Honolulu, HI
The Kamehameha Warriors secured their second consecutive ILH Open Division football championship with a victory over the St. Louis Crusaders. The win capped the Warriors undefeated 3-0 league campaign and reinforced their position among Hawai'i leading high school football programs. Kamehameha success was built on efficient offensive execution, impactful special teams play, and a defensive performance that limited St. Louis ability to establish consistency. Against one of the state’s most established football programs, the Warriors displayed the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities and maintaining control on both sides of the ball. With the league championship secured, Kamehameha now turns its attention to the state tournament and the opportunity to extend its success beyond ILH competition.
The Warriors offensive production was led by junior WR, Jayden Braun, whose performance proved decisive in determining the outcome. Braun recorded five receptions for 91 yards and three touchdown catches. He also returned a kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, accounting for four of Kamehameha five touchdowns. His ability to contribute in both the passing game and special teams gave the Warriors a consistent source of explosive plays and placed additional pressure on the St. Louis defense. Braun’s performance highlighted the value of versatile playmakers in a high stakes matchup, particularly when a team can convert individual opportunities into a substantial scoring advantage.
Sophomore qB, Loea Keopuhiwa, complemented Braun’s production with an efficient performance through the air. Keopuhiwa completed 14 of 20 passes for 180 yards and four touchdowns, consistently connecting with his receivers and converting scoring opportunities. His chemistry with Braun was especially influential, as the two combined for three passing touchdowns. Kamehameha ability to generate offense through the air allowed the Warriors to sustain their advantage and prevent St. Louis from dictating the pace of the game.
Kamehameha defensive performance provided the foundation for its overall control of the game. The Warriors held St. Louis to 137 total yards on 50 offensive plays, restricting the Crusaders ability to sustain drives and create consistent scoring opportunities. St. Louis completed nine of 29 pass attempts for 81 yards, while Defensive LB, Tau Purcell, contributed an interception that disrupted the opposing offense. By limiting passing production and preventing sustained offensive progress, Kamehameha reduced the opportunities for St. Louis to challenge its lead.
After a 1-4 start, the Warriors turned things around in the ILH division, going 3-0 to secure their postseason spot for the koa wood trophy. The Warriors will finish off their last game of the season on the road against the Punahou Buff-N-Blue. After falling short to the Campbell Sabers in last years HHSAA State Championship, the Warriors are making another run to erase the memory of coming up short and bringing the koa wood back to the hill since 2009. Repeating as ILH champions also represents a big milestone for the Kamehameha football program. The Warriors had not won consecutive league championships since the 1976 and 1977 seasons, making the achievement a significant point in the program’s history. Under head coach, Kaeo Drummondo, Kamehameha has now established back-to-back championship seasons, reflecting the work required to sustain success in a competitive environment. Defending a title presents different challenges from winning one for the first time, as opposing teams enter the season with the reigning champion as a primary target. Kamehameha’s ability to finish atop the league for a second consecutive year reflects its preparation, player development, and execution during the ILH schedule.
As for the Crusaders, after starting their season 0-6, they would add a win to their season and were looking to turn things around after a win over Punahou and a solid performance against one of the nations top football powerhouse team in St. John Bosco. Although the Crusaders fell short in the second meeting against the Warriors, they will have one more opportunity to add another win, as they will face the Punahou Buff-N-Blue next weekend.
With the league title secured, Kamehameha focus shifts to the state tournament, where the Warriors will have the opportunity to measure their performance against the strongest competition beyond the ILH. Their victory over St. Louis provides a clear indication of their capabilities, but sustaining that level of execution will be essential as the pursuit of a state championship begins.
Final Score: Kamehameha-Kapalama 34 - St. Louis 14
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Pictures taken by: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
