Santa Ana, CA
The Kahuku Red Raiders travels across the Pacific Ocean to take on one of the Nations best in Mater Dei monarchs. It was a matchup that didn’t disappoint and could’ve went the underdogs way. Just coming off a shut out loss against Bishop Gorman last week, the odds were stacked against the Red Raiders. As for the monarchs, they come off a bye week after bishop Montgomery recent suspension, and look to have a big home opener. The two teams met again for the third time in three years, as the preseason classic between the two always brings out the best of the best.
With a young and lockdown defense for the red raiders, they would be truly tested against the monarchs offense led by 5 star wide receiver and Ohio state commit, Chris Henry jr. the 6'6 star is no stranger to the red raider community, as he has family ties on the island of Oahu. the hau'ula native would look to shine out against the team he grew around with. also leading in the offense, wide receiver and Ohio state commit, Kayden Dixon-wyatt and tight end usc commit, mark bowman. the offensive trio can be the biggest nightmare for the opposing defenses, but kahuku would make the unthinkable come true led by their defensive trio of; Talanoa Ili, Malaki Soliai-Tui, and Madden Soliai.
Kahuku would be without qb1, matai fuiava, due to injury. Up on the list, a qb that is no stranger against the monarchs, senior qb troy Mariteragi, stepped up on the road and shined bright in Santa Ana. The red Raiders knew going into this match that it would take all 3 phases of the game to be able to hang around with a team like Mater Dei. the monarchs knew that they would have to get off to a fast start especially after having a bye week.
It would be the Monarchs striking within the first 2 minutes into the game to take a 8-0 lead made by monarchs WR Gavin Honoree. It would be the grittiness of Kahuku that would lead them down the field and get one right before the half. Troy Mariteragi, would hit Senior TE, Rhino Aumua, to cut the score to down to one. a half that was an unthinkable, was all the momentum that the boys from the north shore needed to possibly pull the biggest upset in their football program. the monarchs would struggle getting the ball to the end zone, as they would be forced to take a field goal in the beginning of the second half. The run game from the monarchs would be held up by kahuku's, Talanoa ili, as the number 3 linebacker in the country balled out with his homecoming return to California. the former orange Lutheran went all out to a team that he was very familiar with.
The red raiders knew that they were within striking distance. One thing about the monarchs, is they make plays when they need it the most.Mater Dei would end up scoring a touchdown late in the second half to what many thought was the game sealing score. Kahuku would mount one last run which ended up with another touchdown and a successful 2 point conversion. It would be another close game for the Monarchs as they walk away with the win, but Kahuku would walk away with confidence. Although going home with a loss for the red raiders, they believe that tonights performance was a win in their books after holding the monarchs to 21 points. all three phases for the raiders showed them that they all came together at the perfect time of their season and look to start off the regular season with a bang.
Final Score: Mater Dei 21 - Kahuku 18
Final Score: Mater Dei 21 - Kahuku 18
For More pictures, head over to our photo gallery
Pictures taken by: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
Kahuku strikes before the half
Video by: Logan Pactol - @_7ogan
