Sterling Carvalho returns to high school sidelines as new Saint Louis head football coach

Sterling Carvalho returns to high school sidelines as new Saint Louis head football coach

Nov 10, 2026

Sterling Carvalho returns to high school sidelines as new Saint Louis head football coach

Sterling Carvalho is returning to the high school football sidelines, this time taking over one of Hawai‘i’s most storied programs.

The former Kahuku head coach, who guided the Red Raiders to three consecutive HHSAA Open Division state championships from 2021 to 2023, has accepted the head football coaching position at Saint Louis School, multiple sources told Hawai‘i Sports Radio Network on Tuesday.

Carvalho confirmed the news later Tuesday afternoon when reached by phone. A formal announcement from the school is forthcoming.

“I’m definitely excited for this opportunity,” Carvalho said. “To continue to carry on the tradition and legacy of Saint Louis.”

For Carvalho, the opportunity represents more than a return to coaching. It is a chance to lead another historic program while continuing to invest in the development of young men.

“It means a lot. First of all, it shows the faith and trust in the administration,” Carvalho said. “For me, it’s all about mentoring the young men at Kalaepohaku. It’s the ability to help these young men fulfill their dreams beyond high school and make them men on and off the field.”

Carvalho takes over a Saint Louis program that has experienced an unusual stretch of transition for a school synonymous with championship football.

The Crusaders parted ways with head coach Tupu Alualu in mid-September after opening the 2026 season 0-4. Saint Louis finished the season 1-8. Alualu had led the program to a state championship in his first season in 2024, defeating Carvalho and Kahuku in the title game.

Leonard Lau, who served as Saint Louis’ interim head coach following Alualu’s departure, is expected to remain on staff as associate head coach.

Carvalho arrives at Kalaepohaku with a championship resume and a proven record of building a consistent winner.

During his six seasons as Kahuku’s varsity head coach, Carvalho compiled a 59-18 record and led the Red Raiders to four OIA championships and three consecutive state titles. Kahuku reached the OIA Open Division championship game in every season under his leadership.

The 2021, 2022 and 2023 championship runs established one of the most successful stretches in Kahuku football history. The Red Raiders put together a 32-game winning streak against Hawai‘i opponents during that span and earned national recognition along the way.

Among the highlights was Kahuku’s 2023 victory over St. John Bosco of California, which entered the matchup ranked No. 3 nationally and was the reigning national champion.

Now Carvalho takes over a Saint Louis program with a championship tradition that stretches back more than five decades.

The Crusaders have won 22 state-level championships, including 14 Oahu Prep Bowl titles and eight HHSAA state tournament championships. Saint Louis captured 13 consecutive Prep Bowl titles from 1986 to 1998, establishing one of the most dominant runs in Hawai‘i high school football history.

The program’s eight HHSAA state championships came in 1999, 2002, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2024. The Crusaders’ most recent championship came in Carvalho’s final season at Kahuku, when Saint Louis defeated the Red Raiders in the 2024 state championship game.

His impact at Kahuku extended beyond the championship trophies. After being promoted from the junior varsity program ahead of the 2018 season, he provided stability to a program that had gone through several head coaching changes in the years before his arrival.

Under Carvalho, Kahuku became a consistent presence in the state championship picture and one of the premier high school football programs in the country.

His tenure with the Red Raiders ended in April 2025, when Kahuku announced that Carvalho would no longer serve as head coach. The dismissal came after he had guided the program to within one victory of a fourth consecutive state championship in 2024.

Saint Louis now becomes the next chapter in Carvalho’s coaching career.

Waipahu smashes Aiea to roll to OIA Division I title

Waipahu smashes Aiea to roll to OIA Division I title

Nov 7, 2026

PEARL CITY – For the 15th time in program history, the Waipahu Marauders stand atop the OIA football ranks. Behind a four-touchdown showing from star sophomore quarterback Jake Garcia, the Waipahu varsity football team cruised to a dominant 42-7...

read more
Kapolei hits Mililani with perfect storm to snatch OIA Open crown

Kapolei hits Mililani with perfect storm to snatch OIA Open crown

Nov 8, 2026

Kapolei hits Mililani with perfect storm to snatch OIA Open crown

Kapolei RB Chazz-Michael Kapahu flexes after scoring one of his two touchdowns in the OIA Open Division Championship game against Mililani. | Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo, HSRN

MILILANI – The recipe for success never changed for the Kapolei Hurricanes.

Suffocate opposing offenses with the best defense in the state and play smashmouth football offensively with the top running game in the entire Open Division.

That combination helped top-seeded Kapolei cruise to a 29-10 victory over second-seeded Mililani in the OIA Open Division championship game on Saturday night at John Kauinana Stadium, delivering the first league title in program history for the Hurricanes.

Senior tailback Chazz-Michael “Mikey” Kapahu turned up for a season-high 245 rushing yards, 214 of which came after halftime, while taking two trips to the endzone for a Kapolei squad that smashed a talented Mililani group after the midway break.

“I just knew that I had to run harder, faster and better,” Kapahu stated about his incredible second-half performance.

After a scoreless opening quarter that saw both defenses stand tall, Mililani scratched ahead with a three-yard touchdown run from Toa Sam about midway through the second frame. Kapolei responded after an unnecessary roughness penalty against the Trojans that pushed them into the redzone on the ensuing drive, knotting the game at 7-7 as Hurricanes QB Jonez Nunuha floated an 18-yard pass into the arms of senior Noah Papu-Muaava with 35 second left in the opening half.

Mililani was able to take a 10-7 lead into the break after senior wideout Damen Nakagawa took a first-down pass 52 yards into Kapolei territory. A penalty against the Hurricanes put the Trojans on the Kapolei 19 and allowed Mililani to tack on a 29-yard field goal as time expired.

Kapolei wasted little time taking its first lead of the night after play resumed, needing just two handoffs to Kapahu to cruise ahead as the senior running back took the second play of the third quarter on a 73-yard sprint to the endzone to put the Hurricanes ahead, 14-10.

“The safeties took a bad angle, and I just ran,” Kapahu said of the go-ahead score to open the third frame.

The two squads traded punts before Kapahu did it again with 5:15 left in the third quarter, bursting through for a 56-yard run and taking a direct snap 30 yards on the very next play to extend the lead to 12 for the Hurricanes.

Kapolei’s defense delivered a backbreaking blow on the next possession, seeing defensive back Hayden Hose wrestle the ball away from Mililani wide receiver Zion White for the second interception of the night by the Hurricanes. It marked the first time this season that any team had snagged multiple interceptions from star Mililani junior quarterback Hunter Fujikawa, who entered the night with three total interceptions through 10 games.

“I think, and maybe I’m biased, that we have the best defense in the state,” Kapolei head coach Darren Hernandez said of the unit’s performance. “We’re only giving up seven points a game, we have not given up a 100-yard rusher this year, we’ve had four shutouts of solid, Open Division-type teams.”

Using the offense’s jumbo package, Kapolei drained the remainder of the third quarter and took four minutes off the fourth quarter clock with 12 straight running plays before Zeph Salis smashed into the endzone for his lone touchdown on the night to make it a 29-10 lead for the Hurricanes.

The defense did not let up from there, holding Mililani’s high-powered attack down for the remainder of the night as Kapolei completed the climb to the top of the OIA Open Division mountain for the first time in program history.

The Hurricanes racked up 308 yards on the ground and suffocated the Trojans, allowing just 14 rushing yards and 260 yards of total offense to the top offense in the Open Division. Junior linebacker CJ Higa led the way for the Kapolei defense, tallying six solo tackles while Hayden Hose had six tackles (five solo) and an interception.

It marked the culmination of a long, trying journey for the Hurricanes under head coach Darren Hernandez, who had been on the doorstep of bringing home a trophy multiple times before ultimately coming up short.

“We’re a team that last year, we got denied on the one-yard line. The year before we had a 28-point lead on Campbell in the semis and collapsed and lost that game,” Hernandez responded when asked about when he allowed himself to believe his program was finally going to win the league title. “We worry until the final whistle, until it’s over.”

 This time, Kapolei snatched the crown and didn’t let go.

“As I said earlier, it was going to be a war of attrition and they just kept working hard at it,” Hernandez continued. “I’m just so proud of them.”

Mililani QB Hunter Fujikawa was held to 246 yards and tossed two interceptions as the Stanford commit completed a season-low 59.5% of his pass attempts. Senior wide receiver Damen Nakagawa led the way with seven catches for 120 yards for the Trojans while sophomore Ashton Grace chipped in three receptions for 31 yards in the loss.

Both teams will advance into next weekend’s 2026 Hawaii Army National Guard Football Open Division championship tournament. Mililani will take on ILH champion Kamehameha-Kapālama while top-seeded Kapolei will take on Kahuku, who took down Campbell in the OIA Open third-place game earlier Saturday night.

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Nov 14, 2026

HONOLULU – Welcome back, Killa Kilminster. The Hawaii Pacific University men’s basketball team moved back above .500 on Friday night, using a 29-point explosion from fifth-year guard Evan Kilminster to cruise by Alaska Fairbanks on the first night...

ADVERTISEMENT

Waipahu smashes Aiea to roll to OIA Division I title

Waipahu smashes Aiea to roll to OIA Division I title

Nov 7, 2026

Waipahu smashes Aiea to roll to OIA Division I title

Waipahu HC Bryson Carvalho enjoys a Gatorade bath after leading Marauders to big win in the 2026 OIA Division I championship. | Photo Credit: CJ Caraang

PEARL CITY – For the 15th time in program history, the Waipahu Marauders stand atop the OIA football ranks.

Behind a four-touchdown showing from star sophomore quarterback Jake Garcia, the Waipahu varsity football team cruised to a dominant 42-7 victory over Aiea on Friday night at Pearl City High School to claim the 2026 OIA Division I title.

Waipahu (11-1, 9-0 league) struck first, capitalizing on a fumble at midfield by Na Ali’i quickly as Garcia dropped a 49-yard dime to wide receiver Jayse Braun to help grab an 8-0 lead for the Marauders just over three minutes into the action.

Aiea responded with a touchdown of their own at the start of the second quarter, seeing Caizel Jesus-Kapesi connect with wideout Keola Spruill on the first play of the frame for a 16-yard score, bringing Na Ali’i back within one after a slow opening quarter.

That was the closest that Aiea would get, seeing Waipahu answer back on the next drive with the help of a personal foul penalty against Na Ali’i that extended a drive into the redzone for the Marauders. After the flag on Aiea pushed the top seed into the red zone, senior Arona Liaina mashed his way into the endzone from 10 yards out to extend the Waipahu lead to 14-7 with 6:50 left in the first half.

It was the first of two touchdowns in the opening half by Liaina, who also capped off the final drive for Waipahu before halftime with three straight direct snap runs to make it a 20-7 advantage at the break for the Marauders.

Aiea got the kickoff to begin the third quarter, but Waipahu forced a turnover on downs at midfield and promptly added onto the team’s lead with the second Garcia-to-Braun scoring connection on the night as the QB-WR duo hooked up for a 56-yard score.

Lyric Anuenue snagged his only catch of the night later in the frame for a five-yard touchdown and Garcia chipped in his fourth total touchdown of the Division I championship just over a minute later to give a 42-7 lead to the Marauders, starting the mercy-rule moving clock heading into the fourth quarter.

The final frame flew by as neither team found their way to the endzone, seeing a calm finish to a dominant display by Waipahu.

Garcia wrapped up the night with over 300 yards of total offense, completing 13-of-20 pass attempts for 255 yards, three touchdown tosses and his third interception of the year. The sophomore also added 68 yards and another score with his legs as he helped deliver Waipahu’s fifth league championship under longtime head coach Bryson Carvalho.

Sophomore wide receiver Jayse Braun made the most of his four catches, racking up 160 yards receiving and a pair of touchdowns for the Marauders. Senior running back Tristan Pacheco also had a solid night, running for a game-high 75 yards across 12 carries while chipping in a catch for 11 yards as well.

Waipahu senior linebacker Christopher Togiai flew all over the field in the title matchup, racking up 12 tackles (8 solo) for a defense that allowed just a single score throughout the entire night. Arona Liaina added four tackles to go along with his 39 rushing yards and two touchdowns, doing work on both sides of the ball to help extend the win streak to 10 for the Marauders.

Aiea sophomore quarterback Caizel Jesus-Kapesi had an up-and-down evening against the top seed in the Division I tournament, completing 16-of-27 passes for 151 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions while also losing a fumble in the loss.

Senior Legend Byrd-Tauala tallied 49 yards rushing and another 29 yards receiving for the Aiea offense and also chipped in an interception and five solo tackles for Na Ali’i defensively.

Both teams will still advance to the 2026 Hawaii Army National Guard Football Division I championship tournament, which starts next weekend. Waipahu won the Division I state title in 2023, which was the last time the Marauders stood alone at the top of the OIA Division I ranks as well.

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Nov 14, 2026

HONOLULU – Welcome back, Killa Kilminster. The Hawaii Pacific University men’s basketball team moved back above .500 on Friday night, using a 29-point explosion from fifth-year guard Evan Kilminster to cruise by Alaska Fairbanks on the first night...

ADVERTISEMENT

Massive second half from Mellor delivers Kalaheo to first-ever OIA crown

Massive second half from Mellor delivers Kalaheo to first-ever OIA crown

Nov 5, 2026

Massive second half from Mellor delivers Kalaheo to first-ever OIA crown

The Kalaheo Mustangs celebrate being OIA Division II champions for the first time in program history. | Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo, HSRN

KALIHI – Leave it to the kid going into the Air Force to take a program to new heights.

Behind senior tailback Marquez Mellor’s seventh game of the season with 100 or more rushing yards, the Kalaheo varsity football team claimed the first league title in program history with a 27-13 comeback victory over Kaiser in the OIA Division II championship game at Farrington High School on Thursday night.

Mellor led the way for Kalaheo (10-0, 9-0 league) with 129 yards and two second-half touchdowns, completing the climb to the OIA mountaintop for the Mustangs and continuing the program’s first-ever unbeaten season.

“It’s nothing but a blessing, man,” the Air Force commit said after the win. “I’m so grateful that God has given this opportunity to us … This is nothing short of amazing and I’m so glad I could bring the OIA championship to Kalaheo, but we’re not done. We’re going to keep working.”

After dicing up the Kaiser defense for a career-high 302 yards when the two programs met in early September, Mellor was held in check throughout the first half on Thursday with just seven carries for 36 yards across the opening two quarters.

The Cougars took full advantage of the slow start by Mellor and the Mustangs, grabbing a 13-7 lead over the top seed in the OIA Division II bracket heading into halftime. Junior QB Koa Reis displayed his moxie for Kaiser, powering towards paydirt for the first score of the night in the first quarter before finding Tanner Pada for a 20-yard touchdown pass right before the break.

The six-point halftime deficit marked the first time all season that Kalaheo left the opening 24 minutes without a lead. The previous closest margin at the midway point for the Mustangs was a three-point lead against Castle in the D2 semifinals last weekend.

“I always expect that out of [Kaiser HC Tim Seaman’s teams]. They’re well-coached, he’s a great coach [and] he has a great staff, too,” Kalaheo head coach Jaymason Lee said of the opening half hook thrown by the Cougars. “I knew they were going to come out, they were going to play tough, disciplined football and so I told my boys to prepare for that … We just had to persevere and fight through that adversity.”

Kalaheo took its first lead of the night on the first drive of the second half, marching down the field behind a powerful rushing attack while draining more than six minutes off the third quarter clock. Mellor muscled his way into the endzone to cap off the drive, hammering in a four-yard touchdown run to put the Mustangs up, 14-13.

Kaiser and Kalaheo would trade punts and a pair of turnovers before Mellor gave some breathing room with 6:46 left in the fourth quarter, breaking off a 50-yard scoring scamper to put the top-seeded Mustangs up by eight.

Kalaheo RB Marquez Mellor rumbles down the field during the Mustangs’ 27-13 victory over Kaiser on Thursday night. | Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo, HSRN

The Cougars looked to have some solid momentum towards a potential game-tying score on the ensuing drive, marching out towards midfield before a holding penalty pushed the offense back and forced a punt with just over four minutes left to play.

Kalaheo would milk the clock on the following possession, forcing Kaiser to cook through all three timeouts before punting the ball back to the Cougars with 1:28 remaining in regulation.

Starting at their own two-yard line, Kaiser tried to fight through increased defensive pressure but instead saw Koa Reis crushed in the endzone for a strip sack that turned into a dagger defensive score for Kalaheo, extending the advantage to 27-13 for the Mustangs and all but wrap up the first OIA title in program history.

“We just had to play our football game,” Mellor said when asked about the halftime conversation for Kalaheo. “We came out and had too much of an ego, we weren’t playing our game. So, I just told the boys to stay calm and that we’ve got to play our game, our football and then it just happened. It’s what we do, that’s Kalaheo football.”

The Kalaheo defense also shut down Kaiser after halftime, not allowing a single point while forcing a pair of turnovers after the midway break. Senior linebacker Jeremiah Ojas had 10 total tackles (7 solo) while junior Caynin Makainai-Maiava had nine total tackles (6 solo) and the fumble recovery for a touchdown in the final two minutes for the Mustangs.

Kaiser junior quarterback Koa Reis wrapped up the night completing 20-of-35 passes for 211 yards through the air to go with 42 yards rushing in the loss. Reis accounted for both touchdowns for the Cougars, fighting into the endzone for the first score before dropping a dime to Tanner Pada to end the first half.

He also was charged with both turnovers by the Kaiser offense, tossing his fifth interception of the year while getting stripped in the endzone on the second-to-last offensive drive for the Cougars.

Both teams had already clinched spots in the 2026 Hawaii Army National Guard Football Division II championship tournament that starts next weekend. It’ll be Kalaheo’s first state tournament appearance since 2010 while Kaiser returns after a one-year absence.

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Kilminster’s 29 helps Hawaii Pacific push past Alaska Fairbanks

Nov 14, 2026

HONOLULU – Welcome back, Killa Kilminster. The Hawaii Pacific University men’s basketball team moved back above .500 on Friday night, using a 29-point explosion from fifth-year guard Evan Kilminster to cruise by Alaska Fairbanks on the first night...

ADVERTISEMENT

Punahou flies up to No. 7 in Lasquero’s High School Football Power Rankings

Punahou flies up to No. 7 in Lasquero’s High School Football Power Rankings

Nov 4, 2026

Punahou flies up to No. 7 in Lasquero’s High School Football Power Rankings

Michael Lasquero gives his Top 25 best teams in the state heading into the final weekend before the Hawai’i High School Football state tournament.

1. Kapolei (8-1)

Previous rank: 1

Last week: beat No. 4 Campbell, 30-0

This week: at No. 2 Mililani Saturday

Analysis: The Hurricanes left no doubt in their semifinal win over Campbell, avenging their lone loss of the season so far in shutout fashion. Sophomore QB Jonez Nunuha continues to take care of the ball and three for 153 yards and one TD to complement the rushing attack led by senior RB Mikey Kapahu.

2. Mililani (9-1)

Previous rank: 2

Last week: beat No. 3 Kahuku, 26-15

This week: vs. No. 1 Kapolei Saturday

Analysis: The Trojans scored the first 12 points of the game, then gave up 15 straight points before scoring the final 14 points of the night in a rollercoaster win against Kahuku. The game really could have gone either way late into the game until junior QB Hunter Fujikawa found junior WR Hayden Bajet for the dagger touchdown with 2:04 remaining in the game.

3. Kahuku (7-5)

Previous rank: 3

Last week: lost to No. 2 Mililani, 26-15

This week: vs. No. 4 Campbell Saturday at Mililani

Analysis: The Red Raiders nearly pulled off another signature win of the season with junior RB Blazyn-Brave Nunuha running for two third-quarter TDs to give Kahuku a lead late. Even though Mililani had the advantage heading into the fourth quarter, the Red Raiders still had an opportunity thanks to a Samuel Taeu interception late in the game. However, I do question the decision to punt on fourth down after the takeaway because the Trojans was able to take a two-score lead.

4. Campbell (7-4)

Previous rank: 4

Last week: lost to No. 1 Kapolei, 30-0

This week: vs. No. 3 Kahuku Saturday at Mililani

Analysis: It was probably the Sabers’ worst showing of the season after getting shutout on the road against Kapolei as Campbell’s quarterback room combined for three interceptions. Self-inflicted mistakes doomed Campbell in the regular season on the road against Kahuku, so perhaps playing at a neutral site this weekend might favor the Sabers in this must-win game to get into states.

5. Waipahu (10-1)

Previous rank: 5

Last week: beat No. 18 Nanakuli, 54-14

This week: vs. No. 10 Aiea Friday at Pearl City

Analysis: The Marauders are the first to 10 wins this season in a efficient semifinal win over Nanakuli that saw sophomore QB Jake Garcia complete all seven of his passes for 230 yards and three TDs while senior RB Tristan Pacheco rumbled for 170 yards and three scores on 16 carries.

6. Kamehameha (4-5)

Previous rank: 6

Last week: lost to No. 10 Punahou, 9-6 (OT)

This week: idle

Analysis: The loss was irrelevant for Kamehameha — and yes, the Warriors were mixing up between starters and reserves — but this was not a good look for the ILH representative in the Open Division state tournament. Junior DB Nainoah Samia had seven total tackles in the loss for Kamehameha.

7. Punahou (3-5-1)

Previous rank: 10

Last week: beat No. 6 Kamehameha, 9-6 (OT)

This week: season over

Analysis: What a way to end the season for the Buffanblu with two overtime wins at home against rivals Saint Louis and Kamehameha. Defense has been solid for Punahou all season, notably allowing just one offensive score on the road against OIA foes Kahuku and Kapolei. The 2026 edition of the Buffanblu definitely deserves some “what if” conversations.

8. Konawaena (7-1)

Previous rank: 8

Last week: beat Hilo, 56-0

This week: vs. No. 11 KS-Hawaii Friday

Analysis: Freshman QB Hayzn Lopes had his best game of his young career with 271 passing yards and six touchdown passes in a BIIF Division-I semifinal win over the Vikings. The Wildcats host the Warriors this weekend to determine the league champion.

9. Kapaa (6-1-1)

Previous rank: 7

Last week: beat Kauai, 14-0

This week: idle

Analysis: Yes, the Warriors did finish the regular season undefeated through KIF play, allowing just one touchdown in six games — but they take a drop in this week’s rankings by scoring just one offensive TD in what was their slimmest victory of the season. Kapaa could also potentially be without one of its top playmakers on offense in the state tournament.

10. Aiea (8-2)

Previous rank: 11

Last week: beat No. 9 Waianae, 30-0

This week: vs. No. 5 Waipahu Friday at Pearl City

Analysis: One week after losing a by a slim 17-14 margin, Aiea came away with its signature win of the season to punch Na Alii’s ticket back into the state tournament with a road shutout victory over the Seariders. Senior WR Cason Brooke showed off his versatility by rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries while hauling in four passes for 39 yards and a score in the win.

11. KS-Hawaii (8-2)

Previous rank: 12

Last week: beat Waiakea, 42-8

This week: at No. 8 Konawaena Friday

Analysis: Six different players found the end zone in the Warriors’ BIIF Division-I win over Waiakea as KS-Hawaii cruised to victory. Next up is a winner-take-all matchup against Konawaena as KS-Hawaii will try to reach the state tournament in its first season since moving up from Division II.

12. Waianae (8-2)

Previous rank: 9

Last week: lost to No. 11 Aiea, 30-0

This week: season over

Analysis: This was the most disappointing loss for the Seariders as for the first time all season, standout sophomore RB Maxumus Quon-Kaleiopu did not reach the end zone or rush for over 100 yards as he was held in check with just three yards on the ground.

13. Saint Louis (1-8)

Previous rank: 13

Last week: season over

This week: season over

14. Baldwin (8-1)

Previous rank: 15

Last week: idle

This week: at Lahainaluna Saturday

Analysis: The Bears will look to try and complete an undefeated run through MIL play when they travel to Lahainaluna this weekend in the final game of the regular season.

15. Saint Damien (5-4)

Previous rank: 16

Last week: beat No. 14 Iolani, 20-13

This week: idle

Analysis: Receiver-turned-quarterback Wyatt Ho-Williams ran for 172 yards and two scores while throwing for another in the Monarchs’ ILH championship-clinching win over the Raiders. Damien isn’t at full strength offensively, but it is finding ways to get the job done. Steele DeRego led the defensive unit with six tackles.

16. Iolani (6-3)

Previous rank: 14

Last week: lost to No. 16 Saint Damien, 20-13

This week: season over

Analysis: Senior WR Aka Lau Kong caught six passes for 62 yards and a TD in the Raiders’ season-ending loss. Iolani had more red zone opportunities than Damien, but couldn’t quite breakthrough in what was a tightly played match between both squads.

17. Leilehua (1-7)

Previous rank: 17

Last week: season over

This week: season over

18. Nanakuli (5-5)

Previous rank: 18

Last week: lost to No. 5 Waipahu, 54-14

This week: season over

Analysis: The Golden Hawks kept things close for the early part of the first half before the Marauders pulled away with their plethora of playmakers. Despite finishing with a .500 record, you can make an argument that Nanakuli could have reached the state tournament if one-score games against Aiea and Waianae in the regular season went the Golden Hawks’ way.

19. Kalaheo (9-0)

Previous rank: 19

Last week: beat Castle, 31-13

This week: vs. No. 25 Kaiser Thursday at Farrington

Analysis: Senior RB Marquez Mellor rushed for 227 yards and two TDs to clinch the Mustangs’ first state tournament appearance since 2010. Sophomore DB Ziren Jardine led the effort defensively with two interceptions on his birthday in the win over the Knights.

20. KS-Maui (7-1)

Previous rank: 20

Last week: idle

This week: vs. King Kekaulike Friday

Analysis: The Warriors are already locked into the state tournament, so this weekend’s game against Na Alii has no bearing. KS-Maui can decide to finish the season strong with the team’s sixth straight win — or it can play its reserves for some valuable playing time.

21. Farrington (3-7)

Previous rank: 21

Last week: season over

This week: season over

22. Moanalua (3-7)

Previous rank: 22

Last week: season over

This week: season over

23. Kailua (0-9)

Previous rank: 24

Last week: season over

This week: season over

24. Honokaa (7-1)

Previous rank: 25

Last week: idle

This week: vs. Hawaii Prep Saturday

Analysis: The Dragons will try to clinch their first BIIF Division II title and state berth since 2022 with a home game against Ka Makani this weekend in what will be their first game on the field in three weeks. Honokaa won the regular season meeting between the two teams, 52-0.

25. Kaiser (7-2)

Previous rank: –

Last week: beat No. 23 Pearl City, 24-14

This week: vs. No. 19 Kalaheo Thursday at Farrington

Analysis: The Cougars are back in the Top 25 after a commanding semifinal win on the road thanks to a 10-0 halftime advantage. Junior DL Xander Knopp had six tackles with a sack and forced fumble in Kaiser’s win that also clinched a state berth.

Waipahu smashes Aiea to roll to OIA Division I title

Waipahu smashes Aiea to roll to OIA Division I title

Nov 7, 2026

PEARL CITY – For the 15th time in program history, the Waipahu Marauders stand atop the OIA football ranks. Behind a four-touchdown showing from star sophomore quarterback Jake Garcia, the Waipahu varsity football team cruised to a dominant 42-7...

read more
Mililani Knocks Off Defending Champion Kahuku, Advances to OIA Open Division Final

Mililani Knocks Off Defending Champion Kahuku, Advances to OIA Open Division Final

Oct 31, 2026

Mililani Knocks Off Defending Champion Kahuku, Advances to OIA Open Division Final

Mililani’s Bless Cabrera-Hopkins (6) celebrates after getting a first down during a High School Football Game against Kahuku on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii. | Photo Credit: Andrew Lee, Special to HSRN

MILILANI — Behind four touchdown passes from quarterback Hunter Fujikawa, Mililani defeated defending champion Kahuku, 26-15, Friday night in the OIA Open Division football semifinals to advance to next week’s championship game.

Fujikawa completed 26 of 34 passes for 245 yards and four touchdowns, helping the Trojans end the Red Raiders’ bid for a second consecutive league title.

Mililani’s Hunter Fujikawa (17) looks to pass during a High School Football Game against Kahuku on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii. | Photo Credit: Andrew Lee, Special to HSRN

Mililani built a 12-0 halftime lead on touchdown passes from Fujikawa to Zion White (6 yards) and Hayden Bajet (13 yards), but Kahuku rallied in the third quarter behind a pair of touchdown runs from Blazyn-Brave Nunuha to take a 15-12 advantage.

The Trojans regained the lead late in the third on a 29-yard touchdown pass from Fujikawa to Bless Cabrera-Hopkins before Fujikawa connected with Bajet for a 19-yard score with 2:04 remaining in the fourth to secure the victory.

Kahuku’s Blazyn-Brave Nunuha (0) rushes with the ball as Mililani’s Teyton Hoohuli (13) defends during a High School Football Game on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii. | Photo Credit: Andrew Lee, Special to HSRN

White led Mililani’s receivers with nine catches for 72 yards and a touchdown, while Cabrera-Hopkins added four receptions for 56 yards and a score. Bajet finished with five catches for 49 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Toa Sam contributed 47 rushing yards on 15 carries.

For Kahuku, Nunuha carried the ball 24 times for 87 yards and two touchdowns. Lucky Suguturaga completed 9 of 13 passes for 60 yards and added 42 yards rushing, while Jonas Wong led the Red Raiders with five receptions for 43 yards.

Mililani outgained Kahuku 319-185 in total offense, including a 245-62 advantage through the air.

The loss ends Kahuku’s reign as OIA Open Division champion after the Red Raiders defeated Kapolei, 12-7, in last year’s title game.

Mililani will now face Kapolei in the OIA Open Division Championship on Saturday, November 7, with the league title on the line.

Mililani’s Hayden Bajet (12) celebrates with Zion White (2) after scoring a touchdown during a High School Football Game against Kahuku on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii. | Photo Credit: Andrew Lee, Special to HSRN

PHOTOS BY ANDREW LEE / @ANDREWLEEHI

Waipahu smashes Aiea to roll to OIA Division I title

Waipahu smashes Aiea to roll to OIA Division I title

Nov 7, 2026

PEARL CITY – For the 15th time in program history, the Waipahu Marauders stand atop the OIA football ranks. Behind a four-touchdown showing from star sophomore quarterback Jake Garcia, the Waipahu varsity football team cruised to a dominant 42-7...

read more

ADVERTISEMENT