Moanalua Outlasts Kahuku in Five-Set OIA East Thriller

Moanalua Outlasts Kahuku in Five-Set OIA East Thriller

Sep 17, 2026

Moanalua Outlasts Kahuku in Five-Set OIA East Thriller

Moanalua’s Kingston Auva’a celebrates with teammates after big play against Kahuku | Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo, Special to HSRN

HONOLULU — Moanalua and Kahuku needed five sets — and then some — to settle another chapter of their growing OIA Division I girls volleyball rivalry Wednesday night.

Nā Menehune survived a back-and-forth deciding set to defeat the defending OIA Division I champion Red Raiders, 25-18, 20-25, 15-25, 25-22, 21-19, improving to 5-0 in the OIA DI East.

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Moanalua Forces a Fifth

Moanalua opened the match with a 25-18 first-set victory before Kahuku responded emphatically. The Red Raiders took the next two sets, 25-20 and 25-15, putting Nā Menehune on the brink.

Moanalua answered with a 25-22 win in the fourth to force a deciding fifth set between two teams already familiar with going the distance.

The matchup was a rematch of last year’s OIA Division I championship, when Kahuku defeated Moanalua in five sets, 24-26, 25-20, 24-26, 25-19, 15-12. Moanalua also won the teams’ first meeting this season on Aug. 31 in four sets.

Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo

Fifth Set Goes Beyond 15

Wednesday’s finale turned into a marathon.

Neither side could create separation late, with the teams tied at 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. Kahuku’s Haley Kotobalavu and Makamae Schilling repeatedly delivered with the match hanging in the balance, while Moanalua leaned heavily on Surfia Grounds.

Grounds tied the set at 19 with her 19th kill of the night. Moanalua then moved ahead 20-19 before Hannah Leung and Alessandra Siazon combined for the match-ending block, finally giving Nā Menehune the 21-19 victory.

Grounds led Moanalua with 19 kills, while Nora Carey added 10 and Kingston Auva’a finished with nine. Setters Alea Chew and Rylie Ramones combined for 47 assists as Moanalua totaled 55 kills.

Kahuku was led by Kotobalavu’s 20 kills, 17 digs and seven aces. Schilling added 14 kills and 15 digs, while Anny Scott recorded 39 assists and 16 digs.

Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo

Photo Credit: Riley Guillermo

Fun Factory VIP of the Game: Kingston Auva’a

Kingston Auva’a was selected as the Fun Factory VIP of the Game after providing a major presence at the net for Moanalua.

Auva’a finished with nine kills, two solo blocks and four block assists, including a key block alongside Leung during the extended fifth set. Her work in the middle helped the Nā Menehune withstand Kahuku’s late push and remain unbeaten in league play.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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What’s Next

The victory keeps Moanalua atop the OIA Division I East at 5-0, while Kahuku falls to 3-2.

Both teams return to league action on Sept. 21, with Moanalua taking on Castle and Kahuku facing Kalaheo.

CLICK HERE for more OIA Girls Volleyball information.

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A look behind Jadyn Miller’s multi-sport college juggling act

A look behind Jadyn Miller’s multi-sport college juggling act

Sep 16, 2026

A look behind Jadyn Miller’s multi-sport college juggling act

HONOLULU – Having a packed schedule is nothing new for Jadyn Miller.

A five-sport athlete in high school who toiled away in the classroom to graduate as one of the valedictorians in a highly competitive Class of 2025 at Waialua, life would almost feel incomplete if she wasn’t running around from event to event.

She starred on the soccer field for the Bulldogs, earning all-OIA West honors in her junior and senior campaigns while helping the Waialua program make back-to-back state tournament appearances for the first time since 2015 and 2016.

Miller also participated in cross country and track and field; a pair of sports that helped the ever-busy high schooler stay in shape for when soccer wasn’t in season.

When she wasn’t busy sprinting around, she was crushing it on the diamond for the Waialua softball program. Miller took her game to new heights by 2025, hitting .417 while scoring 19 runs and stealing 12 bases in 14 games as she earned first-team All-Hawaii honors in Division II.

As if four sports and a full academic schedule weren’t enough, Hawai’i became the 12th state to officially sanction girls’ flag football as a high school sport just in time for her senior spring.

Of course, Miller had to try and make it work.

“Flag football was my first sport,” Miller shared. “I did it when I was younger and it was really like my favorite sport, so I couldn’t turn down the opportunity.”

With her springtime coaches willing to collaborate with each other and share the standout student-athlete during the same season, Miller made her dreams come true and returned to the gridiron before she wrapped up her time at Waialua.

“Just really grateful that I got to do them all,” Miller smiled.

But when high school ends, most multi-sport maniacs like Miller have to pick just one path so they can keep up with school work in college.

Miller isn’t like most student-athletes though.

After considering options on the continent for college, Miller decided staying closer to home was a better path for her and promptly enrolled at Hawaii Pacific University. A conversation with women’s soccer head coach Connor Artigue also helped seal the deal as an opportunity to continue her athletic career awaited with the Sharks.

Jadyn Miller (16) takes the field for Hawaii Pacific University. | Photo Credit: HPU Athletics

“Playing college soccer was definitely always my goal,” Miller said.

Not only did the Sharks have a spot for her on the soccer team, but a change in the softball program head chair popped an idea into Miller’s head just before she embarked on her freshman year.

“We knew there was a new softball coach, and I reached out to him,” she remembered. “Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to be a dual-sport athlete in college, but I went to, I guess you can call it a tryout, and [Coach Takemura] saw me play and he offered me a spot on the [softball] team.”

After talking to both Artigue and Takemura about the idea of playing both sports and getting both coaches to sign off on the plan, Miller officially became a dual-sport athlete again as she prepared for her first year of college.

“They were like both 100% and very supportive of me doing both [sports],” she said of her two separate head coaches. “I’m just so grateful that they were just so accommodating and that I have the opportunity. It’s pretty awesome.”

She had an extra appreciation for Artigue, the coach who she first committed to when choosing HPU. Instead of meeting her optimism with pessimism, the head coach of the women’s soccer team simply stated how rare the opportunity was in college and how awesome it was that Miller was going to try it.

Takemura was also very supportive of the idea, going over the different give-and-take it would involve as she pieced together her plan. The sport that was in-season would always take priority for Miller, but she would try to make up for the time she would miss with the other program by putting in her own individual offseason work.

Unfortunately for Miller, her plan would get delayed and changed quickly as she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in the first week of her freshman soccer season.

Practically for the first time, the on-the-go sports standout would be forced to sit out for an extended period and watch from the sidelines.

Jadyn Miller (16) watches the action on the field. | Photo Credit: HPU Athletics

“Through that process, I really learned how important it is that you take care of your body,” Miller said.

Rehabilitating her knee included wading through plenty of troubled waters, testing her mental resolve as much as her physical toughness.

“Every day, I’d try my best to stretch and roll out [muscles], make appointments with the trainer and make sure that I’m taking care of my body properly,” Miller said, noting the importance of a balanced diet and getting appropriate amounts of sleep. “You have to really prioritize your time management.”

Still, she felt a crashing wave of sadness over a year of sports stolen away to begin her college career. After thinking she would be playing multiple sports in her first go-round at school, Miller would ultimately play none as she watched from the bench in soccer and softball.

The time off provided a new perspective for the former high school star, who originally felt down from not being able to go out and help her teammates through the battles of the campaign. Thankfully, Miller found comfort still being around the teams.

“Mentally, it was tough,” Miller conceded. “But eventually I figured out that I still got to bond with my team and just learn, like I didn’t have to take the load of everything in my freshman year and just see everything out [instead].”

There was still the physical battle of returning though. While the actual rehab exercises weren’t necessarily difficult, the process of getting her mind and body to trust certain movements again proved to be a challenge.

“Your muscles, you’ve got to get them to connect again, and you have to really learn how to trust your body and trust that you’re not going to get injured again,” Miller said.

She would ask her physical therapist everything, from questions about if she would be able to bend her leg again to how much of her ability to run would return.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to do all these things again,” Miller chuckled.

But after months of work, both physically and mentally, Miller returned to action ahead of the 2026 fall campaign for the Hawaii Pacific University women’s soccer team. She officially made her Sharks debut on August 27, tallying 38 minutes of action against the University of Texas-Dallas and has played in all six contests of the season so far for HPU.

Jadyn Miller (16) gives chase in her return to action as a sophomore. | Photo Credit: HPU Athletics

Now back and active, Miller has a simple message when it comes to advice for other student-athletes who might be looking to play more than one sport in college.

“I would just say dream big and just shoot for it because the worst you can get is a no,” said Miller. “Just take the opportunity and go for it … because you never know if it might go away, or you’ll never know what you could’ve lost out on. Anything is possible.”

Miller hasn’t stopped shooting for the stars herself.

Her return to soccer was the first step. Next up, softball season … and a little more.

With Hawaii Pacific University announcing the addition of a women’s flag football program, Miller dialed up another coach (after a little push from her father) and found out that her dual-sport schedule could be upgraded once again.

Armed with the blessing of her current coaches, Miller will get to play her favorite sport once again while making history as part of the first collegiate women’s flag football team in her home state of Hawai’i when Spring 2027 rolls around.

Besides, by her own standards – she clearly wasn’t busy enough yet.

 

 

 

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After season-opening loss, Campbell climbs to No. 2 in Lasquero’s latest HS Football rankings

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Sep 15, 2026

After season-opening loss, Campbell climbs to No. 2 in Lasquero’s latest HS Football rankings

Campbell WR Shaison Kupukaa scored two touchdowns in the Sabers’ win over Moanalua. | Photo: CJ Caraang

Michael Lasquero gives his Top 25 best teams in the state heading into the seventh weekend of the Hawaii High School Football season.

1. Mililani (5-0)

Previous rank: 1

Last week: beat No. 12 Leilehua, 43-0

This week: vs. No. 3 Kahuku Saturday

Analysis: The Trojans continued their strong start to 2026 by picking up their third shutout of the season against Leilehua. The last time Mililani allowed a touchdown was in the season opener against Liberty. Sophomore ATH Ashton Grace had a breakout game offensively in the win over the Mules with seven receptions for 89 yards and one TD to give QB Hunter Fujikawa another trusted target to throw to opposite WR Bless Cabrera-Hopkins. First real test is this weekend against the Red Raiders.

2. Campbell (4-1)

Previous rank: 4

Last week: beat No. 2 Kapolei, 17-14

This week: at No. 22 Kailua Saturday

Analysis: The team from Ewa Beach is one of the hottest teams in the state right now after knocking off Kapolei with 17 straight points before holding off the Hurricanes. You can make the argument that the first touchdown that Campbell scored shouldn’t have counted, but it was relatively early enough in the game. The one concern I have though is the Sabers did not score an offensive touchdown against the Hurricanes. Still, a defense that held Kapolei to just 105 yards of total offense is championship-caliber.

3. Kahuku (3-2)

Previous rank: 3

Last week: lost to St. John Bosco (California), 49-13

This week: at No. 1 Mililani Saturday

Analysis: After sweeping the ILH big three, the Red Raiders challenged themselves in losses to top teams from out of state. The edge Kahuku has this weekend against the top team in the state is that its squad has shown it can perform in the clutch. Outside of the Trojans’ season opener against Liberty, Mililani has relatively been on cruise control the past month. If the score is close in the second half, Kahuku might be able to pull off the upset.

4. Kapolei (3-1)

Previous rank: 2

Last week: lost to No. 4 Campbell, 17-14

This week: vs. No. 15 Leilehua Friday

Analysis: The Hurricanes suffered their first loss of the season in a game that you can argue they should have won if the officials correctly officiated Campbell’s kickoff return. Still, great teams should be able to overcome those early setbacks. Not developing a vertical passing game in the preseason definitely came back to bite Kapolei last weekend. It is not a good look that four different players attempted a pass — and the only touchdown pass thrown was by a non-quarterback. The Hurricanes do have a few get-right opponents to close out the September schedule so it would be wise if they worked on the passing game while they can.

5. Waipahu (4-1)

Previous rank: 5

Last week: beat No. 16 Nanakuli, 78-0

This week: vs. No. 9 Aiea Friday

Analysis: The win against Nanakuli was expected, the margin of victory was not. The Marauders have outscored their regular season opponents, 144 to 0, in their first OIA Division I contests and have no intentions of slowing down. Sophomore QB Jake Garcia threw for 207 yards and two TDs and added three more rushing scores on the ground in the rout. Waipahu is a team playing in the wrong division this season and won’t be ranked any higher than No. 5 the rest of the season.

6. Kamehameha (2-4)

Previous rank: 6

Last week: beat No. 7 Punahou, 16-6

This week: idle

Analysis: It wasn’t the cleanest win, but it was a much-needed one. Junior WR Loea Asuega-Stark had a huge game to get the Warriors in the win column with 10 receptions for 134 yards and a 27-yard receiving touchdown. Kamehameha will take the victory into its first bye week of the season after being the only team in the state to play a game every week in the first six weeks of the season.

7. Punahou (1-3-1)

Previous rank: 7

Last week: lost to No. 6 Kamehameha, 16-6

This week: idle

Analysis: It was going to be a tough one for a young Buffanblu team going on the road to take on rival Kamehameha, but they did get a much-needed boost in the fourth quarter when senior RB Aaron Johnson found the end zone to help snap a string of eight scoreless quarters. Depending on what happens across the state in the next two weeks, Punahou is in danger of dropping lower on this list without a quality win this season to its resume so far this year.

8. Kapaa (1-1-1)

Previous rank: 8

Last week: vs. Kauai (postponed)

This week: idle

Analysis: Hanapepe Ballpark, the site of last weekend’s scheduled game against Kauai, was heavily affected by Hurricane Lowell as the rest of the island tries to recover from the storm’s impact. The Warriors will have a week off before taking on Waimea in round No. 2 to close out the September schedule.

9. Aiea (3-0)

Previous rank: 9

Last week: idle

This week: at No. 5 Waipahu Friday

Analysis: Na Alii has been waiting to play a game since going undefeated in the month of August with a trio of one-possession victories. Aiea has a tough task going against a powerful Waipahu team that blew out the same Nanakuli team that Aiea beat earlier in the year, but HC Mika Liilii’s defense did outscore the Marauders’ offense in last year’s meeting.

10. Saint Louis (0-4)

Previous rank: 10

Last week: lost to Sierra Canyon (California), 52-0

This week: vs. St. John Bosco (California) Saturday

Analysis: A coaching change midseason is tough for any program, but its up to the players and coaches that remain to make the best of the situation. There is a legitimate concern that the Crusaders might finish the season 0-9, which is just  unbelievable to fathom for those that remember their dominance in multiple decades. Like Punahou, Saint Louis is in danger of falling out of the Top 10 if the product on the field doesn’t improve.

11. Waianae (3-0)

Previous rank: 11

Last week: idle

This week: vs. No. 19 Moanalua Friday

Analysis: The Seariders are back in action after a rare double bye. They will host a Moanalua squad that was embarrassed on homecoming, giving them a good test before traveling to Waipahu to close out September.

12. KS-Hawaii (3-1)

Previous rank: 13

Last week: beat Waiakea, 56-12

This week: at Hilo Friday

Analysis: The Warriors continue to roll with quarterbacks Kahekili Makekau and Lekahi Coloma combining for six touchdown passes with senior SB Chaseton Wong having a breakout game with eight receptions for 168 yards and two scores in the win over Waiakea.

13. Konawaena (2-1)

Previous rank: 14

Last week: beat Kealakehe, 63-0

This week: vs. Keaau Friday

Analysis: The Wildcats got back in the win column with senior QB Keenan Alani throwing for five touchdowns as the defense held the Waveriders to negative 23 yards of total offense in their second shutout victory of the season. Konawanea should have no problem with the rest of its September schedule and should be 4-1 before its rematch against KS-Hawaii.

14. Iolani (4-1)

Previous rank: 17

Last week: beat Keaau, 63-6

This week: idle

Analysis: The Raiders have quietly climbed up the ranks and is one of the more welcomed surprises of the season in Pat Samsonas’ inaugural season as the head coach of the program. Senior ATH Ayden Teranishi turned in all three of his receptions into touchdowns in Iolani’s high-scoring win over the visiting Cougars.

15. Leilehua (0-3)

Previous rank: 12

Last week: lost to No. 1 Mililani, 43-0

This week: at No. 4 Kapolei Friday

Analysis: Record wise, the Mules are not having a good season to start 2026, but it’s not their fault that they are stuck playing in the wrong division. Senior LB Jack Beaulieu had an impressive game with 10 total tackles and two TFLs in the loss to Mililani and is one of the most slept on defensive prospects in the state. Friday’s game against Kapolei is expected to be a loss, but if Leilehua is able to shut down the Hurricanes’ run game, this game could be much tighter than expected.

16. Damien (2-3)

Previous rank: 19

Last week: beat No. 18 Kailua, 35-22

This week: idle

Analysis: The Monarchs picked up a pair of much-needed wins after going 0-3 in the month of August as they head into the bye week with some momentum. Senior WR Wyatt Ho-Williams continues to deliver with his third 100-yard game of the season with six receptions for a season-high 156 yards and a 54-yard score in the win over Kailua.

17. Baldwin (4-1)

Previous rank: 20

Last week: beat Kulanihakoi, 43-6

This week: vs. Lahainaluna Friday at KS-Maui

Analysis: The Bears earned their fourth straight win of the year and has looked like the best team on Maui so far six weeks into the season. They’ll have an opportunity to show how good they are to a wider audience this weekend when they take on the Lunas at a neutral site in a televised game on OC16.

18. Farrington (1-4)

Previous rank: 25

Last week: beat No. 15 Moanalua, 51-19

This week: vs. Radford Friday

Analysis: The Governors are back in business after their dominant showing at Managua’s homecoming. Junior RB Tabu Nathan rushed for 205 yards and two TDs while junior LB Kale Lundvall showed off his playmaking ability on defense by picking off two different quarterbacks and returning it to the house. Sophomore QB Kenzo Kawai only threw two passes, but he set the tone with his rushing ability with scoring runs for Farrington’s first two touchdowns. Don’t count out Farrington just yet.

19. Moanalua (2-3)

Previous rank: 15

Last week: lost to No. 25 Farrington, 51-19

This week: at No. 11 Waianae Friday

Analysis: The loss to Farrington was a big hit on homecoming, but the gameplay wasn’t as lopsided as the final score indicated. Giving up three defensive scores is not a recipe for success for any team. Moanalua did make adjustments to give itself a chance, but it was a little too late. Subbing out of their base three-man front when playing run-heavy teams is something Na Menehune should consider in the future. The biggest question is does Moanalua still operate as a spread offense, or does the team switch to a I-formation system to feature RB Titan Te’o — which was successful with the play-action passes in the second half against Farrington.

20. Nanakuli (1-3)

Previous rank: 16

Last week: lost to No. 5 Waipahu, 78-0

This week: at Roosevelt Friday

Analysis: I expected more out of the Golden Hawks in their game against Waipahu, but the Marauders are just on another level right now playing in the wrong division. Nanakuli has a solid chance to get back into the win column this weekend against winless Roosevelt.

21. Kalaheo (3-0)

Previous rank: 21

Last week: beat No. 22 Kaiser, 56-27

This week: at No. 24 Pearl City Saturday

Analysis: The Mustangs look like the cream of the crop in the OIA Division II race after a surprisingly lopsided victory over Kaiser last weekend. Senior ATH Loch Moorman had one of his best games as a passer for Kalaheo with three touchdown passes while senior RB Marquez Mellor stole the show with 302 yards rushing and five scores on just 14 carries in the win over the Cougars. A win this weekend against the Chargers will likely mean that the Mustangs go through the regular season undefeated.

22. Kailua (0-3)

Previous rank: 18

Last week: lost to No. 19 Damien, 35-22

This week: vs. No. 2 Campbell Saturday

Analysis: For the record, the Surfriders are not a bad team. They just have to replace over 30 players that were lost to graduation. Kailua even had the lead over Damien at one point in this game, but giving up two scores in the final 67 seconds of the first half and then giving up a pick-six in the third quarter was the difference in what could have been the team’s first win of the season. Junior ATH Timothy Kailiehu showed a spark in the fourth quarter playing the quarterback position and having a hand in two scores.

23. KS-Maui (3-1)

Previous rank: 23

Last week: beat Maui, 28-18

This week: vs. King Kekaulike Friday

Analysis: The Warriors got back into the win column with sophomore QB Ryder De Silva throwing for 218 yards and three TDs — two of which went to Bruce Beltran. The running game also was effective with four different ball carriers combining for 140 yards on the ground. Friday’s game against Na Alii is the first of three games against their upcountry rivals.

24. Pearl City (4-0)

Previous rank: 24

Last week: beat Kalani, 48-0

This week: vs. No. 21 Kalaheo Saturday

Analysis: The Chargers are riding high after a dominant showing against the Falcons as quarterbacks Jayden Delos Santos and Brydan Gaoiran each threw three touchdown passes in the blowout victory. Junior RB Cole Reason also was solid on the ground with 109 yards rushing and one TD on 16 carries. Saturday against the Mustangs will be Pearl City’s first real test of the season.

25. Kaiser (2-1)

Previous rank: 22

Last week: lost to No. 21 Kalaheo, 56-27

This week: vs. Kaimuki Friday

Analysis: The Cougars suffered their first setback of the season after losing a shootout to Kalaheo. Despite two interceptions thrown, Kaiser did enough on offense to win the game — but it was the team’s run defense that was most concerning as the Mustangs were able to rumble for 407 yards rushing on the ground. The Cougars will have a solid chance to get back into the win column this weekend when they host the Bulldogs.

Farrington uses ground game, defensive scores to earn first win of the year

Farrington uses ground game, defensive scores to earn first win of the year

Sep 12, 2026

Farrington uses ground game, defensive scores to earn first win of the year

Farrington’s Royalty Talamoa celebrates after making a play against Moanalua. | Photo: Adam Hufstetler

SALT LAKE — Farrington finally found its breakthrough.

The Governors relied on a dominant rushing attack and three defensive touchdowns to spoil Moanalua’s homecoming, pulling away for a 51-19 victory Friday night in an OIA Division I football game.

The win was Farrington’s first of the season and snapped a four-game losing streak. The Governors improved to 1-4 overall and 1-1 in league play, while Moanalua dropped to 2-2 and 1-1.

Farrington ran for 272 yards and attempted only two passes. Tabu-Rinthon Nathan carried the load with 205 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries, including a 93-yard touchdown run with two minutes remaining that put the game out of reach.

“We really wanted to flip the switch and start showing everyone what we’ve been working hard on,” Farrington sophomore quarterback Kenzo Kawai said. “In the past few weeks, we’ve been trying to find the right offense that fits us. We finally found out that our run game is the most effective so we’ve been just pounding the ball on every play.”

Kawai helped establish that identity immediately, rushing for the first two touchdowns of the game.

Farrington opened with an 85-yard drive that consumed 17 plays, all on the ground. Kawai capped the possession with a 4-yard touchdown run.

“It was really big to score on the first drive because it sets the tone for the whole team and hypes up the defense to dominate,” Kawai said.

Farrington quarterback Kenzo Kawai scored the first two touchdowns for Farrington in the win over Moanalua. | Photo: Adam Hufstetler

The Governors then turned a strong special teams play into another touchdown.

Lexzyah Faumui’s 52-yard punt pinned Moanalua at its own 3-yard line. Farrington forced a strip sack on the ensuing possession, and Kawai scored on the next play. Faumui ran in the 2-point conversion to give the Governors a 16-0 lead.

Farrington’s defense continued to make the difference.

Kale Lundvall intercepted two passes and returned both for touchdowns, taking his first pick 62 yards to the end zone in the second quarter and his second 38 yards for a score in the third. Both interceptions came in the right flat.

The first pick-six helped Farrington take a 24-7 lead into halftime.

Linebacker Kale Lundvall scored two defensive touchdowns for the Governors. | Photo: Adam Hufstetler

“I’m really happy for our defense,” Kawai said. “They work really hard every day for it. I’m happy it paid off. I just thank them for putting the offense in a great position where we could score on almost every drive. Most of the props should go to our defense for that.”

Nathan added a 21-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to extend Farrington’s lead to 37-7 before Moanalua mounted a brief comeback.

Na Menehune quarterback Tyler Gines-Hufana completed 16 of 28 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Carson Hunnicutt for a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter and Isaiah Griffin for a 19-yard score in the third.

Gines-Hufana also added an 11-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, cutting Farrington’s advantage to 37-19.

Nathan answered with his 93-yard touchdown run, his second score of the night, to halt any hopes of a Moanalua comeback.

Farrington RB Tabu Nathan was a workhorse for the Governors against Moanalua. | Photo: Adam Hufstetler

Farrington added one final defensive touchdown when Loverson Kerly returned a fumble 28 yards for the score.

Kawai finished with 53 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Titan Te‘o led Moanalua with 102 yards on 17 carries.

For senior left tackle Darrius Uperesa, the victory provided a much-needed boost after the Governors’ difficult start.

“Winning always feels great, but we needed this win for both the coaches and especially the players,” Uperesa said. “Team morale was at its highest I’ve ever seen this season. Great hustle on both sides of the ball. This was a great team win.”

Lundvall was selected as the Fun Factory VIP of the Game after his two interception returns for touchdowns helped spark Farrington’s first victory of the season.

Matingou magic helps Hawai’i hold on late against Seattle

Matingou magic helps Hawai’i hold on late against Seattle

Nov 3, 2026

HONOLULU – What a way to end college basketball’s opening day. After seeing a 16-point lead evaporate and falling behind for the first time all game late, the University of Hawai’i men’s basketball team sent fans home happy on Monday night as Jaden...

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Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

Sep 10, 2026

Roosevelt debuts brand new gym with four-set win over Kalaheo

The Roosevelt girls volleyball team celebrates after defeating Kalaheo in four sets Wednesday night. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

MAKIKI — There was no scenario where the home team didn’t win this match.

Roosevelt made sure the first contest in its new gymnasium was a victory as the Rough Riders came away with a four-set win over visiting Kalaheo Wednesday night in an OIA Division-I East matchup.

Set scores were 25-16, 25-20, 21-25 and 25-18.

“We were super excited for this game,” said junior outside hitter Kaycie Garnett, the Fun Factory Games ‘VIP of the Game.’

“We knew that it’s been three years since we’ve had a gym. We had a home crowd, we were lucky enough that we put together a student section. We had so many students, faculty and all of our families come out so that really made this first game really special for us.”

Garnett led the way with a match-highs in kills (21) and aces (6). She also did a little bit of everything with four digs, one assist and one block to help the Rough Riders improve to 3-0 in OIA play after winning the league’s Division II crown a season ago.

“Being an upperclassmen now, I have people that look up to me, but also as a team we work together,” said Garnett.

All smiles for junior outside hitter Kaycie Garnett. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“We knew that now we’re in a different division. Last year, we were D2, this is D1. This is a whole different level of competition and we know every team is going to be tough so we are working on that mindset of being stronger, both mentally and physically.”

The Rough Riders as a whole totaled 16 aces in the match. Outside of Garnett’s six aces, setter Alana Lewis and libero Zaylee Hunziker each had four aces, with Hunziker getting three consecutive terminating serves to close out the opening set. Sanoe Holani-Frank and Makanani Campbell-Rodenhurst also registered an ace.

“Our serving game is one of our most important things for us,” said Garnett. “The fact that we could bring our service game tonight, that’s what helped us.”

Kamelehone Trueman led the Mustangs (1-2) in the loss with 13 kills.

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Kapolei moves up to No. 2 in Lasquero’s latest HS Football rankings heading into September

Kapolei moves up to No. 2 in Lasquero’s latest HS Football rankings heading into September

Aug 31, 2026

Kapolei moves up to No. 2 in Lasquero’s latest HS Football rankings heading into September

Kapolei RB Mikey Kapahu looks for some running room against Kamehameha in a 8-0 win last Saturday. | Photo: Riley Guillermo

Michael Lasquero gives his Top 25 best teams in the state heading into the fifth weekend of the Hawaii High School Football season.

1. Mililani (3-0)

Previous rank: 1

Last week: beat McClymonds (California), 50-0

This week: vs. Foothill (Nevada) at Liberty Friday

Analysis: Another week, another shutout, another season-high in points scored. Junior QB Hunter Fujikawa had more touchdown passes than incompletions in this win while senior WR Bless Cabrera-Hopkins had his third straight 100-yard game to start the season. Trojans are clicking on all cyclinders right now.

2. Kapolei (2-0)

Previous rank: 3

Last week: beat No. 4 Kamehameha, 8-0

This week: vs. No. 7 Punahou Friday

Analysis: One week after putting up 50 points against Waipahu, it was the defense that shined with the Hurricanes limiting the visiting Warriors to just 39 yards of total offense. Senior RB Mikey Kapahu did his thing with 117 yards rushing while senior QB Jacob Ballesteros made enough throws to win the game without star receiver Nikko Smith in the lineup. Even though the game was a one-possession affair, the Hurricanes seemed in control for the entire game and get the edge over Kahuku in this week’s rankings.

3. Kahuku (3-0)

Previous rank: 2

Last week: beat No. 7 Punahou, 16-10

This week: vs. Serra (California) Friday

Analysis: The Red Raiders continue to find ways to win and Saturday against the Buffanblu was no different. While the Kamehameha win was a momentum building win on the road against a veteran defense, the Punahou victory felt like Kahuku was fortunate to survive thanks to a few bounces that went its way. The Red Raiders benefitted from a high snap for the go-ahead score in this one and was fortunate that the Buffanblu came up short on multiple red zone trips and fourth down conversions. I have Kahuku down a spot for that reason, but it doesn’t mean I don’t believe in the team’s potential.

4. Campbell (2-1)

Previous rank: 5

Last week: beat Pineview (Utah), 48-27

This week: vs. No. 6 Kamehameha at Farrington Saturday

Analysis: The Sabers continue to look like a different team for the better with Jalen Kimble behind center as they picked up a good win out-of-state. They have a good chance to prove that they are for real when they face off a Kamehameha team that is desperate for a win this Saturday in a rematch of last year’s Open Division state championship.

5. Waipahu (2-1)

Previous rank: 6

Last week: beat No. 19 Farrington, 66-0

This week: at Mount Tahoma (Washington) Friday

Analysis: I predicted the Marauders would bounce back against Farrington last week — bounce back might actually be an understatement. This one was over before it began as Waipahu jumped out to a 16-0 lead 20 seconds into the ball game and led 38-0 six minutes into the game, proving that the Marauders are the team to beat in Division I. Sophomore QB Jake Garcia completed 13 of 14 passes for 224 yards and three TDs in the win as Waipahu totaled 452 yards of total offense in the blowout.

6. Kamehameha (1-3)

Previous rank: 4

Last week: lost No. 4 Kapolei, 8-0

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

Analysis: For the record, I was the biggest believer of Kamehameha in the preseason picking them at No. 1 to start these rankings — but the Warriors need to figure it out on offense and they need to figure it out fast. Kamehameha has not scored a touchdown in the last 10 quarters and has not put up any points on the board in the previous 102 minutes of game time against Hawaii competition. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting a different outcome so changes need to be made offensively because this team has a championship-caliber defense that is giving everything it can.

7. Punahou (1-1-1)

Previous rank: 7

Last week: lost to No. 2 Kahuku, 16-10

This week: at No. 2 Punahou Friday

Analysis: While it was their first loss of the season, the Buffanblu were right there on the road against Kahuku and had multiple opportunities to win as the underdogs coming into the matchup. Punahou’s youth was definitely on display, but it showed enough to show that it could be there in the state tournament in November. Senior RB Aaron Johnson has been a model of consistency in August with three straight 100-yard rushing games and the defense also did a solid job allowing just one offensive touchdown by Kahuku while getting one interception each against the Red Raiders’ two quarterbacks.

8. Kapaa (0-1-1)

Previous rank: 8

Last week: idle

This week: vs. No. 25 Waimea Saturday

Analysis: The Warriors will try for their first win of the season when they host the Menehune Saturday night in their KIF regular season opener.

9. Konawaena (1-0)

Previous rank: 9

Last week: idle

This week: at No. 20 KS-Hawaii Thursday

Analysis: The Wildcats begin the BIIF Division I regular season with a road game Thursday at KS-Hawaii, who will be Konawaena’s toughest opponent during the regular season.

10. Saint Louis (0-2)

Previous rank: 10

Last week: idle

This week: vs, IMG Academy (Florida) at Saddleback College

Analysis: The Crusaders continue their tough non-conference schedule against IMG Academy at a neutral site in California.

11. Aiea (3-0)

Previous rank: 11

Last week: beat No. 20 Nanakuli, 34-28

This week: idle

Analysis: Na Alii wrapped up their August schedule with their third straight game decided by one possession, showing that they have a knack to coming up big in the clutch. Sophomore QB Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi threw for three TDs — two of which went to Cason Brooke, who had six receptions for 179 yards and two scores. Aiea will have a rare double bye before traveling to Waipahu in two weeks in what will be the team’s toughest opponent to date.

12. Leilehua (0-2)

Previous rank: 12

Last week: idle

This week: idle

Analysis: The Mules have another week off before traveling to No. 1 Mililani next weekend.

13. Waianae (3-0)

Previous rank: 13

Last week: beat Roosevelt, 47-0

This week: idle

Analysis: Senior QB JJ Kaio threw for 214 yards and five touchdowns in their regular season opener against Roosevelt as the Seariders continue to roll to start the 2026 season. They will have two weeks off before hosting Moanalua in two weeks.

14. Moanalua (2-1)

Previous rank: 15

Last week: beat Radford, 21-0

This week: vs. Bothell (Washington) Friday

Analysis: Na Menehune got back in the win column with a shutout win over their rivals last weekend with senior QB Tyler Gines-Hufana accounting for two total scores. Moanalua is looking like a team that will make the OIA Division I playoffs after missing the postseason a year ago.

15. KS-Maui (2-0)

Previous rank: 16

Last week: beat Lahainaluna, 14-0

This week: vs. Baldwin Friday

Analysis: The Warriors wrapped up their August schedule with another shutout win against a Lahainaluna squad that held its own. A long catch-and-run by junior RB Xander Pagan provided a game’s opening score in the first quarter until a late scoring run by senior RB Kaikea Hueu provided a much-needed insurance score in the closing minutes.

16. Nanakuli (0-2)

Previous rank: 20

Last week: lost to No. 11 Aiea, 34-28

This week: vs. Granite Falls (Washington) Friday

Analysis: It’s very rare that a team moves up after a loss, but the Golden Hawks do that after an impressive performance against Aiea to start the regular season. Nanakuli had Na Alii on the upset alert behind junior QB Allix Yap’s four TD passes as two different receivers went over the century mark. There is a very solid chance this season that the Golden Hawks reach the OIA Division I playoffs for the first time under this coaching staff this year.

17. Iolani (2-1)

Previous rank: 17

Last week: beat Westview (California), 36-26

This week: at Radford Friday

Analysis: The Raiders got back in the win column behind senior RB Jadon Anzai’s 111 rushing yards and senior WR Ayden Teranishi’s five receptions for 167 yards and one TD. Iolani will play in its first game away from Kozuki Stadium this weekend with a road game against Radford on deck.

18. Kailua (0-2)

Previous rank: 18

Last week: idle

This week: idle

Analysis: The Surfriders have another week off before hosting Damien in what is a must-win game before they start the OIA Open Division regular season.

19. Damien (0-3)

Previous rank: 14

Last week: lost to Oakridge (Texas), 29-0

This week: at Farrington Friday

Analysis: Last week I wrote that the Monarchs’ game against their Texas opponent wouldn’t affect their ranking, so this is the first time I have had to backtrack this year. Nanakuli’s impressive showing against Aiea resulted in a ranking adjustment and the Monarchs are in desperate need of a win after going winless in August. Getting that this weekend against Farrington will give them a much needed boost to morale.

20. KS-Hawaii (1-1)

Previous rank: 21

Last week: idle

This week: vs. No. 9 Konawaena Thursday

Analysis: The Warriors have a chance to prove that they can compete on the Division I level with a good showing at home against the Wildcats on Thursday.

21. Kalaheo (2-0)

Previous rank: 22

Last week: beat Kalani, 48-7

This week: idle

Analysis: Senior RB Marquez Mellor ran for 255 yards and three TDs in a dominant win for the Mustangs to begin the regular season. They will have a week off before a big test against Kaiser next weekend.

22. Kaiser (2-0)

Previous rank: 23

Last week: beat McKinley, 47-7

This week: idle

Analysis: The Cougars continued their winning ways with quarterbacks Koa Reis and Maverick Wang each throwing two touchdowns apiece in their regular season opener against the Tigers. Sophomore WR Alakai Aweu was electric no matter who was throwing him the football with nine receptions for 132 yards and three scores.

23. Farrington (0-3)

Previous rank: 19

Last week: lost to No. 6 Waipahu, 66-0

This week: vs. No. 19 Damien Friday

Analysis: Things are not looking good for the Governors right now. A win against Damien at home this weekend should will give them some much-needed confidence.

24. Pearl City (3-0)

Previous rank: 25

Last week: beat Castle, 31-14

This week: idle

Analysis: Senior WR Bronson Jayce Abendanio caught five passes for 101 yards and two scores in the Chargers’ regular season opener against Castle to complete an undefeated run through their August schedule.

25. Waimea (1-1)

Previous rank: 24

Last week: idle

This week: at No. 8 Kapaa Saturday

Analysis: The Menehune are back in action this weekend with a road game against Kapaa. Injuries seem to be taking a toll on Waimea so Saturday’s game against the Warriors might be tough.