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.

Chargers Rally on Senior Day, Hold Off Kaiser 13-10

Chargers Rally on Senior Day, Hold Off Kaiser 13-10

Apr 17, 2026

Senior Day at Pearl City delivered exactly the kind of energy you’d expect — emotion, big swings, and a little late-game drama — as the Chargers outlasted Kaiser, 13-10, in a back-and-forth battle. Pearl City jumped early and built just enough...

read more
Nanakuli Outlasts Radford in Undefeated Showdown, 9-8

Nanakuli Outlasts Radford in Undefeated Showdown, 9-8

Apr 16, 2026

In a long-awaited clash between two of the OIA Division II’s top teams, Nanakuli finally got its shot at Radford—and made it count. The Golden Hawks edged the Rams 9-8 on Wednesday afternoon, handing Radford its first loss of the season in a game...

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.

Chargers Rally on Senior Day, Hold Off Kaiser 13-10

Chargers Rally on Senior Day, Hold Off Kaiser 13-10

Apr 17, 2026

Senior Day at Pearl City delivered exactly the kind of energy you’d expect — emotion, big swings, and a little late-game drama — as the Chargers outlasted Kaiser, 13-10, in a back-and-forth battle. Pearl City jumped early and built just enough...

read more
Nanakuli Outlasts Radford in Undefeated Showdown, 9-8

Nanakuli Outlasts Radford in Undefeated Showdown, 9-8

Apr 16, 2026

In a long-awaited clash between two of the OIA Division II’s top teams, Nanakuli finally got its shot at Radford—and made it count. The Golden Hawks edged the Rams 9-8 on Wednesday afternoon, handing Radford its first loss of the season in a game...

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

Hawaiian Stars rally over Aloha Stars in 6th annual Chace Numata Senior All-Star Classic

Hawaiian Stars rally over Aloha Stars in 6th annual Chace Numata Senior All-Star Classic

Jul 4, 2026

Hawaiian Stars rally over Aloha Stars in 6th annual Chace Numata Senior All-Star Classic

The Hawaiian Stars & Aloha Stars pose together following the 6th annual Chace Numata Senior All-Star Classic. | Photo Credit: Ku’ulei Agbayani, HSRN

 

Coverage of the 6th Annual Chace Numata Senior All-Star Classic on HSRN is presented by SportStan Sporting Goods.
At SportStan it’s not just sporting goods, it’s a way of life.

WAIPAHU – It’s Fourth of July weekend; the fireworks were planned.

The sixth annual Chace Numata Senior All-Star Classic ended in dramatic fashion for the third straight year, seeing the loaded Hawai’i high school Class of 2026 provide one more memorable moment for onlookers at Hans L’Orange Park on Friday afternoon as the Hawaiian Stars came back in extra innings to walk off the Aloha Stars, 12-11.

Honokaa’s Josyah Napoleon-Umeda was named the game’s overall MVP, delivering an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning that scored Kaiser’s Tanner Kagimoto and handed the Hawaiian Stars a 12-11 victory over the Aloha Stars. The state’s Division II Player of the Year did a little bit of everything on the day, pitching a clean third inning, playing some centerfield and sparking two separate rallies at the plate late for the Hawaiian Stars.

LISTEN TO THE BROADCAST

“I made some mistakes on the field,” a cool-headed Napoleon-Umeda said following his game-winning hit that snapped the Aloha Stars’ multi-year winning streak. “I had to step up and get my job done … I had to help the team, and the team helped. Everybody just did their job and got it done.”

Kagimoto, a Hawaii Pacific commit, earned himself Offensive MVP honors while his future head coach Dane Fujinaka watched on in the crowd at the home of the Sharks. The 5-foot-5 Kagimoto stood tall at the plate for the Hawaiian Stars, going 3-for-5 with five runs batted in and three runs scored – including the game-winner in the bottom of the 10th.

“[Just] really stoked to have this opportunity,” Kagimoto said of his emotions following the theatrical ending. “Having this opportunity to play with these top athletes from the state, it’s awesome.”

The game’s Defensive MVP honor went to Kaiser standout and University of Nevada commit Noah Sham, who dazzled with a handful of putouts throughout the afternoon while bouncing between third base and shortstop.

Nevada commit Noah Sham (left) poses with Nathan “Homey” Numata after winning defensive MVP. | Photo Credit: Ku’ulei Agbayani, HSRN

Featuring over 20 student-athletes with plans to continue their baseball careers at the college level, the sixth annual Chace Numata Senior All-Star Classic felt like a rollercoaster ride as the two talented teams traded blows throughout a fiery Friday afternoon.

The Aloha Stars, comprised of a variety of ILH all-stars and some Waiakea, Baldwin and KS-Hawaii standouts, struck first with three runs in the top of the second inning behind KS-Kapalama’s Bronson Boucher’s RBI double and run-scoring singles from Iolani’s Brady Minami and Mid-Pacific’s Reese Higuchi.

The lead grew to 6-0 by the end of the top of the fifth inning, putting the Hawaiian Stars on the edge of potentially being blown out in the Chace Numata Senior All-Star Classic.

Leave it to the smallest guy on the field to provide the biggest impact.

Tanner Kagimoto smoked a line drive over the head of the centerfielder in the bottom half of the fifth, scoring Reece Maruyama before racing around the bases for an inside-the-park home run to finally get the Hawaiian Stars on the board.

The Aloha Stars added an insurance run to go back up 7-2 in the top of the sixth, but the Hawaiian Stars batted around and plated five runs to knot the game at 7 in the bottom half of the frame.

With two runs in and the bases still loaded, Kagimoto stepped up again and smacked the ball to the centerfield wall for a bases-clearing RBI triple to set up a brand-new ball game with three scheduled innings remaining.

The Aloha Stars pushed back ahead with four runs over those innings, taking an 11-7 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning. Still, the Hawaiian Stars refused to release the rope as another inside-the-park homerun – this time by leadoff hitter Josyah Napoleon-Umeda – sparked a four-run rally to tie the game up at 11 and force extra innings for the second straight year in the Chace Numata Senior All-Star Classic.

After Kauai’s Kaden Paoa Itamura spun a scoreless top of the 10th for the Hawaiian Stars, Kagimoto and company took care of the rest to complete the spectacular comeback.

Kagimoto tapped a one-out single to left field and promptly stole second base to put the winning run in scoring position with two outs for the Hawaiian Stars to work with.

They only needed one more batter.

Josyah Napoleon-Umeda capped off his own phenomenal outing with one last hit, pulling an RBI single down the first baseline and into right field that allowed the speedy Kagimoto to speed into home and snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat for the Hawaiian Stars.

“We just forget about the mistakes, stay strong,” said Napoleon-Umeda of the Hawaiian Stars’ comeback.  “Just know there’s plenty game left, and we just stuck with it, and we were able to win today.”

Honokaa’s Josyah Napoleon-Umeda poses with Nathan “Homey” Numata after being named the overall MVP of the 6th annual Chace Numata Senior All-Star Classic. | Photo Credit: Ku’ulei Agbayani, HSRN

Courtesy of the game’s sponsor, SportStan Sporting Goods, the two teams also participated in a race around the bases and a “pop time” contest for the catchers in honor of the late Chace Numata.

Kauai’s Kaden Paoa Itamura, who also was awarded the win on the mound as the final pitcher of the day for the Hawaiian Stars, showed off his speed with a victory in the “Race around the Bases” contest while PAC-5’s Thomas Mitchell won the pop-time challenge between catchers.

SportStan Sporting Goods also sponsored the Offensive and Defensive Player of the Game awards and J&M Embroidery Inc. helped with providing the LiveLikeNumi game caps.

**Special mahalo to event coordinator Eric Tokunaga & the Numata ‘ohana**

Kaiser spoils Castle’s homecoming with 42-20 win

Kaiser spoils Castle’s homecoming with 42-20 win

Oct 3, 2026

KANEOHE — Kaiser built a four-touchdown lead, weathered a spirited Castle comeback and pulled away for a 42-20 victory Friday night in an OIA Division II game. The Cougars got back into the win column as they improved to 4-2 overall and 3-2 in...

Slow starts have continued dooming Hawai’i football

Slow starts have continued dooming Hawai’i football

Oct 1, 2026

HONOLULU – The red light is flashing. The alarm bells have not hit full blast and there might be many weekends remaining in the 2026 college football season, but an unexpected 1-3 start by the University of Hawai’i football team has put everyone...

Campbell sweeps Pearl City for season series sweep

Campbell sweeps Pearl City for season series sweep

Sep 29, 2026

PEARL CITY — Campbell completed a season sweep of Pearl City with a 25-16, 25-16, 27-25 victory Monday night in an Oahu Interscholastic Association Division I West girls volleyball match. The Sabers won their third consecutive match and improved to 6-2 in league play....

ADVERTISEMENT

Campbell defensive back Isaiah Chong commits to Sacramento State

Campbell defensive back Isaiah Chong commits to Sacramento State

Jun 17, 2026

Campbell defensive back Isaiah Chong commits to Sacramento State

All smiles for Isaiah Chong after making his commitment to Sacramento State. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

EWA BEACH — Campbell defensive back Isaiah Chong announced his commitment to Sacramento State on Monday, choosing the Hornets over four other finalists and reaffirming a pledge he had previously withdrawn following a coaching change.

Chong, a 6-foot, 175-pound defensive back from Campbell High School, made the announcement at the school gymnasium surrounded by family and friends.

“It just feels awesome,” Chong said. “It’s just a blessing to be in this position. I can’t thank no one but God and my parents.”

A versatile defensive back capable of playing cornerback, safety and nickel, Chong helped lead Campbell to the Open Division state championship last December with a victory over Kamehameha. He earned first-team All-State honors from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and is rated a three-star prospect in the Class of 2027 by 247Sports.

Montana, UNLV, Kent State and Portland State rounded out Chong’s list of finalists.

Isaiah Chong weighs his decision before making his commitment. | Photo: CJ Caraang

Chong said Sacramento State’s family atmosphere and coaching staff played a major role in his decision.

“I think just the family aspect of it all,” Chong said. “They greet you, the whole coaching staff is waiting for you outside the car, and they’re going to make sure they develop me in the right way. They see me being the guy for them, so I’m just going to take that and be able to do that for them.”

Monday’s commitment marked a return to Sacramento State for Chong, who initially pledged to the program on June 16, 2025, when Brennan Marion was the Hornets’ head coach. Chong later reopened his recruitment after Marion departed on Dec. 4, 2025, to become offensive coordinator at Colorado, one day before Campbell’s state championship game.

“When the coaching staff left, I just needed to make sure that it was still the right place for me, so I de-committed to explore my options,” Chong said.

Sacramento State later hired Alonzo Carter as the program’s 14th head coach.

Chong took official visits to Sacramento State and Montana earlier this month before making his final decision.

He credited Carter, defensive player personnel lead analyst Montre Lambert and nickelbacks coach Kason McCullough-Cooper for helping solidify his choice.

“Coach Alonzo, Coach Montre, Coach Cooper, they just made me feel like family, so I just know that’s the place that I want to be,” Chong said.

Sacramento State is preparing for its first season at the Football Bowl Subdivision level after agreeing to a five-year football-only membership with the Mid-American Conference earlier this year.

Chong said the Hornets are gaining both a player and a community-minded representative.

“They’re getting a great person,” Chong said. “I’m going to make sure that community is right. I’m going to do stuff in that community. We’re going to build it up with Coach Alonzo, and as a player, Coach Alonzo is going to get everything out of me. I’m just going to make sure we bring a MAC championship and a national championship home.”

Isaiah Chong and Taylor Mendoza pose for a photo. Both will be playing collegiately at Sacramento State in football and softball respectively. | Photo: CJ Caraang

Chong also will be joined at Sacramento State by his girlfriend, Taylor Mendoza, a Campbell Class of 2026 graduate who is set to play softball for the Hornets.

“She’s a blessing to me,” Chong said. “I’m grateful for her and I’m just happy that we get to go to college together.”

Before beginning his senior season, Chong said his primary offseason focus is adding strength and weight.

“I think just putting on weight,” Chong said. “I just want to be bigger than I was last season. I know a lot of schools wanted me bigger, so I’m just going to get ready for college in that aspect and be the best player I can be for this upcoming season.”

Chargers Rally on Senior Day, Hold Off Kaiser 13-10

Chargers Rally on Senior Day, Hold Off Kaiser 13-10

Apr 17, 2026

Senior Day at Pearl City delivered exactly the kind of energy you’d expect — emotion, big swings, and a little late-game drama — as the Chargers outlasted Kaiser, 13-10, in a back-and-forth battle. Pearl City jumped early and built just enough...

read more
Nanakuli Outlasts Radford in Undefeated Showdown, 9-8

Nanakuli Outlasts Radford in Undefeated Showdown, 9-8

Apr 16, 2026

In a long-awaited clash between two of the OIA Division II’s top teams, Nanakuli finally got its shot at Radford—and made it count. The Golden Hawks edged the Rams 9-8 on Wednesday afternoon, handing Radford its first loss of the season in a game...

read more
Hawaii-commit Kupukaa looking forward to official visit this weekend

Hawaii-commit Kupukaa looking forward to official visit this weekend

Jun 9, 2026

Hawaii-commit Kupukaa looking forward to official visit this weekend

Campbell ATH Shaison Kupukaa hauls in a pass during practice in June 2026. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

By the time Shaison “Fatz” Kupukaa arrives on the University of Hawaiʻi campus this weekend, one of the biggest decisions of his recruiting process will already be behind him.

The Campbell standout publicly committed to the Rainbow Warriors in mid-May, making his official visit less about weighing options and more about celebrating the choice he believes was right for him.

“I’m taking the official visit as a celebration to my commitment,” Kupukaa said. “Very grateful.”

Shaison Kupukaa lines up at safety during a play in the Open Division state championship game at T.C. Ching Field last December. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

For Kupukaa, a member of the Class of 2027, the decision to commit early came down to the people surrounding the program.

“They showed me a lot of love,” Kupukaa said. “I love the community, all-around, the hype and I just love the team. I love the coaches and the players.”

Kupukaa emerged as one of the state’s top two-way players during Campbell’s run to the Open Division state championship last season. He caught 11 touchdown passes while recording four interceptions at safety, consistently making plays in key moments for the Sabers.

In Campbell’s state semifinal victory over Kahuku, Kupukaa made a crucial fourth-down reception on the game-winning drive. He later added an interception in the state championship game against Kamehameha.

The 2027 prospect has drawn interest for his versatility, lining up at both wide receiver and safety. Hawaiʻi has given him the flexibility to continue developing at either position.

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

“Right now they’re giving me the opportunity to choose wherever I want to play right now, so I’m still open to both sides,” Kupukaa said. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”

While many official visits serve as a final evaluation period for recruits, Kupukaa said his trip to Mānoa will focus on building stronger relationships within the program and getting a better sense of daily life as a Rainbow Warrior.

“Getting to know the coaches more and getting to see what it’s like at UH in a day,” Kupukaa said. “They’re having a lot of beach workouts when I’m there, so very excited for that.”

Kupukaa also noted a lighter aspect of his future in Hawaiʻi’s program. Campbell’s home uniforms feature black jerseys, similar to the Rainbow Warriors’ black uniforms.

“I can keep my drip that I got from Campbell, can wear it again,” Kupukaa said. “Don’t have to spend money.”

Despite helping lead Campbell to its first Open Division state title, Kupukaa said his focus entering his senior season is improving his consistency.

“Just consistency; in the weight room, on the field, even sometimes in the film room,” Kupukaa said. “I’m always trying to stay consistent. I feel like I can do that more better. We’ll see what this season has for me.”

When asked what Hawaiʻi is getting in him as a player, Kupukaa pointed to his character before his accomplishments.

“A very humble player that puts God first in everything,” Kupukaa said. “Very respectful and really helping to work hard for the team.”

Hawai‘i Football Spring Roster 2026

Hawai‘i Football Spring Roster 2026

Feb 3, 2026

Hawai‘i Football Spring Roster 2026 HSRN STAFF | HONOLULUPUBLISHED FEBRUARY 3, 2026The University of Hawai‘i has released its 2026 Spring Football roster, offering an early look at the personnel that will shape the Rainbow Warriors heading into...

read more