Kahuku, HI
The Kahuku Red Raiders opened theIR 2026 Hawaiʻi high school football season with a statement of their own Saturday night AGAINST LONG TIME RIVAL, ST. LOUIS CRUSADERS.
Leading the way for the red Raiders is new head coach and former Kahuku Alum, David Stant. Coach Stant led the Kahuku Red Raiders as the offensive coordinator last season before taking on the new role of kahuku's head coach. coach Stant looks to bring a state championship back to Kahuku, as he led the 2009 kamehameha kapalama warriors to a state title as their head coach.
as for the crusaders, 3rd year head coach, Tupu alualu, looks to led his team back to the state championship as they fell short of their goals last season. with many new changes with players and coaches, the goal remains the same for the men of kalaepohaku, with bringing the st. Louis physicality and intensity to the football field.
both teams have a stacked schedule lined up for them and it starts with facing each other up on the north shore. the kahuku red raiders will face #1 national powerhouse St. John Bosco in September, and the st. Louis Crusaders will face off against 3 powerhouse teams in img academy, Sierra canyon, and also #1 national ranked powerhouse, st. john bosco. both teams look to build for their conferences this season, as it always helps them prepare for the long run.
the game started off great for the red raiders. At the center of the offensive effort was junior quarterback Lucky Suguturaga, who showed his ability to impact the game both through the air and on the ground. their opening drive led to a Suguturaga rushing touchdown, who also completed 10 of 16 passes for 119 yards. His two touchdown performance gave the Red Raiders the balance they needed against st. Louis defense.
as for st. Louis, they couldn't find their rhythm like kahuku did on their opening drive. turnovers costed them a lot, but that didn't stop the crusaders from getting themselves on the board. sophomore quarterback, Luke Shigeta, got himself two rushing touchdowns late in the second half to eventually get themselves down one possession. the red raiders defense held the crusaders to just 12 points and ultimately got the win on opening night at home.
For Kahuku, the victory was more than simply a 1-0 start. It was an early season reminder that the Red Raiders intend to be a factor once again when the biggest games of the year arrive.
The Red Raiders controlled the game with a physical rushing attack and a defense that made life difficult for St. Louis. Kahuku finished with more than 200 yards on the ground, setting the tone at the line of scrimmage and allowing the Red Raiders to dictate the pace. The victory also carried a little extra weight considering last year's season opener. St. Louis defeated Kahuku 20-0 in the 2025 opener, making Saturday night's 20-12 result a measure of redemption for the Red Raiders.
The Red Raiders controlled the game with a physical rushing attack and a defense that made life difficult for St. Louis. Kahuku finished with more than 200 yards on the ground, setting the tone at the line of scrimmage and allowing the Red Raiders to dictate the pace. The victory also carried a little extra weight considering last year's season opener. St. Louis defeated Kahuku 20-0 in the 2025 opener, making Saturday night's 20-12 result a measure of redemption for the Red Raiders.
But if this opening night showdown is any indication, the 2026 season is going to test both teams before the final whistle is blown on their championship aspirations. kahuku will go on the road to the west side to face the Waianae seariders. as for the crusaders, they will have a bye week before going on the road again to face the mililani trojans.
final score: Kahuku 20 - St. Louis 12
for more pictures, head over to our photo gallery
pictures taken by: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
Lucky Suguturaga opening drive touchdown
video by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
Luke Shigeta Rushes in for 2nd touchdown of the night
video by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
