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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
The state’s top high school football teams open preseason with marquee matchups
Camp time is pau.
For some Hawaii high school football coaches, more of the same effort and sacrifice by players would make this an early Christmas. For others, existing habits are a mixed bag. Either way, camp time is a revelation, even a blessing.
“It’s been good. Kids are dedicated and bought in,” Kamehameha coach Kaeo Drummondo said on Sunday. “The group has worked really hard this summer. We just got done with camp.”
“We checked in (last) Sunday and checked out Thursday. Our parents chipped in a lot and provided a lot,” Drummondo added.
Chipping in includes home cooking. The team ate well. Slept well.
“I like where we are culturally. I like where we are as far as a unique identity and building process,” he said
Kamehameha will host Farrington on Friday in the unofficial “Kalihi Bowl.” The two Open Division programs might get some feedback from fans of Division I Damien, More than a dozen exhibition games are on slate this weekend, including an interisland battle between Baldwin and ‘Iolani in the Father Bray Classic on Saturday afternoon.
Saint Louis at Kahuku
Saturday, 7 p.m.
Kahuku has a new head coach, David Stant, who was the offensive coordinator last season. Nihoa Pule remains on staff as co-defensive coordinator along with Sola Soliai.
Stant led Kamehameha to the 2009 state title. In 35 seasons as a coach here and in Japan, the former UH defensive lineman has kept a high standard of expectations. Offseason commitment to lifting and training wasn’t team-wide, not close.
“They say it’s been better (this season) than previous years,” Stant noted.
Much of the cost of upgrading has come out of his own pocket, a five-figure sum so far, but Stant is all-in. He has faith in restoring Big Red. Kahuku won three Open Division state titles in a row (2021-23) under then-head coach Sterling Carvalho.
Campbell knocked out OIA champion Kahuku in the opening round of the state tourney last year.
Kahuku’s trench men are setting the tone.
“We did a clinic with Hoapili (on Saturday), then a PAL clinic. The best position (group) getting the kids going were our O-line and D-line,” Stant said. “Kaho (Fisiikaho Valikoula) and Brandon (Tailele) are very solid.”
Valikoula (6-3, 300) and Tailele are returning starters.
Running back Blake Alo is back. Blazyn-Brave Nunuha is also making an impact.
“Blazyn came up from the JV. Both are good and complement each other,” Stant said. “Blake is a power runner between the tackles. He’s looked great. Blazyn is speed, quick runner.”
The receiver group is progressing. Sophomore Legend Toilolo is making a major impression.
“Legend is a surprise. A great kid. Works hard. He’s, wow, come a long way,” Stant said. “Legend, Bodhi (Kaanga) and Malu (Aliimalu Tan), hopefully we can get them the ball.”
Johnny Ah You is a key force on the defensive line. Perhaps the biggest splash was a surprise: Kavakiuonuku “Leka” Manu.
“He just transferred. He came to campus three weeks ago. He looks like Al Noga when he was in high school. He’s probably 235 pounds,” Stant said. “I think he came from Utah. His parents brought him home. He was just going to be a student. He played football, but he didn’t like it (in Utah). He found out we have a team. … He’s a been a breath of fresh air.”
The linebacking corps is powered by Paia Pule and Siale Reed. At 6 feet, 195 pounds, Reed has offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Colorado State, Hawaii, Michigan, San Diego State, SMU, UCLA, UNLV and Vanderbilt.
Aliimalu Tan is also a factor on defense at safety. The graduation of key pieces, including four-year starter Madden Soliai, presents challenge and opportunity. Kahuku is in reload mode.
“Once we got into mandatory (workouts), we’re doing it my way. I like all 60 of our players. We’re holding them to getting ready for life,” Stant said. “The little things.”
Campbell at Waipahu
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Absurdity is part of life. The Sabers won the 2025 state championship without playing a single home game. They have the same route this fall, but they’ve grown used to the adversity. What they can’t control is just a blip. Coach Darren Johnson’s program is about overcoming obstacles.
“Camp was tremendous. The kids understand work ethic. You keep yourself a target because you’re good,” the longtime coach said. “We have to play above our heads and play good, smart football.”
The electricity that comes with a state championship is different.
“It’s carried over. You get a lot more guys buying into the work and the discipline,” Johnson added. “There’s good competition going on. The expectations of the older guys. They are good leaders to our younger kids.”
One of those prominent voices belongs to offensive lineman Isaiah Bertola. The 6-5, 295-pound senior is a commit to Cal. He transferred back to Campbell after playing at Farrington as a junior.
“He’s probably the top O-lineman in the state,” Johnson said.
The Sabers already have three returning starters at offensive line.
Playmaker Isaiah Chong is back. TJ Alualu and Mamalu Lilo, who were at Saint Louis, are now Sabers.
Shaison Kupukaa is a crucial part of the equation on offense and defense. The 6-foot, 185-pound wide receiver/defensive back committed to Hawaii in May.
Campbell’s new defensive coordinator is former Kahuku standout player Lamone Williams, who played at Oregon State.
“He moved back home and we went after him,” Johnson said. “He’s patient, has a lot of positive energy. Good at communicating with his defense and also the offense.”
Johnson’s years of coaching at Kahuku (football and basketball), Kailua, Kaimuki and Campbell bring a certain appreciation for life skills.
“I think we have a mature team. So far, they’ve been more mature with what we do,” he said.
As for the dearth of home games for the spirited community in Ewa Beach, Johnson shrugs.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen, even next year. (The facility) might not be ready until September,”...
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