KAPALAMA HEIGHTS — The Kamehameha Warriors came within a few plays of ending a 16-year state championship drought last season.

After winning the ILH title for the first time since 2009, Kamehameha advanced to the Open Division state championship game, where it fell to Campbell 26-23 in overtime.

Now, the Warriors return with another opportunity — and the sting of coming so close still fresh.

“It’s been a long work in progress going back to January with this group,” Kamehameha coach Kaeo Drummondo said. “I know that they’re chomping at the bit to get after it against somebody else. They’ve worked hard, we’re excited for this 2026 group.”

Drummondo, a 2003 Kamehameha alumnus, enters his fourth season at the helm with a team that should once again be anchored by its defense.

Linebacker Evan Cazimero, safety Moose Wailehua and defensive tackles Esaiah Wong and Lennox Chee headline a veteran group that also includes linebackers Iraia Manumaleuna and Tau Purcell, defensive end Frank Abreu and defensive backs Niamiah and Nainoah Samia.

The defense also gets a major boost from the return of TCU commit Linkin Apana, who missed nearly all of last season after suffering a season-ending injury in the opener.

“I’m super excited,” Apana said. “We’ve been working ever since we lost that championship game. We’re ready to get back, we’re ready to work. This first game coming up, it’s a blessing to be back out here, especially for me, being injured. I’m just ready to put it on the line for my defense, play for my brothers.”

Apana believes Kamehameha has the personnel to be among the state’s best defensive units.

“We have a great defense, it’s the best in the state. Hands down,” Apana said. “We have too many defensive weapons, offenses better watch out for us this season.”

Defense has been a defining characteristic of the Warriors under Drummondo, and he expects that to remain the case in 2026.

“It’s no secret. A lot of our identity has been tied to the defense this last several years,” Drummondo said. “It’s not to say we don’t want to have a good offense that can put up 30-40 points a game, everybody wants that. Ultimately you play to the strengths of your personnel and this is one of those years where our experience and our depth is on the defensive side.”

The offense, meanwhile, will have to replace several starters who moved on to play Division I college football.

That has put an increased emphasis on player development as Kamehameha works to bring its younger players along.

“It’s about development,” Drummondo said. “Are we getting the next guys ready, are we getting their bodies ready, mentally are we getting them ready for our scheme so when it’s their turn like it is now, are they ready to go out there and perform to a degree that which we need.”

Wide receiver Jayden Braun provides some valuable experience to the young offense and has embraced a leadership role among the receiving corps.

“I feel like all the young receivers look up to me right now since I’m technically the oldest,” Braun said. “I’m just trying to be a good role model for them and get them better every day.”

Braun also has confidence in the Warriors’ young quarterbacks, who have been working with Leon Cordeiro, who takes on an elevated role on the offensive staff this season.

“I feel like our QB group is really good right now,” Braun said. “I feel like they’re getting better, they’re working a lot this offseason, and Leon too. He’s been working with them the whole time. I think we got better than before.”

Kamehameha could also benefit from the return of running back Maddox Sharrer, who missed last season.

“I feel we can pass the ball a lot this year,” Braun said. “We’re looking forward to that. Also we can run the ball with Maddox too. He didn’t play this last season, so I’m really looking forward to him playing this season and I really hope he does good.”

Special teams could be another weapon for the Warriors.

Senior Tyler Fujimoto returns with one of the stronger kicking legs in the state, giving Kamehameha an experienced option in a phase that can often decide close games.

“It’s the underrated phase,” Drummondo said. “If every drive ends in a kick, you win every game, and to have somebody like Tyler with the experience that he has back for his senior season, it’s a weapon.”

With last year’s run to the state championship game comes increased expectations, but Drummondo is urging his players to block out the outside noise.

“The ILH is tough. At the end of the day, we control our controllables,” Drummondo said. “We control ourselves. Anything that’s outside of what we’re doing outside of here is noise, the good and the bad.”

The Warriors’ approach is simple: focus on the next practice, the next game plan and the details within their control.

“We just have to play clean football and the scoreboard will show what the scoreboard shows at the end of the 48 minutes,” Drummondo said.

For Apana, the final season of his high school career carries an added appreciation after spending much of last year on the sideline.

“Coach Kaeo definitely holds us to a high standard,” Apana said. “It’s a blessing to be a part of, to play something that he’s built. I’ve played with him all four years that he’s been here and I’m glad he’s my head coach for my last season.”

Kamehameha opens the season at home against Farrington on Friday.