Pearl City, HI
Kailua and Aiea faced off in the OIA D1 Championship match. A rematch of the regular season matchup where Kailua upset Na Ali’i at home by 42. Aiea is looking to avenge that loss and hoping to cut Kailua’s hopes of winning an OIA Title.
This game had everything you’d expect out of a championship match. High drama, loud fans, and a back-and-forth battle all game. a fitting environment for both teams as they were looking to grab their first league title in 2 decades. It wasn't just any normal game for either program.
Kailua has been on a hot streak all year, with its only loss to Waianae early on in the season. Their offensive presence was a fear that many teams across the D1 didn't want to face. Averaging 38 points a game and breaking up defensive schemes going against them.
The Surfriders were looking to continue the momentum into this championship match. They would go on and keep that going. Kailua would see the endzone first in this game with a 2-yard run by Micah Sua.
Aiea would respond with a 56-yard touchdown pass to get on the board. Aiea’s defense would have a big impact, getting an interception which led to a 45-yard trick play touchdown pass to take the lead into the half. Aiea had all the momentum on their side and were hoping to keep it until the clock struck zero.
You can’t count out the Surfriders early in any game. Only down one point didn't scare the surfriders. Kailua would tap into their second gear and march down the field and punch in 2 more touchdowns in the 4th quarter and regain their lead.
Na Ali'i wouldn't back down without a fight in this matchup. Aiea would score one more time on a 68-yard pass, but a failed 2-point conversion would see their championship dreams come to a halt.
2 decades in the making for both teams, but only one was able to lift the Banner. The Kailua Surfriders are your 2025 OIA D1 Football Champions. Congratulations to the Surfrider Football program, School, and community!
Final Score: Kailua 21 - Aiea 19
Final Score: Kailua 21 - Aiea 19
for more pictures, head over to our photo gallery.
pictures taken by: Alan Velasco - @oscalev_
