More Than a Game: 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl Returns With Opportunity at the Center

More Than a Game: 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl Returns With Opportunity at the Center

Dec 16, 2025

More Than a Game: 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl Returns With Opportunity at the Center

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED DECEMBER 16, 2025

For Hawai‘i’s high school football seniors still searching for their next opportunity, the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl has become more than an all-star event. It’s a lifeline.

Now entering its second annual edition, the showcase returns on Saturday, December 20, to Waipahu High School’s Masa Yonamine Complex, once again bringing together senior football players from across the islands for a single-day event built on exposure, evaluation, and belief. Hosted by the Hawai‘i Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF), the P.R.O. Bowl is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: Hawai‘i athletes deserve access to college opportunities without the financial barriers that often stand in the way.

That philosophy has already produced results.

Following last year’s event, dozens of student-athletes found doors opening that once seemed closed. According to Hawai‘i NFF Chapter Director Ray Ma’ae, the reward for months of planning came not just from the on-field performances, but from what followed. “The biggest reward from everything,” Ma’ae reflected, “was seeing players give maximum effort and then receive real opportunities afterward,” including multiple college offers that came directly as a result of the game.

Among those moments was a defining one for Kington Costales, a Waianae High School senior who entered the showcase with no offers—and left with a Division I full-ride scholarship to the University of Hawai‘i. Stories like that have come to define what the Senior P.R.O. Bowl represents.

Maui Seniors-Pink Team 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl: Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kauai Seniors | Photo Credit: Blastathletics.com

A One-Day Format With a Bigger Purpose

Unlike traditional all-star events spread across multiple weekends or states, the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl is intentionally designed as a one-day, island-wide gathering. That structure wasn’t accidental.

Ma’ae explained that the original vision included multiple dates and formats, but scheduling realities—and a desire to include every island—ultimately shaped the current model. “We wanted all the islands and all the seniors to participate in one big event,” he said, emphasizing the importance of bringing Hawai‘i’s football community together in a way that feels unified and accessible

The result is a full slate of games that allows college coaches to evaluate athletes in multiple settings, positions, and matchups—often seeing players showcase skills they didn’t have the chance to display during the regular season. For some, that flexibility has made all the difference.

Island Coaches, Shared Mission

This year’s P.R.O. Bowl continues that collaborative spirit, with teams coached by respected leaders from every corner of the state. The sidelines will feature coaches from Hawai’i Island, Maui, and O’ahu, each bringing their own perspective but working toward a common goal: putting student-athletes in the best possible position to be seen.

The teams will be coached by David Murray (Kea‘au), Brad Uemoto (Konawaena), Tyson Valle (Kekaulike), Kena Heffernan (Pac-5), Darren Johnson (Campbell), Bryson Carvalho (Waipahu), and Mika Li‘ili‘i (Aiea).

For Ma’ae, having island representation on both the field and the coaching staff is essential. Hawai‘i athletes, particularly those from neighbor islands, don’t always receive the same level of exposure as their mainland counterparts. The Senior P.R.O. Bowl is designed to change that narrative.

College Eyes on Hawai‘i Talent

The impact of the Senior P.R.O. Bowl extends beyond the high school sidelines, and this year’s event will once again include college coaches actively recruiting in Hawai‘i.

Among those confirmed to be in attendance is Dustin Yorek, the offensive coordinator at Valley City State University and the Vikings’ primary Hawai’i recruiter. Yorek has helped build a strong pipeline of island players to North Dakota, crediting their success to the level of coaching and year-round preparation they receive at home. “Football is loved in Hawai‘i and kids there can train year round with great coaches,” Yorek said, noting that Hawai‘i athletes often arrive “polished” and ready to contribute early in their college careers.

Valley City State has steadily grown its Hawai‘i contingent in recent years, with island athletes carving out meaningful roles in North Dakota. Yorek’s presence at the P.R.O. Bowl reflects exactly what the event is designed to provide: direct access, real evaluation, and face-to-face connections between student-athletes and college programs that are actively investing in Hawai‘i talent.

Eleven football players from Hawai’i pose for a photo as members of the Valley City State University Vikings.

Access Without the Cost

At its core, the event reflects the broader mission of the National Football Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) organization with more than 120 chapters across 47 states. Nationally, the NFF is known for promoting leadership, sportsmanship, competitive excellence, and academic achievement through football. Locally, the Hawai‘i chapter has taken that mission and tailored it to the realities of island life.

“We’re serving a population of student-athletes who can’t afford to travel to the mainland or pay the exorbitant fees tied to some showcases,” Ma’ae said, pointing to the financial challenges many families face.

By keeping events local—and often free—the organization ensures that opportunity isn’t limited by circumstance.

Community Support Makes It Possible

Events of this scale don’t happen without community backing, and the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl continues to grow thanks to local partners who believe in the mission.

Among them, Fantastic Sams Hawai‘i stands as a proud supporter of the event, helping ensure that Hawai‘i’s seniors have a stage to showcase their talent and take meaningful steps toward their next chapter.

1st Practice For Oahu Team Gold, One Of Six Tackle Teams Participating on December 20, 2025 in The 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl @ Waipahu HS.| Photo Credit: @808ProDay

Looking Ahead

As the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl enters another year, the focus remains firmly on the athletes. The names, schools, and storylines may change, but the purpose does not.

For one day in December, Hawai‘i’s senior football players will share the same field, the same spotlight, and the same opportunity—to prove they belong at the next level.

And for many, that opportunity may be the one that changes everything.

CLICK HERE 2025 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl game schedule, rosters, ticket info, and more.

 

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.”

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

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

Dec 11, 2025

'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...

Tainoa Lave set the standard in Campbell’s championship run

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Dec 9, 2025

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808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl Returns to Waipahu on December 20

808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl Returns to Waipahu on December 20

Dec 9, 2025

808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl Returns to Waipahu on December 20 BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULUPUBLISHED DECEMBER 9, 2025The next wave of Hawai‘i football talent gets its moment under the spotlight as the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl returns to Masa Yonamine Complex on Saturday, December...

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

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

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.

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Tainoa Lave set the standard in Campbell’s championship run

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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.

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808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl Returns to Waipahu on December 20

808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl Returns to Waipahu on December 20

Dec 9, 2025

In game action from the 2024 808 Senior P.R.O Bowl. | Photo Credit: Andrew Lee

808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl Returns to Waipahu on December 20

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED DECEMBER 9, 2025

The next wave of Hawai‘i football talent gets its moment under the spotlight as the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl returns to Masa Yonamine Complex on Saturday, December 20. Hosted by the Hawai‘i Chapter of the National Football Foundation (NFF), the annual showcase brings together senior standouts from across the islands for a full day of football, development, and opportunity.

Four games highlight the afternoon and evening slate, paired with an 8 a.m. girls flag football clinic designed to grow the sport and expand access for young female athletes.

A Showcase Rooted in Opportunity

For many participants, this event may be the final chance to perform in front of college coaches. And the results speak loudly:

  • 40 unrecruited athletes earned college opportunities after last year’s P.R.O. Bowl.

  • One Waianae senior with zero offers walked away with an offer from the University of Hawai‘i.

The NFF—backed by 120 chapters in 47 states and recognized nationally as a 501(c)(3)—is dedicated to using amateur football as a platform for leadership, sportsmanship, academic discipline, and personal growth. Here in Hawai‘i, the chapter remains committed to leveling the playing field for athletes who cannot afford mainland camps or high-cost showcases. The Senior P.R.O. Bowl ensures they’re still seen, still evaluated, and still given a pathway forward.

Coaches From Across the Islands Unite

This year’s Senior P.R.O. Bowl brings together an impressive lineup of coaches representing programs from across the state.

The teams will be coached by a collective of respected local leaders, including:

  • David Murray (Kea‘au)

  • Brad Uemoto (Konawaena)

  • Tyson Valle (Kekaulike)

  • Kena Heffernan (Pac-5)

  • Darren Johnson (Campbell)

  • Bryson Carvalho (Waipahu)

  • Mika Li‘ili‘i (Aiea)

On the girls’ side, the flag football clinic and showcase will feature coaching from Gabe Valentin (Kealakehe), Will Naboa (Campbell), Dawny Jones (Roosevelt / WEAH Foundation)—a key figure in advancing girls flag football opportunities across the state.

Together, these coaches represent every corner of the islands and a shared mission of helping student-athletes take the next step toward collegiate opportunities.

Game Day Schedule – Saturday, December 20, 2025

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

PHOTOS FROM THE 2024 808 SENIOR P.R.O. BOWL

Campbell outlasts Kamehameha in overtime to win first HHSAA Open title

Campbell outlasts Kamehameha in overtime to win first HHSAA Open title

Dec 6, 2025

The Campbell Sabers celebrate after winning the first HHSAA Open Division state title in program history. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Campbell outlasts Kamehameha in overtime to win first HHSAA Open title

BY PAUL BRECHT | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED DECEMBER 6, 2025

HONOLULU – There will be fireworks all night in ‘Ewa Beach.

The Campbell Sabers (9-3) capped off the high school football season in prime fashion Friday night at T.C. Ching Athletics Complex on the campus of the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, taking down Kamehameha-Kapālama (5-5) in overtime of the 2025 First Hawaiian Bank Football Championships Open Division title game, 26-23, to claim the second state championship in program history.

Senior QB Brayden Medeiros completed 11-of-15 passes for 151 yards and three touchdowns for the Sabers, including the game-winning pass to Zayne Pasion on the final play of the game to become the third program in nine seasons to take home an Open state championship.

San Diego State commit Tainoa Lave did a little bit of everything in his final high school game for Campbell as he recorded a game-high 11 tackles (10 solo) on defense, a 55-yard punt return on special teams and 50 yards of total offense (plus a rushing touchdown) to clinch the win.

After the teams traded stops across a scoreless opening quarter, Lave provided the first true spark of the night for either side with his 55-yard punt return, taking advantage of a sleeping Warriors coverage unit to set up the Sabers at the KSK 21 to begin the second period.

Campbell wasted little time capitalizing, seeing Medeiros connect with junior Brystin Sansano on a 21-yard TD pass to grab a 7-0 lead with 10:38 remaining in the first half.

Kamehameha-Kapālama responded on the ensuing drive with the help of a free first down by way of a roughing the passer penalty on third-and-long.

After an interception in the end zone by Campbell DB Jaedon Pablo later in the drive was wiped out by another personal foul penalty against the defensive line, KSK RB Nainoa Melchor dealt the tying blow for the Warriors as he raced around the left edge for an 11-yard score.

KSK forced a punt on the following Campbell possession after Kalei Harbottle got home for a sack, allowing the Warriors to tack on a 25-yard Tyler Fujimoto field goal as time expired in the first half to take the lead for the first time all night, 10-7, as the teams went to the locker rooms for the break.

Campbell tried to snatch back the momentum when play resumed in the third, recovering a pooch kick to steal an extra possession. The Warriors defense stepped up with another stop despite the surprise second-half starting kick, seeing Harbottle get home for the second time to force the Sabers to settle for a 34-yard field goal attempt that would sail wide-right.

The teams traded stops as the third frame progressed until Campbell finally started to wear down the KSK defense with six runs down the stretch of the quarter, working inside the Warriors’ 10 as the game moved into the final 12 minutes of regulation.

Lave rammed forward five yards for a TD on the first play of the final frame to put the Sabers back in front, but Kamehameha blocked the PAT to keep within a field goal with 11:54 to play.

Campbell seemingly took full control a few minutes later after Mana Forges was hit as he threw and Shaison Kupukaa intercepted the Kamehameha quarterback near midfield. The Sabers dialed up the deep shot on the very next play as Medeiros hit Lathaniel Teleaai on for a 55-yard bomb, putting the Sabers up by 10 with 7:53 remaining in regulation.

Kamehameha was able to make it a one-possession game with 3:49 still left to work with after settling for a 22-yard field goal from Fujimoto. WR Jayden Braun looked to have a diving TD catch on 2nd-and-Goal, but replay review overturned the call on the field after showing the ball hit the ground before he secured it.

After forcing a punt by the Sabers to get one last chance, Kamehameha marched 75 yards down the field in 73 seconds to tie the game at 20 as Hazyn Botelho ran tough for an 11-yard touchdown to force overtime for the first time since the Open Division Championship came into existence in 2016.

Tyler Fujimoto put the Warriors up with a 31-yard field goal with their opportunity in overtime, giving the lead to Kamehameha-Kapālama while leaving the door open for a walk-off win for the Sabers.

With the door cracked, Campbell crashed into the winner’s circle as Medeiros floated a pass towards the right sideline for Zayne Pasion for a game-winning 17-yard TD to clinch the program’s first Open Division championship and second overall state title in football.

Kamehameha QB Mana Forges wrapped up his senior season completing 15-of-33 pass attempts for 129 yards, throwing for one touchdown and one interception in the loss. Senior RB Nainoa Melchor racked up a game-high 102 yards rushing and a touchdown while leading the Warriors with four catches for 37 yards out of the backfield.

“I want to cry without crying; I don’t want to go to sleep,” An emotional ninth-year head coach Darren Johnson said after the victory. “I just want to say thank you to everybody.”

The Sabers become just the second OIA program to take home a state title in Hawai’i’s highest level of high school competition and the third program overall to win the Open Division since its creation. Powerhouses Kahuku and Saint Louis were the lone two programs to win across the first eight title games, seeing Punahou and Mililani sneak into the game a few times only to fall in three separate tries.

Campbell also dealt the first-ever HHSAA state title game loss to the Kamehameha-Kapālama football program. The Warriors had won each of their previous appearances in the Division I title game in both 2004 and 2009.

It also checked off one of the biggest remaining boxes for Johnson, who had previous stops with Kailua and Kaimuki before Campbell but had never made it to a state title game, let alone won one.

The veteran head coach finally reached the pinnacle of Hawai’i high school football. He’s got a community fit for the celebration, too.

“Brah, I don’t know if they’re going to sleep tonight,” Johnson said of the team bringing a state championship back to ‘Ewa Beach. “I don’t know, if [the community] got firecrackers going off tonight … I just love these kids.”

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