Kaimuki snaps 18-game losing streak with full team showing over Waialua

Kaimuki snaps 18-game losing streak with full team showing over Waialua

Aug 28, 2026

Kaimuki snaps 18-game losing streak with full team showing over Waialua

Kaimuki ATH Tieler Sufon sprints away from the defense for one of his three touchdowns from Thursday night. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

 

KALIHI – Bulldogs bite back.

In Thursday night’s “Bulldog Bowl” at Farrington High School, it was the guys in green that got off a near three-year slide as the Kaimuki Bulldogs used a punishing rushing attack, timely special teams plays and a hat trick of touchdowns from Tieler Sufon to take down the Waialua Bulldogs, 26-14.

Sufon didn’t need many touches to star for a win-starved Kaimuki squad, getting three total carries on the night for 122 yards and three scores. The sophomore also added a pair of tackles and had an interception that was called back after a wild sequence.

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Kaimuki (1-1, 1-0 league) ran for 228 total yards on the ground as a group as six different players finished with 10 or more yards rushing. Sohn Santos added 49 yards on seven carries while Kilifi Koli chipped in four rushes for 21 yards.

It was Waialua (1-1, 0-1 league) that got off to the quicker start, forcing three turnovers in the opening 12 minutes while taking a 7-0 lead behind a Jeremiah Clark 54-yard catch-and-run from QB Konan Riddleberger.

Despite the early turnover woes, Kaimuki’s defense didn’t flinch as it forced a fumble and turnover-on-downs to keep in a one-possession game more than midway through the 2nd quarter.

The Kaimuki offense finally repaid the defenders as halftime approached, seeing Sufon surge through the Waialua defense for a 30-yard touchdown with 3:18 left in the second frame. After an unsportsmanlike penalty against Waialua set up Kaimuki on the 1-and-a-half-yard line, the Bulldogs in green tried to go for two but were stopped after a faulty snap and remained down by a point, 7-6.

Kaimuki would catch Waialua off guard on the ensuing kickoff with an onside recovery, but the Waialua defense forced a fifth turnover of the first half to take the ball right back by the 50.

It looked as though Waialua played the end of the half perfectly, setting up in the middle of the hashmarks from 30 yards out for a field goal attempt with five seconds left before the break.

Then, the Kaimuki special teams unit turned the tide.

The kick was blocked and promptly recovered by Kaimuki’s Zephanaia Flaisek, who picked the ball up and sprinted 70 yards for a touchdown as the first half clock expired, giving Kaimuki its first halftime lead since November 2023.

With a 12-7 advantage in hand, Kaimuki sandwiched scores around the halftime break as Kilifi Koli returned the third quarter opening kick inside Waialua’s 10-yard line and Sufon finished the job with his second score of the evening.

Riding the momentum, Kaimuki’s defense forced a turnover on downs once again and bled the rest of the third quarter clock to push Waialua to the brink.

Kaimuki’s defense celebrates a stop during Thursday’s 26-14 win over Waialua. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

The Division II Bulldogs from the North Shore still showed resilience despite the nightmare stretch of middle quarters, punching back with a quick strike to begin the 4th quarter as Riddleberger connected with Clark for a 41-yard touchdown to make it a one-score game once again.

It didn’t matter much as Sufon sprinted away from the Waialua defense two plays later for an 83-yard touchdown, pushing Kaimuki back ahead by two possessions while deflating the energy that had just returned to the opposing sideline.

Riddleberger tossed his second interception of the night on the next drive, allowing Kaimuki to drain the clock to under a minute before giving the ball back to Waialua.

By then, it was too little, too late for the North Shore Bulldogs.

Waialua QB Konan Riddleberger had an up-and-down night, completing 18-of-33 passes for a career-high 245 yards and two touchdowns while also tossing a pair of interceptions. Junior WR Jeremiah Clark turned in his own impressive night despite the loss, hauling in five catches for a game-best 124 yards and both scores for his squad.

Thursday night marked the first win for Kaimuki since October 28, 2023, against Pearl City, snapping an 18-game losing streak for the Bulldogs. It was also the first career varsity tackle football victory for third-year head coach Kawehi Moefu.

Kaimuki HC Kawehi Moefu looks on during a complete team victory for his Bulldogs. | Photo Credit: Michael Lasquero, HSRN

Waialua will look to re-group before hosting Riverdale (CO) on September 3 on the North Shore. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. HT.

Next up for Kaimuki will be a return trip to Farrington High School, hosting PAC-5 on September 4 with kickoff slated for 5:30 p.m. HT.

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Major movement in Lasquero’s HS Football rankings after the first three weeks

Major movement in Lasquero’s HS Football rankings after the first three weeks

Aug 24, 2026

Major movement in Lasquero’s HS Football rankings after the first three weeks

Mililani WRs Bless Cabrera-Hopkins and Hayden Bajet celebrate big performances against Saint Louis. | Photo Credit: Brian Bautista

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

1. Mililani (2-0)

Previous rank: 2

Last week: beat No. 7 Saint Louis, 42-0

This week: vs. McClymonds (California) Friday

Analysis: The Trojans showed why they are the top team in the state in a dominating win over Saint Louis over the weekend in a matchup when they did all their scoring in the first half. The Hunter Fujikawa and Bless Cabrera-Hopkins connection continues to be automatic with the duo hooking up on two touchdown passes. New playmakers on the defense continue to arise with senior LB LJ Jelf having a breakout game with 11 tackles (seven solo), two forced fumbles and two pass breakups. Only question to be answered is which team in the state has what it takes to go toe-to-toe against Mililani.

2. Kahuku (2-0)

Previous rank: 3

Last week: beat No. 1 Kamehameha, 13-5

This week: vs. No. 7 Punahou Saturday

Analysis: It wasn’t a textbook win, but it was a defining moment of the Red Raiders’ season as they were able to get it done on the road in comeback fashion despite not playing well. Defense did not allow a single touchdown and the offense was able to make mid-game adjustments with QB Lucky Suguturaga making clutch plays with his feet and his arm to show that he can play winning football. Head coach David Stant has assembled an Avengers-level coaching staff around him for a young Kahuku team that has the biggest ceiling in the state.

3. Kapolei (1-0)

Previous rank: 4

Last week: beat No. 6 Waipahu, 50-15

This week: vs. No. 4 Kamehameha Saturday

Analysis: The Hurricanes were able to impose their will offensively in their season opener and saw senior RB Mikey Kapahu set a new school rushing record with 223 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries. As impressive as Kapolei was upfront offensively, the defense did its thing in the trenches as well as Waipahu struggled to move the ball down the field and had negative yards of total offense until the Marauders’ first scoring drive. Big test this weekend against a Kamehameha team that is hungry to get back into the win column.

4. Kamehameha (1-2)

Previous rank: 1

Last week: lost to No. 3 Kahuku, 13-5

This week: at No. 4 Kapolei Saturday

Analysis: For the first six minutes of the game, the Warriors looked like they were going to steamroll Kahuku — but they constantly found ways to give the game away and it eventually came back to bite them. Although defense held up its end of the bargain, offense struggled with execution and turnovers and there weren’t any real in-game adjustments made that would have changed the outcome. If Kamehameha wants to win it all at the end of the year, the team needs to learn how to seize the opportunity and make things happen. Success isn’t handed to anyone, it favors the bold that is going to grab it by the horns, something the Red Raiders did against the Warriors.

5. Campbell (1-1)

Previous rank: 8

Last week: beat No. 12 Moanalua, 56-7

This week: idle

Analysis: You can argue that the performance was against a lesser opponent, but you can’t deny that this Campbell team looks like a completely different squad than the one that showed up on opening weekend. Junior QB Jalen Kimble is making the most of his opportunities and has transformed the offense into an efficient machine as he has less incompletions (3) than touchdowns (5) so far to start the season. After last week’s performances, I think the Sabers can beat the Marauders in a hypothetical rematch if there was ever a Round 2 later in the season — and I’m not talking about the song by Sons of Yeshua.

6. Waipahu (1-1)

Previous rank: 6

Last week: lost to No. 4 Kapolei, 50-15

This week: vs. No. 19 Farrington Friday

Analysis: The Marauders came back down to earth after their opening win over Campbell and looked mediocre against Kapolei with inconsistent play on offense and tackling issues defensively with two defensive starters sidelined. There was just a different vibe from the team this past weekend compared to the one that showed up in Week 1. Sophomore WR Ian Tutuvanu was a bright spot in the loss with a career performance of six receptions for 78 yards. Waipahu should have no problem getting back on track when it hosts Farrington this weekend.

7. Punahou (1-0-1)

Previous rank: 5

Last week: tied No. 9 Kapaa, 14-14

This week: at No. 2 Kahuku Saturday

Analysis: The Buffanblu did not lose, but giving up a 14-0 lead after the first quarter to a team in a lower division visiting from another island drops them a few spots. Junior DE Tyler Lim was a standout in the tie with two sacks and a forced fumble while senior RB Aaron Johnson turned in another 100-yard plus performance on the ground. This young Punahou team has had the luxury of playing at home for the first two games so Saturday’s game on the road against Kahuku will be a much-needed measuring stick.

8. Kapaa (0-1-1)

Previous rank: 9

Last week: tied No. 5 Punahou, 14-14

This week: idle

Analysis: The Warriors deserve credit for rallying to force a tie against Punahou while traveling to another island under first-year head coach Ryan McKeague. Senior DE Siotame Malafu had himself a day with a three sacks in the tie as Kapaa shutout the Buffanblu after the first quarter. The No. 1 team on Kauai did what it needed to do by playing a challenging non-league schedule and will likely go undefeated until the state tournament.

9. Konawaena (1-0)

Previous rank: 10

Last week: beat Truckee (California), 24-0

This week: idle

Analysis: The Wildcats started their season with a road win in California, being the first team from the state to notch a victory on the continent this year. Senior ATH Anakin Punihaole turned in a solid two-way performance with three catches for 97 yards and a score while recording seven tackles and forcing a fumble on defense. Senior LB/K Makani Ige was also solid with 3.5 tackles for loss and six points on special teams.

10. Saint Louis (0-2)

Previous rank: 7

Last week: lost to No. 2 Mililani, 42-0

This week: idle

Analysis: If you want to look at the positives so far for Saint Louis, you would say this is a team that outscored Kahuku 12-0 in the second half and shutout Mililani after halftime. You can also say that the last time the Crusaders lost to those two same teams to start a season, they were state champions at the end of the year — but the likelihood of that scenario repeating is very slim right now. Saint Louis is young and dealing with injuries on the offensive side of the ball and will have major growing pains. Still, the Crusaders can start the season 0-5 and sweep ILH conference play to reach the state tournament with a losing record.

11. Aiea (2-0)

Previous rank: 13

Last week: beat No. 11 Leilehua, 14-13

This week: at No. 20 Nanakuli Saturday

Analysis: Another gritty win for Na Alii with a road victory over the Mules on a statewide televised game. Sophomore QB Fatboy Jesus-Kapesi has deservingly gone viral over the weekend, but senior LB Lance Fatiaki should also get some love for recording 13 total tackles with 2.5 tackles for loss. Momentum is on Na Alii’s side right now, but they still have things to clean up with this being the second straight game where they gave the ball away multiple times in the second half with the lead.

12. Leilehua (0-2)

Previous rank: 11

Last week: lost to No. 13 Aiea, 14-13

This week: idle

Analysis: One of those games that could have gone either way and the Mules were on the wrong side of that equation this time around. After throwing two interceptions in the season opener, junior QB Peyton Lee Molina-Gamponia bounced back with two touchdown passes as Leilehua did not turn the ball over against Aiea. Senior LB Chavis Acol also showed out as the smallest guy on defense with two interceptions. The Mules will have two weeks off before taking on Mililani in the middle of September.

13. Waianae (2-0)

Previous rank: 16

Last week: beat No. 15 Kailua, 21-7

This week: vs. Roosevelt Friday

Analysis: The Seariders are the real deal after earning back-to-back road wins to start 2026 and first-year head coach Whiston Kaleimamahu should be the early favorite to win a coach of the year award. Sophomore RB Maxumus Quon-Kaleiopu has been a workhorse offensively with over 324 rushing yards in two games while senior QB JJ Kaio can make the throws when he needs to in the passing game. Sophomore ATH Mike Satele has also shown solid two-way ability in clutch moments in both victories. The first game at Raymond Torii Field this weekend should be a sellout because this team deserves it.

14. Damien (0-2)

Previous rank: 14

Last week: idle

This week: at Oakridge (Texas) Friday

Analysis: This week’s game won’t affect the Monarchs’ ranking in my book, but they do have non-league games against Farrington and Kailua coming up that they need to have a good showing in.

15. Moanalua (1-1)

Previous rank: 12

Last week: lost to No. 8 Campbell, 56-7

This week: vs. Radford Friday

Analysis: Na Menehune held brief leads over the reigning Open Division state champion, but felt the full wrath of the Sabers, who were hungry to get back into the win column. This weekend’s regular season matchup against neighboring rival Radford will give a better sense if Moanalua are contenders or pretenders in the OIA Division I race.

16. KS-Maui (1-0)

Previous rank: 18

Last week: beat Kulanihakoi, 63-0

This week: at Lahainaluna Saturday

Analysis: This result was expected against a Manta Rays squad that was making their first appearance on the varsity level. Sophomore QB Ryder Silva has fit in nicely at the position with senior WR Bruce Beltran providing a big-play target with four receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown in the win. The trio of Xander Pagan, Kaikea Hueu and Nakoa Pau gives the Warriors the best running back room in Division II.

17. Iolani (1-1)

Previous rank: 17

Last week: idle

This week: vs. Westview (California) Saturday

Analysis: After a week off, the Raiders are back it with a home game against the Wolverines from San Diego.

18. Kailua (0-2)

Previous rank: 15

Last week: lost to No. 16 Waianae, 21-7

This week: idle

Analysis: Things are not looking good for the Surfriders right now in their first season as an Open Division team in school history. They will have two weeks off before hosting Damien, which is a must-win game for morale before the start of the regular season. Senior WR Tayvin Kahele continues to be a bright spot with double-digit receptions for the second straight game.

19. Farrington (0-2)

Previous rank: 19

Last week: idle

This week: at No. 6 Waipahu Friday

Analysis: Farrington has a tough task ahead of itself as it travels to a Waipahu team that is hungry to get back into the win column. The Governors will need to establish the run game on Friday, otherwise it will be a long night for them.

20. Nanakuli (0-1)

Previous rank: 20

Last week: at Kealakehe (cancelled)

This week: vs. No. 11 Aiea Saturday

Analysis: Nanakuli has a golden opportunity this weekend to establish itself as a contender in the OIA Division I race with a home game against a red-hot Aiea team that has all the momentum. Saturday’s matchup against Na Alii has potential to be the highest scoring game of the weekend.

21. KS-Hawaii (1-1)

Previous rank: 22

Last week: beat No. 21 Waimea, 49-27

This week: idle

Analysis: The Warriors scored at will against the visiting Menehune to pick up their first win of the season as  sophomore QB Kahekili Makekau threw for 266 yard and three touchdowns against just three incompletions and junior RB Dallas Enriquez ran for 128 yards and two scores. Kamehameha-Hawaii will have a week off before hosting Konawaena in a battle between the top two teams on the Big Island.

22. Kalaheo (1-0)

Previous rank: 25

Last week: beat Hawaii Prep, 59-7

This week: vs. Kalani Saturday

Analysis: The Mustangs picked up a big win on another island to start the season with senior QB Loch Moorman accounting for four total scores and Air Force-commit Marquez Mellor running for 137 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries. Kalaheo fans will get to enjoy their first night game on the Windward side of the island in years this weekend.

23. Kaiser (1-0)

Previous rank: —

Last week: beat No. 23 Pac-Five, 55-7

This week: vs. McKinley Friday

Analysis: The Cougars were able to add a last-minute game to their schedule and just dominated a previously-ranked team in Pac-Five as they put up 431 yards of total offense while holding the Wolfpack to just 96 yards. Junior QB Koa Reis was efficient at the controls with 269 yards passing and three total scores while the defense recorded two interceptions.

24. Waimea (1-1)

Previous rank: 21

Last week: lost to No. 22 KS-Hawaii, 49-27

This week: idle

Analysis: The Menehune scored in every quarter against Kamehameha-Hawaii, but had no answers defensively as the Warriors got whatever they wanted. Waimea’s secondary was supposed to be one of the team’s strengths so this loss was a bit concerning and opens the door for Kauai to make a push to be the KIF representative in the Division II state tournament.

25. Pearl City (2-0)

Previous rank: —

Last week: beat El Capitan (California), 28-21

This week: vs. Castle Friday

Analysis: Junior WR Maiaku Lii finished with eight receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown and was one of four different players to find the end zone in the Chargers’ latest victory. Senior DB Kealiiomana Keola continues to be a clutch player in the secondary with two interceptions in the win over El Capitan.

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Moanalua handles visiting Kailua, 41-18

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Waimea opens season with 67-6 rout of Kaimuki

Waimea opens season with 67-6 rout of Kaimuki

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Waimea opened its season in dominant fashion Saturday night, cruising past visiting Kaimuki 67-6 at Hanapepe Stadium. The Menehune scored on their opening kickoff, with Kepa Pablo returning it for a touchdown to give Waimea an early lead. Waimea...

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Radford runs past Castle on opening night, 44-20

Radford runs past Castle on opening night, 44-20

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Kahuku clocks Kamehameha-Kapālama in first-ever trip to the hill

Kahuku clocks Kamehameha-Kapālama in first-ever trip to the hill

Aug 22, 2026

Kahuku clocks Kamehameha-Kapālama in first-ever trip to the hill

The Kahuku Red Raiders celebrate a Kamehameha turnover in the second quarter. | Photo: Riley Guillermo

 

HONOLULU – There’s a reason they play all four quarters.

After getting shutout in the first two quarters of the program’s first-ever trip into the hills of Kapālama, the No. 3-ranked Kahuku Red Raiders (2-0) turned up the heat after halftime on No. 1-ranked Kamehameha-Kapālama (1-2) to earn a hard-fought 13-5 victory over the Warriors on Saturday night.

In a battle between two of the best high school defenses in the entire state of Hawai’i, Kahuku and KS-Kapālama each tallied under 200 yards of total offense and combined for 17 total first downs throughout the night.

Kamehameha took advantage of the stout defensive performance throughout the first half as the offense struggled to get going, getting points on a 41-yard field goal from one of the premiere place kickers in the state, Tyler Fujimoto, before tacking on a safety midway through the game’s opening quarter to take a 5-0 lead.

That advantage would hold for the Warriors until the second half when Kahuku’s offense finally muscled its way down the field for a nine-play, 53-yard go-ahead scoring drive, capped off by a four-yard touchdown dash by QB Lucky Suguturaga with 5:11 left to play in the third quarter.

Kamehameha got the ball back with a chance to take the lead back at the start of the fourth quarter, but the Red Raiders defense stood strong to force a turnover on downs and take over at the Warriors’ 34-yard line with 4:14 remaining in regulation.

The Kahuku offense capitalized on the change of possession, milking three more minutes off the clock before Blake Alo broke away for a 15-yard touchdown to make it a 13-5 lead for the Red Raiders with 65 ticks left on the clock.

Kamehameha failed to move forward, going for one yard in four plays before turning it over on downs back to Kahuku and allowing the fans from the North Shore to head home happy as the Red Raiders kneeled out the victory.

Alo led Kahuku with 61 yards rushing on 11 carries along with his insurance score in the final minutes while Suguturaga tacked on 44 yards on the ground to go along with his 8-of-16 passing performance for 93 yards and two interceptions.

KS-Kapālama QB Loea Keopuhiwa struggled against the standout Kahuku defensive unit, going 8-for-17 passing for 98 yards and three interceptions. Junior running back Maddox Sharrer was able to find small pockets of success for the Warriors, taking 15 carries for 52 yards in the loss.

Kamehameha-Kapālama will head back to the drawing board, looking to clean up where things went wrong before traveling to take on Kapolei next Saturday with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. HT.

Kahuku hopes to keep cruising as their non-league schedule rolls on next week as well, taking on Punahou (1-0-1) on Saturday, August 29 with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. HT.

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Saint Louis shutout for first time since 2012 as Mililani makes statement

Saint Louis shutout for first time since 2012 as Mililani makes statement

Aug 22, 2026

Saint Louis shutout for first time since 2012 as Mililani makes statement

Mililani WR Hayden Bajet runs away from a Saint Louis defender during the Trojans’ triumph over the Crusaders. | Photo Credit: Brian Bautista

MILILANI – Mowed down in Millville.

The No. 2-ranked Mililani Trojans (2-0) made their case for the state’s top ranking on Saturday night, crushing the No. 7-ranked Saint Louis Crusaders (0-2) behind a dominant three-phase performance, 42-0.

According to Hawaii Prep World records, it’s the first time since the 2012 season finale against Punahou at Aloha Stadium that Saint Louis was shutout in a football game.

Mililani QB Hunter Fujikawa looked in full control from start to finish, turning in an efficient performance with 11-of-14 passes completed for 212 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. The junior signal caller also added 22 yards on the ground but did take a pair of sacks in the first half before he gave way to backup QB Temaru Isaacs-Kalahiki to close out the third and fourth quarters.

Mililani QB Hunter Fujikawa navigates pressure against the Saint Louis defense. | Photo Credit: Brian Bautista

Fujikawa found comfort again feeding WR Bless Cabrera-Hopkins, hooking up for six catches, 130 yards and two of Fujikawa’s three TD passes. Junior wideout Hayden Bajet chipped in with three receptions for 60 yards of his own while hauling in his first touchdown as a Trojan in the victory.

Despite Saint Louis winning the time of possession battle handily (28:53 to 19:07), the Mililani defense dominated from start to finish as the Crusaders mustered up just 174 yards all night while committing four of the team’s five turnovers.

The Crusaders began the night in peril as their opening drive came to an early conclusion with a lost fumble, but the defense stood tall with the help of Ricky Li’ili’I’s lone sack of the game and forced Mililani kicker Matthew Bolibol to pull a 31-yard field goal try wide right to keep things scoreless midway through the first quarter.

That was where the good stopped for Saint Louis.

After the Mililani defense forced a punt on the ensuing drive, Fujikawa and the Trojan offense marched 63 yards down the field in four plays to punch in the game’s first score as Toa Sam toted the rock into the end zone from a yard out.

Another forced punt to open the second quarter led to another masterful Mililani drive as Fujikawa connected with Cabrera-Hopkins for the first of their two touchdown strikes, this time on a 23-yard bullet right down the seam for the score to extend the lead to 14-0.

Mililani sophomore Ashton Grace got his hands on his first career pick to start the turnover fiesta back up in the second quarter and junior DB Nui Gilman followed it up two drives later with his first interception of the year, each leading to touchdown-scoring drives for the Trojans – Bajet’s first Trojan touchdown and Cabrera-Hopkins’ second of the night with Toa Sam’s encore score sandwiched in between.

Already leading 35-0 with just under 90 seconds left in the half, the Mililani special teams unit got in on the fun as they forced a fumble on kickoff coverage and Matai Sam picked up the pigskin and scampered to paydirt to put a bow on a 42-point first half for the Trojans.

With running clock in effect, the second half flew by as the Trojans and Crusaders traded stops with each other before giving way to some of the younger depth on each roster to close out the non-league contest.

Saint Louis QB Luke Shigeta had a rough night at the office against one of the top high school teams in Hawai’i, going 5-for-13 passing for 78 yards and two interceptions and a fumble in the loss. Fellow sophomore QB Zander Namoku came in and threw for 50 yards in relief, completing 6-of-11 passes in his limited action.

Senior WR Damien Diaz was one of the lone players on the Crusaders roster to find success throughout the night, grabbing a team-high four receptions for 92 yards in the loss.

Saint Louis continues an exceptionally challenging non-league schedule in two weeks, heading to the continent to face national powerhouse IMG Academy at Saddleback College in California on September 4 with kickoff scheduled for 9 a.m. HT.

Mililani will be back in action next Friday, hosting McClymonds (CA) for the second of three non-league games against opponents from the continent. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. HT.

Mililani WRs Bless Cabrera-Hopkins and Hayden Bajet celebrate big performances against Saint Louis. | Photo Credit: Brian Bautista

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Sylvester snags Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honors

Oct 19, 2026

 HONOLULU – Host a block party, reap the rewards after. University of Hawai’i middle blocker Miliana Sylvester was named the Old Trapper Mountain West Women’s Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week on Monday morning after posting 22 total...

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Campbell Sabers get back on track with blowout win over Moanalua, 56-7

Campbell Sabers get back on track with blowout win over Moanalua, 56-7

Aug 21, 2026

Campbell Sabers get back on track with blowout win over Moanalua, 56-7

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

For the second straight game of the season, the reigning Open Division state champions found themselves facing an early deficit.

The response was different this time around.

Charlesten Salazar’s 96-yard kickoff return sparked a string of 59 unanswered points as Campbell cruised to a 56-7 road win over Moanalua Friday night.

“I have been playing this game of football since I was three and I have learned that momentum plays a big part in this game,” said Salazar.

“Our special teams are dawgs and they are hungry. They all executed their blocks and I was able to take it to the end zone creating the spark we needed as a team. From then on the momentum was in our favor and we didn’t let off the gas.”

It was a much-needed response by the Sabers, who lost their season opener to Waipahu, 40-17, after going down 17-0 after the first quarter.

“This game was huge for us not only for the players, but for the coaches and the community,” Salazar said. “As many have stated, we have a big target on our backs and everyone will try to play their best to beat us.”

Quarterback Jalen Kimble was efficient in his first-ever varsity start, completing 12 of 14 passes for 175 yards and four touchdowns, two of which went to receiver Shaison Kupukaa.

“We have an arsenal of quarterbacks on our roster — Jalen is a pocket passer who is not afraid to get hit and will drop a dime doing so,” Salazar said of Kimble. “He took charge and led the team to our first victory.”

The Sabers also added four rushing scores on the ground, led by Champ Borges’ 146 yards and two TDs on just seven carries.

Tyler Gines-Hufana scored on a 1-yard TD run midway through the opening period to give Na Menehune an early 7-0 lead before Salazar returned the ensuing kickoff for a score.

Campbell (1-1) gained 447 yards of total offense in the win while holding Moanalua (1-1) to just 96 yards.

 

The Campbell Sabers celebrate a big play against the Moanalua Na Menehune in a football game. | Photo: CJ Caraang

Campbell DE Myikca Alston celebrates after making a stop against Moanalua. | Photo: CJ Caraang

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Kapolei cruises by Waipahu behind Kapahu’s record-setting night

Kapolei cruises by Waipahu behind Kapahu’s record-setting night

Aug 21, 2026

Kapolei cruises by Waipahu behind Kapahu’s record-setting night

Kapolei RB Mikey Kapahu is lifted in the end zone by Colton Maugaotega after scoring a touchdown against Waipahu. | Photo: Riley Guillermo

KAPOLEI – Rocked ‘em like a hurricane.

After seeing their season opener cancelled from the effects of Hurricane Lala, the No. 4-ranked Kapolei Hurricanes (1-0) provided a storm of their own with a dominant 50-15 victory over No. 6-ranked Waipahu (1-1) on Friday night.

Kapolei senior running back Chazz-Michael Kapahu tore up the Marauders defense, toting the rock 18 times for 223 yards rushing and three touchdowns. It set a new school record for the Hurricanes according to Hawaii Prep World’s archives, passing John Dela Rama’s 214-yard outing against Kalani in August 2003.

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Kapahu quickly turned the praise on his offensive linemen after being asked about his historic night, crediting the big men up front for creating holes and lanes for the 5-foot-8 back to take advantage of all night.

“My O-line, they made amazing blocks tonight, gave me the holes and I just hit them,” said Kapahu.

He got the action going early for the Hurricanes, ending off the Open Division squad’s first possession of the season with a one-yard score.

Kapolei quickly added on after forcing a three-and-out from Waipahu, getting a big punt return to set up the offense deep within Marauder territory before senior quarterback Jacob Ballesteros connected on a 19-yard touchdown pass to senior wideout Nikko Smith to make it a 14-0 advantage for the Hurricanes.

Smith, who holds Division I offers from the University of Hawai’i and San Jose State, led the Hurricanes with two receptions for 26 yards and the score. In all, only three different players registers catches for Kapolei.

Do-it-all ATH Zeph Salis pushed out the Kapolei lead to 21-0 after a 13-yard scoring run of his own midway through the second quarter. Waipahu finally threw a punch back to end the first half when sophomore QB Jake Garcia found senior WR Lyric Anuenue on a three-yard touchdown pass just before the break and added a two-point conversion right after to cut down the deficit, 21-8.

The Marauders looked to have found some momentum with the score before the halftime switch, starting off the second half by forcing a punt from Kapolei. Unfortunately for Waipahu, the punt ricocheted off of a returner and was recovered by the Hurricanes.

The Waipahu defense held strong again to keep it a two-score game, forcing another punt from Kapolei that was fielded cleanly by the Marauders.

Once again, untimely mistakes hurt Waipahu has Garcia tossed his lone interception of the evening on the ensuing drive and set up Kapahu’s second scoring run of the night with 4:34 left in the third quarter and Kapolei now leading 29-8.

Waipahu had one last breath of fight before the end of the third frame, seeing Arona Liaina cap off a 56-yard scoring drive with a one-yard touchdown run to make it 29-15.

Kapolei had another quick response with sophomore RB Kalani Meyers-Tuinei dashing away from the defense for a 30-yard touchdown to close out the quarter and put the game clearly into the program’s back pocket.

Kapahu cemented his status as the night’s breakout star as the clock ticked under 10 minutes left in regulation as he sprinted 63 yards to the house for his third and final touchdown of the game and sophomore RB Ryzen Macapagal took his lone carry of the evening 15 yards for a score to cap off a season-opening 50-burger from the Hurricanes.

Kapolei tallied 399 yards of total offense in the victory, getting 361 of it on the ground as the offensive line flexed up front. QB Jacob Ballesteros went just 6-of-9 passing for 38 yards and touchdown while not turning the ball over a single time for the Hurricanes.

Waipahu got an up-and-down night from Jake Garcia as the sophomore ran for his life away from a staunch Kapolei defense that sacked him three separate times and showed him plenty of pressure, seeing the 5-foot-8 gunslinger complete 15-of-26 passes for a game-best 122 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Senior RB Rocco Silofau had 14 carries for 88 yards in the loss for the Marauders while sophomore WR Ian Tutuvanu showed off a nice rapport with Garcia as he led the way with six catches for 78 yards.

Waipahu will look to bounce right back next Friday when Farrington (0-2) visits 94 block for the Marauders’ third straight clash with an Open Division squad. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. HT.

Kapolei gets an extra day off before the potential biggest test of their season as Kamehameha-Kapālama (1-1) visits the Hurricanes on Saturday, August 29 with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. HT.

Kapolei ATH Zeph Salis shakes off a Waipahu defender in a win over the Marauders. | Photo: Riley Guillermo

Kapolei WR Nikko Smith catches a touchdown pass over Waipahu’s Jayse Braun in the first quarter of the Hurricanes’ win over the Marauders. | Photo: Riley Guillermo

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