Oahu Team Blue and Hawaii Team Black play to thrilling 10-10 tie

Oahu Team Blue and Hawaii Team Black play to thrilling 10-10 tie

Dec 20, 2025

Oahu Team Blue and Hawaii Team Black play to thrilling 10-10 tie

Oahu Team Blue and Hawai’i Team Black pose for a group photo after the conclusion of their game. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Oahu Team Blue and Hawaiʻi Team Black played to a 10-10 tie in the opening game of the second annual 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl on Saturday afternoon at Masa Yonamine Athletic Complex in Waipahu.

Hosted by the Hawaiʻi Chapter of the National Football Foundation, the annual showcase brings together senior football standouts from across the islands for a full day of competition, player development and recruiting exposure, with multiple college coaches in attendance.

Oahu Team Blue struck first when Moanalua’s Makaniʻolu Markle-Kane connected on a field goal to open the scoring. Kailua’s Micah Sua later extended the lead by taking a direct snap into the end zone, giving Team Blue a 10-0 advantage at halftime.

Hawaiʻi Team Black, made up primarily of players from the Big Island, responded in the third quarter when Kealakehe’s Gabriel Chong broke free for a touchdown run to cut the deficit.

Kapolei’s Larry McCarley — the lone non–Big Island player on Team Black — delivered the decisive play late, drilling a 47-yard field goal in the final minute to force the tie.

Roosevelt’s Ezekiel Soon was named the game’s overall most valuable player after disrupting Oahu Team Blue’s defense with multiple sacks and tackles for loss.

“I just really appreciate all my teammates and coaches for putting me in the right position to succeed,” Soon said. “It was a hard-fought game between both teams, and I just tried to do my part and make the plays.”

Soon also reflected on the opportunity to reunite with former teammates and compete alongside new ones while continuing to pursue college opportunities. He got to play against former Roosevelt teammates Taimane Souza-Fautanu and Jahsiah Souza-Armstead while playing alongside fellow Rough Riders Ioane Kamanao and Kona Siamani.

“It was good seeing my former teammates Taimane them on the other side of the ball,” said Soon. “Those are my brothers for life, I love them. It was good seeing Ioane, Kona familiar faces, just cause we have that chemistry and being able to play with them is just easy. It’s nice to meet new players too, get to make new connections and relationships with my players on this blue team.”

Kailua quarterback Isaiah Keaunui-DeMello earned the skills MVP award for Oahu Team Blue, while Kaimukī’s Toloa Loketi was named the team’s lineman MVP.

For Hawaiʻi Team Black, Keaʻau quarterback Trustin Gomes and defensive end Kainalu Vierra were selected as the team’s MVPs.

“Really blessed to represent the Big Island and show that there’s skill outside of Oʻahu,” Gomes said.

Vierra echoed that sentiment, praising the effort of players from both Division I and Division II programs on the Big Island.

The 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl continues to serve as a platform for Hawaiʻi’s top senior football players to showcase their abilities and pursue opportunities at the next level.

Kaimuki’s Toloa Loketi hopes to end high school career with a win

Kaimuki’s Toloa Loketi hopes to end high school career with a win

Dec 16, 2025

Kaimuki’s Toloa Loketi hopes to end high school career with a win

Kaimki’s Toloa Loketi smiles during practice for the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

It’s been a long time since Kaimuki senior Toloa Loketi has enjoyed a win on the football field.

He is hoping that changes this weekend.

After more than a year without a win, Loketi will get one final opportunity to finish his high school football career on a positive note when he takes the field in the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Waipahu’s Masa Yonamine Athletic Complex.

Loketi, a 6-foot-1, 300-pound lineman, is among over 200 student-athletes that were selected to participate in the annual senior bowl, which is hosted by the Hawai‘i Chapter of the National Football Foundation and draws college coaches and scouts from across the country.

Kaimuki enters the postseason showcase having lost 17 consecutive games dating back to 2023. The Bulldogs’ last victory came on Oct. 28, 2023, making the senior bowl not only a recruiting opportunity for Loketi, but also a rare chance to end his high school career with a win.

“It would be a great opportunity to get this win because I don’t want to end my senior year without a win,” Loketi said. “To have that winning feeling would mean a lot.”

Loketi will suit up for the Oahu Seniors-Blue team, composed of players from OIA Division I and Division II schools. Kaimuki competes in OIA Division II. Team Blue will face a squad of seniors from Hawai‘i Island in the opening game of the day, scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff.

“I’m very excited because I get to play with some new teammates, get to know the different experiences people have and I just get to represent the name that’s on my chest and across my back,” said Loketi.

Beyond football, Loketi is a multi-sport athlete, also serving as a goalkeeper for Kaimuki’s boys soccer team. He is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Tevita Loketi, who played defensive line at the University of Hawai‘i.

“I always wanted an opportunity to play at the next level, just like my older brother,” Loketi said. “If I’m able to play at the next level too, that would be a blessing.”

For Loketi, representing Kaimuki and his community remains at the center of the experience.

“It means a lot to me because this is the people who raised me,” Loketi said. “This is the only place I’ve ever been, so it feels good to be supported by my people and represent my name.”

Team Blue assistant coach James Mane, who coaches the offensive line at ‘Aiea during the regular season, said Loketi made an immediate impression during practices.

“The kid is a hard worker,” Mane said. “From the very first rep it was like, ‘Whoa.’ He has a high motor, goes all out and he’s very humble. Any coaching tip I give him, he does it right away. He’s very coachable, and I can’t wait to see him in the game.”

With college evaluators in attendance and one final chance to compete at the high school level, Loketi hopes the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl can serve as the perfect closure of his high school career while being the start of his collegiate journey.

Game Day Schedule – Saturday, December 20, 2025

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

Football Rosters: CLICK HERE
Girls Flag Football Rosters: CLICK HERE

Purchase Tickets: CLICK HERE

All games will be held at the Masa Yonamine Complex, Waipahu High School.

Mahalo to Fantastic Sams Hawai‘i

Fantastic Sams Hawai‘i is a proud supporter of the 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl, helping elevate opportunities for local student-athletes and strengthening the foundation of Hawai‘i’s football community.

Supporting the Mission

The Hawai‘i Chapter of the National Football Foundation remains focused on:

  • Providing scholarship opportunities tied to both athletics and academics

  • Supporting families who cannot afford exposure camps on the continent

  • Ensuring every student-athlete—regardless of circumstance—has a chance to be evaluated by college coaches

  • Using football as a tool for leadership, discipline, and lifelong growth

The 808 Senior P.R.O. Bowl is more than a showcase. It’s a lifeline. A celebration. A chance for Hawai‘i’s young athletes to chase dreams they’ve earned.

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

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

Dec 16, 2025

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

BY HSRN STAFF | HONOLULU
PUBLISHED DECEMBER 16, 2025

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

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

That philosophy has already produced results.

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

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

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

A One-Day Format With a Bigger Purpose

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

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

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

Island Coaches, Shared Mission

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

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

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

College Eyes on Hawai‘i Talent

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

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

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

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

Access Without the Cost

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

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

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

Community Support Makes It Possible

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

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

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

Looking Ahead

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

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

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

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

 

Nanakuli senior representing Native Hawaiians in Native All-American Game

Nanakuli senior representing Native Hawaiians in Native All-American Game

Dec 13, 2025

Nanakuli senior representing Native Hawaiians in Native All-American Game

Nanakuli senior OL Richard “Keoki” Chun plays in his final game as a Golden Hawk against the ‘Aiea Na Ali’i  | Photo: Michael Lasquero

Minneapolis is quite a journey away from Nanakuli, but Richard “Keoki” Chun is taking in every moment.

The Nanakuli senior offensive lineman is among a group of nearly seventy Native American high school athletes that were selected to participate in the 2025 Native All American Football Game and Camp at U.S. Bank Stadium, the home of the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL.

While majority of the participants are Native American from various different tribes, Chun is representing Native Hawaiians in the event with Proof of Ancestry from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Hawaiian Registry Program.

“This opportunity means more than just me,” Chun said. “I’m grateful and excited to represent Native Hawaiians and to carry respect, discipline and resilience wherever I go. I’m truly blessed. I give all my glory to God and just thank him for all my opportunities.”

The camp portion of the annual event ran from Dec. 10th to 13th, while the game will kickoff at 7:00 a.m. HST on Sunday, Dec. 14. Click HERE to watch.

During the event, Chun got to be coached by former NFL players Derek Fine, Ahman Green, Levi Horn and Chase Johnson. Recruiters from college and professional organizations were also in attendance.

Chun — who is 6-foot-5, 340-pounds — will be a part of the designated visiting team named Wa’Ya and be coached by Horn, who is a enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. Horn began his collegiate career as a standout tight end at Washington State before excelling as an All-American offensive tackle at the University of Montana and getting signed by the Chicago Bears in 2010.

“I’ve learned so much from this experience and the cultural exchange connecting to many different athletes with similar backgrounds,” Chun said.

“Glad to be a part of this and hopefully inspire others to dream big as well.”

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

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Dec 11, 2025

'Aiea High School senior wide receiver Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo will continue his career at the University of Hawai'i.When you combine hard work with phenomenal talent and loyalty, the end result is Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo. The ‘Aiea senior was...

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

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

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Dec 11, 2025

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

‘Aiea High School senior wide receiver Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo will continue his career at the University of Hawai’i.

When you combine hard work with phenomenal talent and loyalty, the end result is Hiki Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo.

The ‘Aiea senior was honored by family, friends and faculty members in a commemorative signing day event Thursday afternoon to signify his future as a member of the University of Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors football team.

With fellow student-athletes and even future collegiate teammates in attendance, the ceremony not only served as a testament of Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo’s journey — but also a celebration for an entire community.

“It’s special, it’s like the first time (that ‘Aiea) did this,” Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo said of the event put on at the ‘Aiea High School gymnasium. “Shoutout to the staff for making this possible for me, this day is special.”

Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo wore many hats during his four-year varsity career for the Na Ali’i, ranging from safety, wide receiver, running back, quarterback and as a kicking and return specialist.

After catching 78 passes for 1,067 yards and 12 touchdowns in his senior year to help ‘Aiea reach the OIA Division I championship game and state tournament, Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo will likely be playing receiver for the Rainbow Warriors, but he is willing to play any position to get onto the field.

“They listed me as a receiver, but I’m open to playing on the defensive side of if I got to fill in on running back or just anything, I’m just excited to be on the field,” he said.

First-year ‘Aiea offensive coordinator Ola Willing spoked glowingly of Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo.

“I think Hiki just comes out and plays the game the right way,” Willing said. “He’s unselfish, he does what the coaches ask. His work ethic is just right on and it spreads out to the rest of the team and that’s why I think we were so successful this year.”

Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo’s greatness was evident very early on for the ‘Aiea football team.

As a freshman, Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo shined in big moments with an interception and fumble recovery in back-to-back weeks in the OIA Division I championship game and state quarterfinals.

In his sophomore year he had nine receptions for 170 yards and two scores in a game against Moanalua and then filled in at quarterback in a must-win game against Nanakuli to make the playoffs and ran for 135 yards and three TDs while completing eight passes for 89 yards.

Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo flexed his versatility even more as a junior by adding a pair of passing TDs to his ledger in addition to scoring on a kickoff return and a punt return.

But there were no college offers yet.

With the talent that Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo possessed, he could have easily left ‘Aiea to go play high school ball at a higher profile school in the state to boost his recruiting stock. Instead, he put his head down and continued to work where his feet were planted.

“It was a struggle because my freshman to my junior year, I didn’t get no looks, no scouts,” said Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo.

“I reached out everyday after every game, I was sending my film out and got nothing until my senior year that UH just gave me a shot, just grateful for them.”

He also credited the staff at ‘Aiea for pushing him to be great off the field as well.

“It means a lot because it starts with them,” said Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo. “They just pushed me every single day to do better in the classroom. Without them, I don’t know where I would be.”

During the ceremony, ‘Aiea head coach Mika Liilii commended Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo’s loyalty and said that he is the example for the next generation of Na Ali’i student-athletes.

“He signs with the University of Hawai’i, not just as an athlete, but also as a blueprint, a reminder to every kid coming up behind him that greatness grows right here, in A-Town,” said Liilii.

In addition to his gaudy receiving stats as a senior, Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo also rushed for 358 yards and nine scores while also adding a defensive TD off an interception to his ledger. He also kicked the game-winning field goal from 21 yards out with 2:34 remaining in regulation to beat Wai’anae on the road in the OIA semifinals.

Kim Choy-Keb Ah Lo will greyshirt for the Rainbow Warriors before joining the team for practice in spring 2027.

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Tainoa Lave set the standard in Campbell’s championship run

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Tainoa Lave celebrates after making a defensive play against Kamehameha in the Open Division championship game. | Photo: CJ Caraang

By the time he walked off the field in his final game wearing a Campbell jersey, Tainoa Lave had left his imprint on nearly every chapter of the Sabers’ long-awaited championship night.

The Campbell senior did it all in the Sabers’ Open Division Football title win over Kamehameha, 26-23, in overtime Friday night before a crowd of 10,131 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.

Literally.

Lave, who has signed to play collegiately at the San Diego State University, recorded a game-high 11 total tackles with a tackle for loss and a pass breakup in the win. He also had a 55-yard punt return to set up Campbell’s opening touchdown, scored on a 5-yard run for the go-ahead score on the first play of the fourth quarter and even completed a 23-yard pass in the second half.

The Sabers leaned on Lave in their possession of the overtime period as well. After Kamehameha kicked a field goal to go up 23-20, Lave took two snaps behind center with a pair of runs to set up Brayden Medeiros’ walk-off TD pass to Zayne Pasion.

“First I just want to give all the praise and glory to God,” said Lave, a four-year starter. “So many blessings. My family always showing love. The Ewa Beach community always supporting me. And our coaches for trusting in me.”

The road to the championship began long before Friday night, Lave said. It began after last year’s semifinal loss to Saint Louis, in what was a devastating end to the season for a team that started the season with nine consecutive victories.

“The week after we lost in 2024, we were back in the weight room. The work started there,” Lave said. “All the hard work and dedication led to a state championship.”

For Lave, the journey is personal. Each of his four seasons ended one step short: state semifinals as a freshman, state semifinals as a sophomore, heartbreak again as a junior.

Individually he shined with multiple All-OIA and All-Hawaii first-team selections, interception returns, punt-return touchdowns, but the ultimate prize always slipped away.

“It means a lot,” Lave said, moments after embracing family members. “All (the past) years always falling short… I just had to put it all out for the boys, for the community, for our school, for my family.”

Lave and the Sabers endured heart break during the season too. With losses to Mililani, Kapolei and Kahuku, Campbell’s state tournament hopes were on a lifeline.

But the Sabers rallied with a last minute touchdown against Mililani in the rematch before stunning Kahuku in the state semifinals with a go-ahead score with two seconds left on the clock.

Lave was at the controls in that win against the Red Raiders, running in two TDs, including the game-winner on fourth-and-goal.

“We found ourselves in that Mililani game,” Lave said. “Then going on to Kahuku and beating them… all that film, all that hard work helped us in the long run.”

Campbell head coach Darren Johnson constantly praised Lave in the midst of the Sabers’ championship run and after it was complete.

“Man, he’s such a special young man,” Johnson said. “People follow him. Coaches listen to him. He’s undersized but plays big, reminds me a lot of my son.”

Johnson said Lave is more than a star athlete. He is the example.

“Because he leads by example, his teammates follow,” Johnson said. “He’s quiet, humble, and when he speaks, our team listens.”

Lave’s work ethic has been there since youth football with Fiyah Squad. His also versatility extends beyond the gridiron. Johnson noted he’s “a heck of a baseball player” and one of the most coachable athletes he has worked with.

The SDSU-bound Lave finishes his senior season with 77 total tackles, 10 for loss, four sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and three pass breakups.

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