Kahuku, HI
A Hawaii state classic matchup between two of Hawaii's best teams in St. Louis crusaders and kahuku red raiders kicked off their seasons Saturday night up on the north shore. it would be a rematch of last year's 2024 state championship match with kahuku looking to seek their revenge on home turf.
with many changes in the off-season, Kahuku will be lead by new interim head coach, nihoa pule, who was formally the defensive coordinator for the red raiders. a new offensive coordinator also joins the red raiders, as former head coach of the 2009 state champions Kamehameha warriors, David "kawika" stant, will now be the new play caller and leading the offensive with starting qb, matai fuiava. after the dismissal of former head coach, sterling Carvalho, the red raiders will be figuring out their new identity this season as they prepare to play a tough preseason schedule against the #1 and #2 national powerhouse team, mater dei monarchs and bishop Gorman gaels. kahuku not being new to play the best of the best, they hope to soak in a lot of knowledge throughout the preseason in order for them to be successful during the season and be ready for the postseason.
as for the defending state champs, they look to move on from last year success and focus on what they have in front for their season. the crusaders led by coach, Tupu alualu, will have to face off against two California teams in bishop Montgomery and #3 national powerhouse st John bosco. it's not easy being the new champ on the block as they will be the team to beat. the crusaders will also be going into the season with a brand new look on the roster, as the young team will have their own challenges to face in order for them to become back to back state champs.
the opening game would be a back in forth battle start for both teams, but it would be the crusaders who would strike first blood. senior defensive back, urijah Belaras, would pick off kahuku qb, matai fuiava, pass and take it back to the house for a 44 yard pick 6. Kingston siliado would be the key player for the crusaders as he finished the game with 13 receptions for a 142 yards alongside a touchdown. The senior wide receiver knows it's gonna be a next man up mentality, as they will be without their star running back and now university of Hawaii rainbow warrior running back, titan lacaden.
as for the red raiders, they will be led by ucla commits, Malaki and madden soliai, along with a new transfer and #3 linebacker in the class of 2026 from Orange Lutheran, California, Talanoa ili. it's no question that the red raiders are known for their hard hitting defense. despite the pick six, the red raiders held the crusaders to only two scoring drives. the young defensive core will also be filing in big roles to play, after the loss of graduation class of 2025 #1 defensive team in Aiden manutai, mana Carvalho, LeBron Williams, ben Roberts, max fonoimoana and much more. with only a few returning to the defense, the red raiders will be tested early in the preseason to sharpen themselves for the long road ahead.
the crusaders despite being on enemy soil, spoil kahuku home opener and rematch and shut them out 20-0. they are the first team to shut them out at home since 1996, as they were also the same school to shutout kahuku at home. a brand new era is upon us in Hawai'i high school football. who will be the last team standing in December?
the crusaders march on with a win to start off their state championship defense as they face off with bishop Montgomery in week 3 on August 23rd.
final score: st louis 20 - kahuku 0
For more pictures, head over to our photo gallery
pictures taken by: Kennedy Velasco - @kennnchapo
urijah belaras 44 yard interception for a pick 6
Video by: Logan Pactol - @7ogan_
