Football provides the option to snatch souls or get your soul snatched. The University of Hawai’i football team experienced the latter of the two on Saturday, seeing their losing ways in Laramie continue as Wyoming (2-2, 1-0 Mountain West) took...
Annual football showcase continues to grow in its third year
Annual football showcase continues to grow in its third year
The annual 808 P.R.O. Day football showcase continues to grow in its third year, drawing more than 200 participants and nearly 10 college programs to Waipahu High School’s Masa Yonamine Athletic Complex last Saturday.
The event provides student-athlete with athletic testing, position drills and direct instruction and evaluation from college coaches. Organizers also expanded the showcase this year to include middle school athletes, creating exposure opportunities for the upcoming generation.
P.R.O. stands for “Player Recruitment Opportunity.”
Founded by Ray and Lei Ma’ae, the showcase launched in May 2024 with just three college programs in attendance. This year’s event featured coaches and representatives from programs including Central Washington, Missouri Southern, Puget Sound, Valley City State, Utah Islanders, Azusa Pacific and Sul Ross State. A representative from the from the National Junior College Prep Football League, which represents 18 institutions nationwide, also attended.
“We are so excited that we were able to bring this event to the kids so that the kids have an opportunity to get in front of college coaches,” Lei Ma’ae said.
“It’s really giving exposure to our athletes so that they don’t have to travel to the mainland and spend exorbitant cost to get there.”
A number of college coaches were in attendance to scout and evaluate talent from Hawai’i at the 808 P.R.O. Day.
Prospective student-athletes visit a college booth after the 808 P.R.O. Day.
Event organizer Lei Ma’ae chats with a coach from Missouri Southern.
The event also continued to expand opportunities for girls flag football players. Organizers held a separate girls showcase May 17, which drew strong participation and interest.
About 40 athletes traveled from neighboring islands to attend this year’s showcase, highlighting the growing statewide reach of the program.
The genesis of the showcase was inspired by longtime college football coach Terry Donahue and the California Showcase, which attracts coaches from over 60 NCAA Division II, Division III, NAIA and junior college programs.
Lei Ma’ae said adding middle school athletes this year allowed younger players to gain valuable experience in a competitive environment.
“They got the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and try something new that they haven’t done before, and they got to do it side by side with the college coaches,” she said.
The Ma’ae family’s connection to football recruiting runs deep. Their son, Treven Ma’ae, is currently a defensive lineman for the Las Vegas Raiders. He began his high school career at Kapolei before relocating to pursue greater exposure, later playing collegiately at Oregon and Baylor.
Organizers said they hope to continue expanding the showcase in future years.
“If we can continue this and be like the California Showcase with 60 colleges in Hawai’i, let’s shoot for the stars and see where we can take it,” Lei Ma’ae said.
The family also plans to bring the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl to Maui in December.
“There’s so many people in the community who believe in our athletes and that is the message,” Lei Ma’ae said. “We have to believe in our athletes and help them take the next step.”
Linda Fehoko of the Fehoko family addresses the participants and families at the 808 P.R.O. Day.
The 808 P.R.O. Day and 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl are hosted by the Hawai‘i Chapter of the National Football Foundation, in partnership with the Fehoko Family Foundation.
The National Football Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) organization with 120 chapters across 47 states, uses amateur football as a platform to promote leadership, sportsmanship, academic discipline and personal growth. The Hawai‘i chapter focuses on helping local student-athletes gain recruiting exposure and scholarship opportunities, particularly for families unable to afford mainland camps and showcases.
2026 808 P.R.O. DAY TOP PERFORMERS
Defensive lineman Joel Taylor was a top performer at the 808 P.R.O. Day for a second straight year.
HIGH SCHOOL LINEMEN
Offensive MVP: Angel Watson-Amaral
Defensive MVP: Joel Taylor
Trystin Nahinu
Andrew Nohara
John-Michael DeFreitas
Chaysten Maauga
Peyton Taumua
Jake Brown
HIGH SCHOOL SKILLS
Offensive MVP: Loea Aseuega-Stark
Defensive MVP: Stryker Sua
Blake Alo
James Tuazon
Ace Williams
Vitale Elisara-Savea
Jason Ganiron
Kanoa Kameehonua
Tayvin Kahele
Matteo Nera-Voa
HIGH SCHOOL QUARTERBACK/SPECIALIST
Overall MVP: Dominick Kelley
Overall MVP: Kekoa Keau-Davis
Memphis Baker
Caizel Jesus-Kapesi
Tyler Gines-Hufana
Jacob Ballesteros
Long Snapper: Alex Oishi
Kicker: Tyler Fujimoto
Kamehameha-Kapalama kicker Tyler Fujimoto is one of the top prospects in the state at his position.
MIDDLE SCHOOL LINEMEN
Offensive MVP: Khaisyn Sakaria-Moore
Defensive MVP: Issac Rearson
David Maielua
Shane Harrington Jr.
Roman Tai
Payton Masalosalo-Leaeno
MIDDLE SCHOOL SKILLS
Defensive MVP: Malachi Liua-Lewis
Offensive MVP: Rayson Dumlao
Shayzen Merseburgh
Mattiaus Puletasi
Tuff Mandaloniz
Lawai’a Asuega-Stark
MIDDLE SCHOOL OVERALL
Overall MVP: Shayzen Merseburgh
Airae Gomes
Anthony Gamboa
