Bellflower, CA
Three years ago, Kahuku shocked one of the nation's best football programs on the North Shore. The previous meeting between Kahuku and St. John Bosco remains one of the most memorable games in recent Hawaii high school football history. On September 2023, the Braves traveled to Hawai'i as the defending national champions and the No. 3-ranked powerhouse team in the country. The nail biting victory was historic for the Red Raiders. Kahuku became the first Hawaii high school team to have defeated a team ranked among the nation's top three.
three years later, we get the matchup that left a bad taste for the braves. The Kahuku Red Raiders traveled nearly 2,500 miles from Hawai'i to Southern California to take on the No.9 national ranked powerhouse, St. John Bosco Braves, but this time there would be no late Kahuku comeback or North Shore miracle. St. John Bosco controlled the game from the opening kickoff, pulling away for a 49–13 victory at Panish Family Stadium.
For Kahuku, it was a difficult night against a team loaded with size, speed and athleticism. Despite the outcome, the red raiders would see a lot of growing points for both offense and defense. The red raiders would have a lot of opportunities to score on multiple drives, but the turnovers and failure to convert on fourth down cost them in the end. Kahuku secondary would get beat, but the red raiders are the type of team who will always have their defense playing hard no matter the score, which shows back home and displays why they are the top defenses on the island.
For Bosco, it was an opportunity to remind the high school football world why the Braves remain one of the country's premier programs. The Braves jumped out to a 14–0 lead before Kahuku answered with a touchdown to make it 14–6. For a moment, the Red Raiders appeared ready to settle into the fight and it felt like a deja vu moment for the Braves when they last played the Red Raiders.
The Braves scored three times in the second quarter, turning the game into big deficit advantage by halftime. Junior QB, Koa Malau'ulu, was nearly unstoppable through the air, finishing with 355 passing yards and five touchdown passes. Junior Wr, DJ Tubbs, gave the Kahuku secondary problems throughout the night, catching 12 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
The Braves scored three times in the second quarter, turning the game into big deficit advantage by halftime. Junior QB, Koa Malau'ulu, was nearly unstoppable through the air, finishing with 355 passing yards and five touchdown passes. Junior Wr, DJ Tubbs, gave the Kahuku secondary problems throughout the night, catching 12 passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns.
Kahuku refused to go quietly. Early in the third quarter, the Braves extended their lead to 42–6. But moments later, the Red Raiders delivered the type of explosive play that has become part of Kahuku's football identity.
A 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown gave Kahuku a spark and brought the score to 42–13.
A 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown gave Kahuku a spark and brought the score to 42–13.
The momentum lasted only briefly. Bosco answered with another touchdown late in the third quarter, making it 49–13 and effectively putting the game out of reach. The running clock took over in the fourth quarter as both teams worked through the final minutes.
Despite the score, there were positives for Kahuku. Senior RB, Blake Alo, rushed for 123 yards and a touchdown, providing a strong individual performance against a talented Bosco defense. Junior RB/WR, Blayzn Brave-Nunuha, was a brave soldier against the Braves. His solo kickoff return touchdown and multiple explosive rushing drives, gave Kahuku the momentum they needed against the top powerhouse school.
It was another battle of David vs Goliath for the red raiders. every year since 2022, the red raider would test themselves against the top ranked teams in the nation, in preparation to build a strong season and bringing another KOA Wood trophy back to the north shore. The matchup showed the Red Raiders that they can hang with anyone and will always show why Kahuku is one of the most dominate football teams from Hawai'i.
the 3-2 Kahuku will now start their OIA conference season against the No.1 Ranked 6-0 Mililani Trojans and St. John Bosco will make their travels to Hawai'i to take on the St. Louis Crusaders.
Final Score: St. JOhn Bosco 49 - Kahuku 13
For more pictures, head over to our photo gallery
Pictures taken BY: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
