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 Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi’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 Hawaiʻi’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.

Annual football showcase continues to grow in its third year

Annual football showcase continues to grow in its third year

May 25, 2026

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...

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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.

Annual football showcase continues to grow in its third year

Annual football showcase continues to grow in its third year

May 25, 2026

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...

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Waipahu Marauders ready for another Division I title chase

Waipahu Marauders ready for another Division I title chase

Jul 23, 2026

Waipahu Marauders ready for another Division I title chase

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 of the season. Waipahu dropped its final three games, including consecutive losses to eventual Division I state champion Kailua, ending what had once appeared to be a promising campaign.

Now, head coach Bryson Carvalho believes those lessons have helped shape a veteran group determined to return to the top of Division I football.

“The expectation and the standard is always going to be the same — to play at the highest level,” Carvalho said. “The goal is always to play into November.”

Carvalho, a Waipahu alumnus, returns for another season leading his alma mater alongside an experienced coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Zach Mauga returns to direct the offense, while Mathias Tuitele enters his second season as defensive coordinator after installing a unique defensive system that players have grown increasingly comfortable with.

“I thought we had a good offseason,” Carvalho said. “The kids have been real committed. We return our two coordinators, so that’s always good. Having guys familiar with the system on both offense and defense makes a big difference.”

The Marauders enter the season as one of the favorites in Hawaiʻi’s highly competitive Division I classification, where Carvalho believes nearly every matchup presents a challenge.

“I think Division I is the best division competition-wise in the state,” Carvalho said. “It’s always wide open. Every game can go either way.”

The foundation of Waipahu’s offense begins up front with one of the state’s most experienced offensive lines.

Twin brothers Pierce and Peyton Taumua return alongside Andrew Ponafala-Fruean to anchor a veteran unit expected to pave the way for one of the state’s top rushing attacks.

RB Rocco Silofau takes a handoff during a Waipahu football practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Running back Tristan Pacheco headlines the offense after emerging as one of Hawaiʻi’s premier ball carriers last season, while fellow running back Rocco Silofau provides a physical complement in the backfield.

“We have high expectations for our offensive line,” Carvalho said. “We return Tristan Pacheco, who I think was the state’s leading rusher, and we got a few additions at receiver. I’m excited about what our offense is capable of doing.”

Quarterback David Vidinha also returns after his 2025 season was cut short by a concussion, an injury Carvalho believes dramatically altered the trajectory of the Marauders’ season.

“I think the injury to David really affected us big time,” Carvalho said. “Having a backup plan, that’s always important.”

That lesson led Waipahu to bolster its quarterback room by adding sophomore Jacob Garcia, who transferred from Mililani during the offseason. Garcia has pushed Vidinha throughout the summer, giving the Marauders valuable depth at the position.

“All summer they’ve been competing,” Carvalho said. “Jake really picked up the system well. It’s neck and neck right now.”

Garcia believes the Marauders possess the talent to field one of the state’s most explosive offenses.

Jacob Garcia drops back to pass in a Waipahu football practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“We’ve got a lot of weapons,” Garcia said. “The linemen, the running backs and the receivers all make my job easier.”

Waipahu’s receiving corps features returning playmakers Nazareth Failauga, Tyler Lim and Lyric Anuenue, while Saint Louis transfer Jayse Braun adds another weapon to an offense looking to replace production lost by graduated receivers Titan Figueroa and Jayvren Pinera.

The defense also returns much of its core.

Linebackers Christopher “Topher” Togiai and Colossus Letalu, defensive lineman Jordan Pefua and defensive back Jayboy Ganiron headline a group that Carvalho expects to take another step forward under Tuitele’s expanded defensive playbook. Legend Ramento also returns as another experienced contributor.

Ganiron, entering his senior season, believes the Marauders have developed a different mentality.

“I’m excited. This is my last year,” Ganiron said. “I’ve been here for all four years, ready to learn, compete and do my thing.”

He added that the defense has embraced a more aggressive identity.

“We got that dog mentality,” Ganiron said. “There’s a big difference with all the play calls. It’s way different, and it’s working for us.”

Waipahu will also look to replace several key graduates, including linebacker Wyatt O’Neill, linebacker Jhayean Baptista and defensive back Maddox Stewart.

Waipahu head coach Bryson Carvalho addresses the team after practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Despite the personnel losses, Carvalho believes leadership will determine whether the Marauders can avoid another late-season fade.

“I think staying healthy is one,” Carvalho said. “Trust each other, build the brotherhood we’ve always been known for, and have player leadership.”

Carvalho identified Togiai, Vidinha, the Taumua twins and Ponafala-Fruean as players capable of providing that leadership.

The Marauders open the 2026 season at home against Campbell on Friday, Aug. 7, beginning what they hope will be another march toward the postseason.

After capturing the OIA and Division I state championships in 2023, Waipahu knows it has the talent to contend again. This year’s challenge will be sustaining that level of play from August through November.

Annual football showcase continues to grow in its third year

Annual football showcase continues to grow in its third year

May 25, 2026

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...

read more
Campbell embraces championship expectations after breakthrough title run

Campbell embraces championship expectations after breakthrough title run

Jul 22, 2026

Campbell embraces championship expectations after breakthrough title run

EWA BEACH — For the first time in program history, Campbell enters a football season as the team everyone else is chasing.

The Sabers’ improbable run to the 2025 Open Division state championship transformed Campbell from a postseason Cinderella into a title favorite. Now, after a 9-3 campaign capped by a dramatic 26-23 overtime victory over Kamehameha for the Koa Trophy, the challenge has shifted from proving they belong to proving they can stay on top.

Head coach Darren Johnson, entering his 10th season at Campbell after taking over the program in 2017, isn’t interested in reinventing the formula that produced the school’s first Open Division crown.

“I haven’t changed,” Johnson said. “We played good football last year and we hope to play good football this year and hopefully we play great football when it counts. We do preach we’re the reigning champions and we don’t want to be dethroned. People have got to beat you. Don’t beat yourself.”

Veteran head coach Darren Johnson enters his 10th year in charge of the Campbell football team. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Campbell’s championship run was built on resilience. The Sabers won their final three games by four points or fewer, including the overtime state title victory, showing an ability to thrive in pressure situations.

That mentality remains intact thanks to a veteran core led by Sacramento State commit Isaiah Chong and University of Hawaiʻi commit Shaison “Fatz” Kupukaa. Also returning are defensive back Kenaniah Toia, wide receiver Chase Yamashita, linebacker-turned-safety Jeovanny Maghamil-Avilla, running back James Tuazon, defensive end Myikca “Silk” Alston and offensive lineman Siosiua Afungia.

“I think everyone has the same mindset just like last year,” Chong said. “We’re going to build off of it. We have a bunch of guys coming back that have that same mindset. We’ve got a lot of dogs, underrated guys. They want the recognition and they want what’s theirs. Everyone is hungry and we’re going to forget about last season and work harder.”

Kupukaa echoed that sentiment.

“We know we have a lot to prove this season,” he said. “We’re not going to stop for less. We’re going to put our heads down and keep grinding. We’re going to trust DJ again and hopefully go back-to-back.”

 

Shaison Kupukaa lines up at safety during a Campbell football practice in June 2026. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Campbell also strengthened an already talented roster through several key additions.

The biggest acquisition is offensive lineman Isaiah Bertola, who returns to Campbell after spending last season at Farrington. The California commit gives the Sabers one of the state’s premier offensive linemen and reinforces an offensive front expected to be among the OIA’s best.

Johnson also welcomed linebacker TJ Alualu, a member of Saint Louis’ 2024 state championship team, while running back Charlesten Salazar arrives after rushing for more than 1,000 yards at Keaʻau. Quarterbacks Dallas Carter, formerly of Mililani, and Memphis Baker from Waianae are among several players competing to replace graduated starter Brayden Medeiros.

“Getting Isaiah back is a great addition,” Johnson said of Bertola. “He’s surrounded by good players and they work hard relentlessly. They know we need to win games in the trenches.”

Chong called Bertola’s return equally significant.

“He’s a dog,” Chong said. “He’s a top prospect in the nation. That’s my best friend. Having him back is awesome, not only on the football field but at school.”

 

Talented offensive lineman Isaiah Bertola lines up at left tackle for the Sabers. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

The Sabers also made a major change on the coaching staff by hiring former Kahuku standout and Oregon State player Lamone Williams as defensive coordinator.

The biggest question entering fall camp remains quarterback.

With Medeiros now playing collegiately at Valley City State, Johnson said as many as five or six players have competed for the starting job, with Carter and Baker emerging among the leading contenders.

“I think we need leadership,” Johnson said. “They’ve got to surround themselves with guys they trust to make plays. It’s a tough competition. We’re happy with what we see, but we’re not satisfied.”

Chong said both transfers have impressed during offseason workouts.

“Dallas came from Mililani. I played against him twice, so I knew he was a dog,” Chong said. “Memphis, I played with him in youth football, so I know he’s a dog too. I’m excited to have both of them.”

 

Quarterback Dallas Carter fires off a pass during a Campbell football practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Campbell will also navigate another season without a true home field as construction continues on the school’s new stadium. Johnson said the Sabers have embraced the challenge after spending much of last season on the road.

“They know we’ve got to travel,” Johnson said. “We did it last year. We’ve got to do it again. We’ve got to be those road warriors and do what we do best, and that’s try to win football games.”

Despite losing standouts Tainoa Lave, Medeiros, Zayne Pasion, Tevita Paongo, Vili Mareko and Chantz Chargualaf to graduation, along with versatile playmaker Brystin Sansano, who transferred to Bishop Gorman, Campbell believes it has enough returning talent and depth to remain among Hawaiʻi’s elite.

More than 100 players competed for just 55 varsity roster spots this offseason, evidence of how dramatically interest in the program has grown since Johnson arrived nearly a decade ago.

 

Quarterbacks Memphis Baker (left) and Jayden Delos Santos (right) attempt a pass at practice. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“It’s still a big work in progress,” Johnson said. “We love these kids. We see which ones are committed. We need a complete kid to play football for us.”

Campbell opens defense of its Open Division title on Aug. 7 with a road game against Waipahu, beginning a season in which the Sabers will no longer surprise anyone.

The expectations have never been higher in Ewa Beach. Neither has the belief that Campbell belongs among Hawaiʻi’s football powers.

Annual football showcase continues to grow in its third year

Annual football showcase continues to grow in its third year

May 25, 2026

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...

read more
Ucciardi’s journey mirrored Kalaheo football’s remarkable turnaround

Ucciardi’s journey mirrored Kalaheo football’s remarkable turnaround

Jul 21, 2026

Ucciardi’s journey mirrored Kalaheo football’s remarkable turnaround

Sean Ucciardi addresses the crowd at a signing day event on his final day as a Kalaheo student. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

When Sean Ucciardi looks back on his four years at Kalaheo High School, he doesn’t just see sacks, all-star honors or a college football scholarship.

He sees a football program that grew up alongside him.

As a freshman, Ucciardi was part of a Kalaheo team that finished 1-8 overall and 1-6 in OIA play. Wins were scarce, confidence was hard to come by and the Mustangs were searching for a new direction.

Four years later, Ucciardi walked out of Kalaheo as one of the school’s most accomplished football players, helping lead the Mustangs to a 7-2 record, the No. 2 seed in the OIA Division II playoffs and signing to continue his career at Valley City State University in North Dakota.

“This is just an amazing feeling,” Ucciardi said during a signing ceremony held in Kalaheo’s gymnasium on his final day of high school. “I’m so happy that Valley City is giving me this opportunity. It’s been a long football journey. My freshman year we were 1-8 and it was just a rough time all around. Then we had a great coaching change and it’s just been getting better from here.”

The turning point for both player and program came when Jaymason Lee was hired before Ucciardi’s sophomore season.

Lee inherited a team coming off a one-win campaign. The Mustangs improved to 2-5 in his first season before reaching the OIA Division II playoffs a year later with a 4-5 overall record.

By Ucciardi’s senior year, Kalaheo had become one of the league’s top programs.

The Mustangs finished 7-2 overall, went 5-2 in conference play and entered the postseason as the No. 2 seed.

“I’m just happy that I can be a piece in making the school better and just the football better,” Ucciardi said.

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound standout became the face of that turnaround because he was willing to play wherever the team needed him.

As a sophomore defensive lineman, he recorded five sacks, including three in a victory over McKinley that snapped a three-game losing streak during Lee’s inaugural season. He earned honorable mention All-Hawaii honors and second-team All-OIA recognition.

Sean Ucciardi tracks the quarterback in a game against Kalani during his junior season. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

His junior season was even more impressive.

Ucciardi exploded for one of the state’s top defensive campaigns, earning First Team All-OIA and First Team All-Hawaii honors as an edge rusher. His season included a nationally televised performance against Waialua in which he recorded five sacks.

Instead of building on those numbers at defensive end as a senior, Ucciardi embraced a different challenge.

He moved to middle linebacker on defense while also sliding to center on offense, taking over responsibilities that required leadership as much as athletic ability.

“I wouldn’t even call it a sacrifice playing linebacker,” Ucciardi said. “I’ve always wanted to play linebacker. Stats might show that I’m better at edge rusher, but I’m definitely a linebacker, and I’m looking forward to being a linebacker from now on.”

Lee said that selflessness defined Ucciardi’s career.

Sean Ucciardi prepares to snap the ball in a Kalaheo Mustangs game against Kalani. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“Sean played everywhere on the line for us and everywhere on the D-line for us,” Lee said. “Going into his senior year he took it upon himself to take over the center position, moving from left tackle and left guard. He became the quarterback of the line because he understood all the plays and the whole system. He helped direct the line in their protections and blocking assignments.”

Learning middle linebacker presented another challenge.

“We put him in an uncomfortable position,” Lee said. “He was an edge rusher in the trenches, and now we’re forcing him to get into pass coverage and play downhill at the same time. He took that on and did a really good job for us.”

The move didn’t slow him down.

Ucciardi earned First Team All-OIA honors at linebacker and a Second Team All-Hawaii selection while also earning Second Team All-OIA recognition as an offensive lineman.

For Ucciardi, though, Lee’s biggest impact came away from the field.

Kalaheo football coach Jaymason Lee looks on during a game against Kalani. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“Coach Jaymason has made me a stronger person emotionally and physically,” Ucciardi said.

“When my sophomore year rolled around, I was really dejected from the season before and worried about having to prove myself. But I never had to prove myself to Coach Jaymason. He saw me as the player I was. He saw my potential and wanted to bring out the best in me and make me a better player and just a stronger person. Because of him, he’s made me so much better.”

His next opportunity will take him thousands of miles from home.

Valley City State has quietly become one of the strongest landing spots for Hawaiʻi football players, with 11 island athletes on the Vikings’ roster during the 2025 season. Offensive coordinator Dustin Yorek has spearheaded the recruiting effort, while a partnership with Fantastic Sams Hawaiʻi has created additional scholarship opportunities for student-athletes from the islands.

Ucciardi said his relationship with Yorek made the decision easy.

“He was very kind,” Ucciardi said. “He had everything laid out and gave me all the information I needed. He answered all my questions and we kept really good contact.

“When I went out to visit, I met with him and a bunch of the other coaches. I had a great tour. Everyone was so kind and helpful. I even met some of the players. Just great vibes all around.”

Valley City State recruited him as a middle linebacker, the position he always envisioned playing.

“I’ve been recruited as a middle linebacker,” Ucciardi said. “I’m looking forward to doing some good work over there.”

Off the field, Ucciardi plans to major in pre-occupational therapy before pursuing a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

Long after the awards are forgotten, Ucciardi hopes his legacy at Kalaheo will be remembered for something bigger than statistics.

His career began with a one-win season and ended with the Mustangs among the OIA’s best. In helping change the trajectory of the program, Ucciardi also changed the trajectory of his own future.

Sean Ucciardi poses fro a photo with his family. | Photo: Michael Lasquero