championship MVP if it wasn’t for some late game heroics by Kailua last season. Kapaa should breeze through the regular season running its base offensive sets and playing hard-nosed defense. It’s the adjustments in the postseason that will determine if the Warriors can win their second state title in three years.

10. Konawaena
This week: idle
Analysis: The Wildcats are plugging away and will easily be the best team on the Big Island for another straight season. QB Keenan Alani returns and will have young and upcoming receiver Kael Johnson to throw to for another year. Headlining the defense is DL Zane Fujihara-Faavesi along with linebackers Makani Ige and Kyzer Kapuniai. Depth and size will always be a concern for Konawaena every year. The Wildcats stack up well against any team when it comes to schemes and mid-game adjustments, but the game is won in the trenches.

11. Leilehua
This week: idle
Analysis: Another season in the Open Division, but the Mules and head coach Mark Kurisu will always be the last to complain about their situation. Kahikapu Young is solid on the defensive line along with LB Braden Liua and defensive backs Willie Canyon and Stryker Sua. Leilehua tends to play up to its competition and was competitive against last year’s state champion Campbell and OIA champion Kahuku.

12. Kailua
This week: at No. 15 Moanalua Saturday
Analysis: After winning the Division I state title, the Surfriders move up to the Open Division despite losing over 30 players to graduation. Still, Kailua has some pieces to do some damage with defensive linemen Kruze Arias and Henry Honebein along with OL Junior Santiago and WR Tayvin Kahele. Losing RB Marquez Mellor to the transfer portal hurts though.

13. Damien
This week: vs. No. 16 Aiea Saturday
Analysis: The Monarchs saw four-year starting QB AJ Tuifua graduate in the spring, but they nearly have the entire offense coming back. WR Wyatt Ho-Williams is the best pass catcher in the state without a Division I offer and the offensive line has size and depth for Damien to take a more grounded approach on offense. LB Jay-Sean Aquino is also back along with defensive backs Maka Maiava and Alexzander Lazaro. Defensive line is the biggest concern however for the Monarchs.

14. Farrington
This week: at No. 1 Kamehameha Friday
Analysis: The Governors move down to Division I after a rough two seasons in the Open Division and will look to restore pride back in Kalihi. Sophomore QB Kenzo Kawai returns after taking over the starting job late in the season. RB Tabu Nathan is a sleeper at his position and should make some noise with a huge offensive line that includes Darrius Uperesa. Farrington also has a number of standouts on the defensive side of the ball and should make the playoffs in the OIA.

15. Moanalua
This week: vs. No. 12 Kailua Saturday
Analysis: It’s year No. 2 under head coach Keone Batoon and offensive coordinator Ron Lee, so Na Menehune should see an improvement after missing the postseason by one game in 2025. Joel Taylor is an underrated defensive lineman while QB Tyler Gines-Hufana has a bevy of receivers to throw to. Moanalua is confident it can contend for a Division I state title this season and will have a chance to prove it belongs with three Open Division teams on the schedule before the regular season.

16. Aiea
This week: vs. No. 13 Damien Saturday
Analysis: On paper Na Ali’i should be higher on this list, but the injury bug has hit them hard heading into the opening week of the season. Still, Caizel Jesus-Kapesi is an ascending quarterback that is on pace to be the all-time leading passer in the state and the offensive line boasts standouts Atamai Siufanua and Carsin Leafa. The defense has some solid pieces in LB Malachi Liilii-Utu and Ethan Toia, but defensive line depth is a concern. If health is not a concern this season, expect Na Ali’i to be in the mix in the postseason.

17. Waianae
This week: at No. 22 KS-Hawaii Saturday
Analysis: The Seariders had an incredible start to the 2025 season and can even boast a win over eventual OIA and state champion Kailua on their resume. But the first loss of the season produced some internal turmoil and a coaching change was made. Waianae does have some pieces thought to make a run at it with NB Mike Satele, QB JJ Kaio, OL Josiah Keawe and WR Keonakoa Malaia coming back. If head coach Whiston Kaleimamahu can keep things together, there’s no reason why the Seariders can’t do damage in 2026.

18. KS-Maui
This week: idle
Analysis: Early reports from the Valley Isle suggest the Warriors are still the No. 1 team on the island, despite losing some transfers to Oahu in the offseason. ATH Xander Pagan headlines a deep running back room for a KS-Maui team that will look to complete the Division II dynasty with its third state championship.

19. Iolani
This week: vs. Baldwin Saturday
Analysis: The Raiders enter a new era in their storied program with longtime assistant Pat Samsonas taking over for Wendell Look. QB Adrian Perkins takes over full-time at his position and will have WR Aka Lau Kong and last year’s leading rusher Ayden Teranishi to work with. DB Zack Bagoyo is undersized, but solid in the secondary. The biggest storyline to watch for regarding Iolani this season is how well it can contain opponents’ running attack.

20. Nanakuli
This week: idle
Analysis: The Golden Hawks lost a few playmakers on offense to graduation, but they do have a dynamite talent behind center in QB Allix Yap. Alapa Watson is also a solid returner that brings experience on the line. Nanakuli will look to play spoiler against any of the top OIA Division I teams that overlooks the Golden Hawks.

21. Waimea
This week: vs. Kaimuki Saturday
Analysis: The Menehune have young talent coming back in their offensive backfield in ATH Kolby Correa and RB Kaikea Miyashiro. DB Kali Thundah has also been put on the radar of several colleges and sophomore lineman Samson Kala is a physical specimen. Waimea’s offensive scheme is always hard to prepare for, but developing a passing game would be wise in the event the Menehune run into a bigger team in the postseason.

22. KS-Hawaii
This week: vs. No. 17 Waianae Saturday
Analysis: After winning their first Division II state tournament game in school history last season, the Warriors are now competing at the Division I level on the Big Island. KS-Hawaii does have a few playmakers coming back in RB Dallas Enriquez and WR Chaseton Wong. Coaching departures at Keaau and Hilo is why the Warriors are the No. 2 team in the BIIF.

23. Pac-Five
This week: idle
Analysis: Senior lineman Ethan Kamahele-Tolbert is a solid two-way guy in the trenches and WR Avari Zion-Branch is an underrated receiver. The Wolfpack will make the state tournament, but the lack of games on their schedule is their biggest weakness in terms of keeping everyone locked in by the time November rolls around.

24. Lahainaluna
This week: idle
Analysis: ATH Kyle Thomas is one of the most electrifying players in the state and is a good enough reason to pick the Lunas as the No. 2 team on Maui. Lahainaluna is adding more modern offensive concepts to its playbook and should be a tough scout in the state tournament.

25. Kalaheo
This week: idle
Analysis: Head coach Jaymason Lee is building something at Kalaheo and the addition of double-digit transfers from fellow Windward schools gives the Mustangs enough numbers to potentially have a JV team this season. Adding RB Marquez Mellor from Kailua gives the team a legitimate Division II Player of the Year candidate, if he is fully recovered from an injury sustained during the track season. Still, Kalaheo is on the right trajectory and a OIA championship game appearance is highly likely.

Waipahu Marauders ready for another Division I title chase

Waipahu Marauders ready for another Division I title chase

Jul 23, 2026

WAIPAHU — The end of the 2025 season for the Waipahu football team was not something to be proud of. The Marauders looked every bit like a championship contender after racing to a 6-1 start, but injuries and inconsistency derailed the second half...

read more
Aiea looks to build on breakthrough season despite key departures

Aiea looks to build on breakthrough season despite key departures

Aug 2, 2026

Aiea looks to build on breakthrough season despite key departures

‘AIEA — Expectations have changed around the ʻAiea football program.

A year after surprising much of the OIA by reaching both the Division I championship game and the state tournament, Na AliÊ»i enter the 2026 season focused on proving last year’s success was only the beginning.

Now entering his third season as head coach, Mika Liʻiliʻi believes the foundation built over the past two years has positioned the program to sustain its rise, even after graduating several of its top playmakers.

“We can only control what we can control,” LiÊ»iliÊ»i said. “If you want to be here, be here. We don’t pay attention to everything that’s going on out there with guys switching schools. We worry about what we do, and hopefully it pays off.”

Ê»Aiea finished 8-6 overall and 6-3 in OIA play last season, advancing to the OIA Division I championship game before falling to eventual state champion Kailua, 21-19. The narrow defeat denied Na AliÊ»i their first OIA title under LiÊ»iliÊ»i, but the postseason run marked one of the program’s best seasons in recent memory.

Mika Li’ili’i observes some work by the ‘Aiea trenches at practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

The challenge now is building on that momentum despite the graduation of Division I Offensive Player of the Year Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo, along with standout receiver Champ Colburn and linebacker Royale Tavale-Peterson.

“Building off last year, we lost some key players like Hiki,” returning linebacker Malachi LiÊ»iliÊ»i-Utu said. “We’re just going to get new players and build chemistry with our team from there.”

LiÊ»iliÊ»i-Utu said last season’s success also reignited excitement throughout the community.

“I feel that way,” he said. “A lot of families got involved. Our school got repainted and all of that, but pride felt really strong last year building up to now.”

That renewed belief starts with a sophomore quarterback expected to take another step.

Caizel Jesus-Kapesi drops back to pass in a ‘Aiea practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Caizel “Fat Boy” Jesus-Kapesi showed promise as a freshman under offensive coordinator Keola Willing, who returns for another season after helping reshape both the offense and the team’s culture.

“Coach Ola brings more than just football,” LiÊ»iliÊ»i said. “He helped us restructure our culture here at Ê»Aiea. It’s not a sometimes thing — it’s an everyday thing, and everybody is buying in.”

LiÊ»iliÊ»i also praised Jesus-Kapesi’s willingness to learn.

“Fat Boy is just a coachable kid who wants to learn and trusts in the system that Ola has,” LiÊ»iliÊ»i said.

Jesus-Kapesi credits his development to both coaches, especially Liʻiliʻi, who has coached him since his youth football days.

“He coached me all my life coming up to varsity,” Jesus-Kapesi said. “He loves coaching. He likes to yell, but it’s for our better, to get us better and get us to the next level.”

The quarterback who threw 3,264 yards and 33 touchdowns as a freshman will have plenty of help around him.

Two-way standout Legend Byrd-Tauala returns after emerging as one of the team’s most dynamic athletes, while Kila Spencer headlines a group of returning receivers alongside Colby Kojima and Keola Spruill. Ê»Aiea also added former King Kekaulike standout Cason Brooke through the transfer portal, giving the offense another proven playmaker.

Up front, offensive linemen Atamai Siufanua and Carsin “Dough Boy” Leafa anchor an experienced line that also includes Kimoh Philllik.

Senior OL Atamai Siufanua (center) is an underrated player for ‘Aiea. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“This year they’re strong,” Jesus-Kapesi said of his offensive line. “I like their build, I like their communication. Even though they mess up, they flush it out and play the next play. Communication is all we need.”

Defensively, Liʻiliʻi expects Liʻiliʻi-Utu and defensive back Ethan Toia to lead a unit that relied heavily on players contributing on both sides of the ball a season ago.

“Malachi can pretty much play any position, and we got Ethan Toia,” LiÊ»iliÊ»i said. “Those two guys will be our leaders on the field, but ultimately it starts up front.”

Depth remains one of the program’s biggest challenges.

“Because our team is so small in numbers, everybody has to play every position,” LiÊ»iliÊ»i said. “Just go out there, perform, leave everything out on the field and see what happens.”

Smiles from junior LB Malachi Li’ili’i-Utu during practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Na Aliʻi also added athlete Noa Punivai, a transfer from Waipahu, providing additional versatility on both sides of the ball.

Another obstacle awaits away from the field.

Because of ongoing renovations to Aiea High School’s football facility, Na AliÊ»i will not play a true home game during the 2026 season, forcing the program to spend the entire year on the road or at neutral sites.

Even so, optimism remains high after last year’s breakthrough.

“I feel like we’re going to get it this year,” Toia said. “We just have to take it one step at a time. We have a lot of confidence, and we just have to keep pushing and practicing harder.”

ʻAiea opens the season against Damien on Aug. 8 at Pearl City High School.

Waipahu Marauders ready for another Division I title chase

Waipahu Marauders ready for another Division I title chase

Jul 23, 2026

WAIPAHU — The end of the 2025 season for the Waipahu football team was not something to be proud of. The Marauders looked every bit like a championship contender after racing to a 6-1 start, but injuries and inconsistency derailed the second half...

read more
Campbell champion Brayden Medeiros begins next chapter at Valley City State

Campbell champion Brayden Medeiros begins next chapter at Valley City State

Aug 1, 2026

Campbell champion Brayden Medeiros begins next chapter at Valley City State

Brayden Medeiros gets some work in at a park before starting his college career at Valley City State University. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Brayden Medeiros’ final two passes in a Campbell uniform could hardly have scripted a better ending.

Both were touchdowns.

The first, a 55-yard strike to Lathaniel Teleaai, gave the Sabers breathing room in the Open Division state championship game. The second, a 17-yard scoring pass to Zayne Pasion in overtime, sealed a 26-23 victory over Kamehameha and delivered Campbell its first HHSAA Open Division football title.

Now, the quarterback who authored some of the biggest moments in Campbell football history is ready for a new challenge.

Medeiros departed HawaiÊ»i this week for Valley City State University in North Dakota, where he is getting an early start on his college career by joining the Vikings’ returning players for preseason camp ahead of the rest of the freshman class.

“It’s a crazy feeling for sure,” Medeiros said before leaving the islands. “A lot of ups and downs through the road. Just being able to play football at the next level is a very special feeling, being able to go early and practice with the returners and create a bond.”

“Not that much people make it out to the next level. I just can’t wait to continue to succeed and continue to play ball wherever God has planned for me. VCSU is the place He chose for me, and I can’t wait to continue my journey, enjoy college and enjoy being far from home with all the people still supporting me.”

His journey to college football comes after accomplishing something even Campbell’s most celebrated recent quarterback could not.

While current University of California quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele became HawaiÊ»i’s all-time leading high school passer, it was Medeiros who guided the Sabers to the school’s long-awaited Open Division state championship in December 2025.

The title capped a season in which Medeiros was named the ScoringLive All-Hawaiʻi Open Division Offensive Player of the Year.

His numbers — 1,838 passing yards and 21 touchdowns in 12 games — were solid but not overwhelming. His reputation, however, was built on delivering when the stakes were highest.

With Campbell needing a victory over Mililani just to qualify for the state tournament, Medeiros scored on a 14-yard touchdown run with 58 seconds remaining to lift the Sabers to a 14-10 win.

A week later against OIA champion Kahuku in the state semifinals, he engineered another game-winning drive. Medeiros completed all four of his passes on the Sabers’ final possession, including a fourth-down conversion to Shaison Kupukaa and a 20-yard completion to Zayne Pasion that moved Campbell to the Red Raiders’ 10-yard line before the Sabers escaped with a 15-12 victory.

Then came the championship game, where his final two high school passes became part of Campbell football lore.

For Medeiros, the calm he displayed in those defining moments came from trusting the preparation rather than trying to become the hero.

“Coaches told me you don’t need to do too much,” he said. “I just told myself, just take whatever it takes for our team to win. Just playing my role, not overdoing anything, not trying to be the hero. Just whatever it takes to win.

“Those games will be something I remember forever. Just being a leader on the field and keeping the guys together is definitely what made us win.”

His championship run also opened doors.

Following the season, Medeiros participated in the 808 P.R.O. Bowl, where he met numerous college coaches visiting Hawaiʻi to evaluate local talent. Among them was Valley City State offensive coordinator Dustin Yorek.

Brayden Medeiros drops back to pass in the 2025 808 P.R.O. Bowl. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Their relationship steadily grew throughout the recruiting process.

Although Medeiros drew interest from other programs and never visited Valley City in person — relying instead on a virtual tour — he never felt uncertain about where he belonged.

“It was just whatever God had planned for me and my family,” Medeiros said. “We talked about what was best for me. The recruiting process was slow, but me and Coach Yorek had a good connection ever since he met me after the season. We just felt like that was the right fit for me. It felt like another home.

“I can’t wait to bring my talents there on and off the field. I can’t wait to be a great person and be a great leader in that system.”

Yorek believes the Vikings are adding far more than just another quarterback.

“We’re excited to welcome Brayden to the quarterback room here at VCSU,” Yorek said. “Brayden is a proven winner from one of the highest levels of high school football. When you turn on his highlight tape, it’s easy to see he has the arm talent to be a successful college quarterback.

“He’s competed against exceptional competition, and we believe his leadership, competitiveness and football IQ make him a perfect fit for our program.”

The transition from Ewa Beach to rural North Dakota will certainly be an adjustment, but Medeiros won’t be making it alone.

Valley City State has steadily expanded its pipeline to Hawaiʻi in recent years, and Medeiros will reunite with former Campbell receivers Tyson Ball and Rowen Bucao, whose familiarity with both the program and the community has already helped ease the move.

Brayden Medeiros drops back to pass against Farrington in a 2025 OIA game. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“Just the connection already,” Medeiros said. “Talking to them about what it’s like playing up there, what it’s like being there and the culture. We’ve been throwing together during the summer and talking a lot. We can’t wait to play together and make good memories and build good bonds.”

Then there’s the weather.

The quarterback who spent his career under HawaiÊ»i’s sunshine knows winter on the northern Plains will present an entirely different challenge.

“I used to go play tournaments in the cold,” Medeiros said with a laugh. “But I’ll definitely have to adapt. Packing a lot of warm clothes is very different. I can’t wait. I can’t wait to play in whatever weather it is.”

After a career defined by championship moments, Medeiros is heading nearly 4,000 miles from home with the same approach that carried Campbell to the top of Hawaiʻi high school football: trust the work, trust the opportunity and simply do whatever it takes to win.

Moanalua Football looking to turn continuity into playoff berth in 2026

Moanalua Football looking to turn continuity into playoff berth in 2026

Jul 30, 2026

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.

Waipahu Marauders ready for another Division I title chase

Waipahu Marauders ready for another Division I title chase

Jul 23, 2026

WAIPAHU — The end of the 2025 season for the Waipahu football team was not something to be proud of. The Marauders looked every bit like a championship contender after racing to a 6-1 start, but injuries and inconsistency derailed the second half...

read more
Damien Monarchs chasing elusive state football title despite challenges

Damien Monarchs chasing elusive state football title despite challenges

Jul 28, 2026

Damien Monarchs chasing elusive state football title despite challenges

KALIHI — Few football programs in Hawaiʻi have been more consistent in recent years than Damien, but the Monarchs are still searching for the one accomplishment that has eluded them.

Damien has captured three consecutive ILH Division I championships and reached the HHSAA state tournament in each of those seasons, including semifinal appearances in 2024 and 2025. Yet the Monarchs have never won a state football championship, falling one victory short in Division II in 2003 and again in Division I in 2017.

After finishing 6-3 last season and suffering a 31-26 loss to Kapaa in the Division I state semifinals, head coach Anthony “Bones” Tuitele believes another opportunity is within reach.

“It’s exciting and I’m just excited for the upcoming season,” said Tuitele, a Damien alumnus who has transformed his alma mater into one of the state’s most consistent programs. “It would mean a lot. I feel like we’re right there. We’re so right there. We just got to get the job done.”

Damien head coach Anthony “Bones” Tuitele is ready for another season at his alma mater. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

The Monarchs enter 2026 with one of the state’s most experienced supporting casts despite graduating several key contributors.

Gone is four-year starting quarterback Alani “AJ” Tuifua, along with standout defensive linemen Tyven Self-Gomes-Kelakai and Shaison Tomisa. Replacing Tuifua will be his younger brother, Tonga, an incoming sophomore who inherits one of the state’s most productive offenses.

Fortunately for the young quarterback, much of the offense returns.

Senior wide receiver Wyatt Ho-Williams is back after one of the most productive seasons in Hawaiʻi last year, totaling 53 receptions for 1,146 yards and 16 touchdowns. Damien also returns its entire offensive line, running back corps and receiving unit.

“The greatest part nobody is talking about is everybody comes back,” Tuitele said. “Obviously playing the quarterback position is the most important part. We’ll be fine as long as everybody is helping him out. My message to the returnees is make his job easier.”

Ho-Williams echoed that confidence.

“It’s a big loss losing a good quarterback,” he said. “But his younger brother, we’re not going to make anything less on him. We’re going to keep treating him like he’s AJ. He has big shoes to fill, but I believe in him.”

Defensively, Damien returns a strong nucleus led by defensive backs Uriah “Maka” Maiava and Alex Lazaro along with linebacker Jay-Sean Aquino. While the Monarchs must replace several contributors in the trenches, the returning veterans believe the defense remains capable of leading another championship run.

LB Jay-Sean Aquino is one of the key returners on the defensive side of the ball for the Monarchs. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“This year’s defense, we lost some guys, but we still got enough to go where we want to go,” Maiava said. “Don’t take us for granted. We’re still coming for that trophy.”

The road to another title run has included challenges well before kickoff.

With Damien’s campus field undergoing renovations, the Monarchs have spent preseason practices walking to nearby Farrington High School each day to conduct workouts.

“It’s pretty tough, I won’t lie,” Lazaro said. “Not having a field is stressful because we always rely on another field to get some reps in. But I think that puts more of a chip on our shoulder because everyone has all the facilities. Damien has always been known for not having the most things, so we’re going to attack this season.”

That underdog mentality has become part of the Monarchs’ identity.

“I think the past several years we’ve been known as the underdogs,” Lazaro said. “We’re still going to come into the season acting like underdogs because that’s what’s taken us to the state playoffs, and I think that’s what’s going to make us win the championship.”

The sting of consecutive state tournament losses to Kapaa has only added motivation.

“That hurt,” Maiava said. “Losing to them again just put a chip on my shoulder. This year is the year we’re going to take it.”

The Damien Monarchs’ offensive line is a veteran group that will help lead the way in 2026. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Tuitele believes the biggest step forward this season will be mental rather than physical.

“For us, it’s understanding that all these challenges will only make us tougher and mentally stronger,” he said. “The biggest thing is believing from day one. Not waiting until the middle of the season to think we can do this. We have to start with that confidence now.”

Ho-Williams believes that mentality could ultimately determine how far Damien goes.

“Our mindset, most definitely,” he said. “Going into every game not taking anybody lightly, playing together as a team, everybody being on the same page and communicating with each other.”

With another veteran roster, a talented group of returning playmakers and the hunger of several near misses, the Monarchs once again enter the season among the favorites in Division I. Whether that finally results in the first football state championship in school history remains the program’s driving motivation.

Damien opens the season against Aiea in a non-league game on Aug. 8 at Pearl City High School.

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