Tonight’s the night Hawaii football players, coaches and fans have been eagerly awaiting for a long time.
The never-ending preparation is as good as it’s gonna get. Now, it’s game time.
Looking at the opening weekend schedule, there’s some real high-test matchups going on.
Kahuku football from last season.
The biggest on the list for Friday is Campbell at Waipahu. It features the always-contending state Open Division Sabers against last season’s state D-I runner-up Marauders.
Both schools have had some big-name transfers coming in. Many from last season’s state D-I-contending Aiea team have made their way over to Waipahu, making an already solid program even stronger. The biggest name on that list is the most heavily recruited player in Hawaii’s Class of 2024, offensive tackle Preston Taumua.
If the Marauders’ fortunes continue to rise, a move to the Open Division is likely in their future.
The Sabers also have several new transfers, including defensive lineman Zaiden Wallace from Kapolei and linebacker Nazaiah Caravallo from Kamehameha. Dynamic quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele and dangerous receiver Tana Tavui return for their junior seasons.
Another marquee matchup this weekend is on Saturday, when Punahou travels to Mililani. It’s a rematch of last season’s state Open semifinals, when the Buff ‘N Blue won 54-24. Once again these teams are full of returning star power, including — to name just a few — Punahou running back Alai Williams and defensive lineman Kekai Burnett, and Mililani quarterback Kini McMillan and defensive back Isaiah Iosefa.
Yet another biggie comes on Friday night, when Long Beach Poly from California meets up against Konawaena on the Big Island. The Jackrabbits are ranked No. 50 in the nation by MaxPreps.
There is one other mainland opponent for a Hawaii team Friday — Villa Park from California is taking on Damien at the Farrington High Field.
Kahuku Starts Season In Search Of Three-Peat
The two-time defending state Open Division champion Kahuku Red Raiders open on Saturday at home against Waianae. Once again, the North Shore squad is loaded.
And the Red Raiders have made no secret about their ultimate goal of getting that third straight championship.
Among the many returning starters and stars are linebacker Maximum Moe Fonoimoana, defensive backs Aiden Manutai and Madden Soliai, wide receiver Kaimana Carvalho, and running back Vaaimalae Fonoti.
Altogether, there are 17 games on the schedule (see below).
Week 1 Schedule
Subject to change
(Note: Reflects many Week 1 changes, according to various news reports)
FRIDAY, AUG. 11
Nonleague
>> Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, California) at Konawaena, 6 p.m.
>> Villa Park (Villa Park, California) vs. Damien, at Farrington High field, 7 p.m.
>> Kaiser at Castle, 7 p,.m.
>> McKinley at Roosevelt, 7 p.m.
>> Waialua vs. Kalani, at Kaiser High field, 7 p.m.
>> Campbell at Waipahu, 7:30 p.m.
>> Kailua at Leilehua, 7:30 p.m.
>> Edison (Huntington Beach, California) vs. Baldwin, at War Memorial Stadium (canceled due to wildfires)
>> Kamehameha-Maui at Castle, 7:30 p.m. (canceled due to wildfires)
SATURDAY, AUG 12
Nonleague
>> Saint Louis II at Keaau, 1 p.m.
>> Kaimuki at ‘Iolani, 3 p.m.
>> Kamehameha-Hawaii at Kealakehe, 5 p.m.
>> Kauai at Pearl City, 6:30 p.m.
>> Waianae at Kahuku, 6:30 p.m.
>> Punahou at Mililani, 6:30 p.m.
>> Aiea vs. Kapaa, at Baptiste Sports Complex, 6:30 p.m.
>> Farrington at Radford, 6:30 p.m.
>> Kamehameha vs. Moanalua, at Farrington High field, 6:30 p.m.
>> Saint Louis at Kapolei 7 p.m.
>> Maui at Nanakuli, 6 p.m. (canceled due to wildfires)
>> Hilo at Lahainaluna, 6 p.m. (canceled due to wildfires)
>> Honokaa at King Kekaulike (canceled due to wildfires)
—–
ALSO AT BedrockSportsHawaii.com:
>> There’s 133 D-I FBS College Football Player From Hawaii High School Teams
