Kahuku, HI
The rivalry between the Kahuku Red Raiders and Campbell Sabers has become one of the most compelling matchups in Hawai'i high school football, with both programs creating memorable moments on the field. When the two teams met again on Kahuku homecoming on Friday October 9, 2026, the game carried a deeper meaning than a typical regular season matchup. It brought back memories of Campbell statement victory in 2024, when quarterback Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele led the undefeated Sabers to a win over Kahuku and spoil the Red Raiders homecoming. Two years later, Campbell returned to the North Shore, hoping to repeat that performance, but Kahuku had other plans. The Red Raiders held off a late Sabers comeback to secure a thrilling 24-21 victory, giving their homecoming crowd a finish to remember and adding another chapter to a rivalry that's battled between the team up north and the 76 south.
In 2024, Campbell entered Kahuku homecoming game undefeated, with Sagapolutele leading an offense that had established itself as one of the most dangerous in the state. Despite playing in a hostile environment against one of Hawai'i most respected football programs, the Sabers delivered a statement performance, defeating Kahuku 21-13. Sagapolutele threw for 239 yards and a touchdown, helping Campbell secure a victory that demonstrated the team’s ability to compete with the state’s elite. The win was particularly meaningful because it came on Kahuku homecoming night, a celebration that the Red Raiders hoped would end with a victory in front of their home crowd. It was also the night when St. John Bosco transfer, Matai Fuiava, debuted his Red Raider career and tried to snap the sabers undefeated run. Instead, Campbell left the North Shore with an unforgettable result, strengthening its reputation during an undefeated season. For Kahuku, the loss was a disappointing moment and for Campbell, it became a memory that would remain connected to the rivalry for years to come.
The history between these two programs extends beyond their regular season meetings. Kahuku and Campbell have also faced each other in the HHSAA Open Division semifinals, where the pressure of postseason football raises the stakes even higher. In 2022, Kahuku defeated Campbell 32-7 in the semifinals, using a dominant defensive performance to secure its place in the championship game. The Sabers came to kahuku in the 2025 regular season matchup, but was cut short due to power outage that left the game never to be played. When they met in the OIA semifinals, Kahuku walked away with the win to punch their ticket in the OIA Championship while Campbell had to play for third place and a chance for states. When the two met again in the HHSAA semifinal, Campbell got the last laugh and finally put Kahuku away in the postseason to reach the title game. Campbell eventually earned its own postseason victory over Kahuku edging the Red Raiders 15-12 in a defensive battle. That narrow win ended Kahuku championship hopes and allowed the Sabers to advance to the title game, and ultimately won the 2025 hhsaa open division football state championship led by Tainoa Lave.
The latest meeting on Friday night brought that history back into focus, as Kahuku entered its homecoming game determined to protect its home field against the defending state champs. The Red Raiders were led by junior rb, Blazyn-Brave Nunuha, who delivered a standout performance with three touchdowns. Nunuha rushed for 107 yards and a score while adding two touchdown receptions of 34 and 19 yards. Junior QB, Lucky Suguturaga, completed 18 of 28 passes for 233 yards and connected with Nunuha for both of his passing touchdowns. Kahuku established control early, building a 17-7 lead through three quarters, but Campbell refused to let the game slip away without a fight. The Sabers moved the ball effectively behind Junior qB, Dallas Carter, who completed 22 of 30 passes for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Campbell offense continued to pressure Kahuku, making the final quarter a test of the Red Raiders' composure and defensive discipline.
As the game entered its closing minutes, Campbell made one final push to recreate the magic of its 2024 homecoming victory. The Sabers cut Kahuku lead to 24-21 with just 1 minute and 17 seconds remaining, creating a tense finish for the home crowd. Kahuku defense held firm and Campbell ensuing onside kick went out of bounds, allowing the Red Raiders to run out the clock. Despite Campbell outgaining Kahuku 389-328, the Red Raiders made the critical plays needed to secure the win. Nunuha's three touchdown performance provided the offensive spark, while Kahuku ability to withstand Campbell late surge proved to be the difference. The victory was especially meaningful because it came against a team that had previously spoiled the same homecoming celebration two years ago. This time, Kahuku was able to protect its home field and give its supporters a result that contrasted sharply with the disappointment of 2024.
The postseason is upon us and the Red Raiders look to control of what they are known for and The Campbell Sabers look to find a way back to the promise land in hopes of brining another koa wood trophy to ewa beach. After a disappointing opening season loss for the Sabers on opening night against the Waipahu Marauders, they have completely switched things around and showed the island that they are ready to battle whoever is in their way for the title. Kahuku has been in a bit 0f a slump after starting 3-0, but the postseason is what matters most. For the team up North, a chance back to the state title game and bringing the koa wood back to kahuku would complete the journey of not accomplishing the ultimate goal from the past 2 years after being a 3-peat State champion.
Final Score: Kahuku 24 - Campbell 21
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Pictures taken by: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
