Honolulu, HI
Saturday night brought a unique chapter to Hawai'i high school football as the Kahuku Red Raiders traveled to Kamehameha-Kapalama for the first time in program history. The matchup already featured two of the state's top ranked programs, but the night carried an added storyline on the Kahuku sideline. Red Raiders head coach, David Stant, was returning to the school where he previously led the Warriors, creating a full-circle moment nearly two decades after his time at Kamehameha. Stant coached Kamehameha from 2007 through 2012 and guided the Warriors to the 2009 Division I state championship.
That 2009 championship remains one of the most notable chapters in the history between these two programs. Stant's Kamehameha squad entered the state championship game against an undefeated Kahuku team and came away with a 34-21 victory at Aloha Stadium. Nearly 17 years later, Stant found himself on the opposite sideline, now leading the program that he once defeated for a state championship.
Kahuku entered the night ranked at No. 3 in Hawai'i, while Kamehameha-Kapalama entered No. 1. The game lived up to the reputation for both defenses. neither offense were able to find their rhythm early. Kamehameha managed to take control of the opening half without finding the end zone. senior kicker, Tyler Fujimoto, connected on a 41 yard field goal before the Warriors added a safety, giving Kamehameha a 5-0 advantage heading into halftime. Kahuku was held scoreless through the first two quarters as the Warriors defense continued to keep the Red Raiders from finding the end zone.
although starting off rough, the red sea would make the second half theirs. The Red Raiders finally broke through with a nine-play, 53 yard scoring drive that ended with junior quarterback, Lucky Suguturaga, finding the end zone on a four yard touchdown run in the third quarter, giving them their first lead of the night.
Kahuku's defense then came up with a critical stop early in the fourth, forcing Kamehameha to turn the ball over on downs and giving the Red Raiders possession at the Warriors 34 yard line. the red raiders would capitalize on the opportunity and put the game away with senior rb, Blake Alo, who would rush for a 15 yard touchdown with 65 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter.
Kamehameha could not answer on its final possession, turning the ball over on downs and allowing Kahuku to close out the comeback victory. both teams defense was the talk heading into the game, but it would be kahuku's defense who would win the battle, forcing three interceptions from Kamehameha sophomore quarterback, Loea Keopuhiwa.
For Stant, Saturday's victory was more than just another win early in the season. The Kahuku head coach returned to the school where he helped build a championship team in 2009, only this time leading the Red Raiders against his former program. The two sides produced another defensive battle, but this time it was Stant and Kahuku who walked away with the victory after overcoming a five-point halftime deficit.
The win moves Kahuku to 2-0 on the season, while Kamehameha-Kapalama falls to 1-2. For Kahuku, the comeback adds another strong result to an early season that already includes a 20-12 victory over St. Louis. The Red Raiders will return home next week to face Punahou, while Kamehameha will travel to Kapolei looking to bounce back.
Final Score: Kahuku 13 - Kamehameha-Kapalama 5
for more pictures, head over to our photo gallery
pictures taken by: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
Lucky Rushes in For Red Raiders first lead of the night
video by: logan pactol - @_lowgxn
no fly zone up the hill
video by: Logan Pactol - @_lowgxn
legend-ary interception
video by: logan pactol - @_lowgxn
Alo doing alo things!
Video By: Logan Pactol - @_lowgxn
