When Vavae Tata arrived on the North Shore to become Kahuku’s head coach in the spring, Hirkley Latu didn’t know what to expect.
The Red Raiders safety who now plays linebacker was part of a special team a year ago, a team that was defense-heavy with an offense that struggled. They went far, but first-year head coach Lee Leslie returned to the mainland and Latu was nervous that whoever came in might ruin a good thing.
Latu’s worries were over within the first week, but now there is something quite tangible to show for it. Kahuku turned the tables on Mililani on Friday night with a 20-7 victory over the Trojans for the Oahu Interscholastic Association championship.
By “turn the tables,” we mean it was just one year ago when the Trojans topped the Red Raiders by that same 20-7 score in the OIA title game.
Is there a rivalry brewing? Is that rivalry already here, ready to last for a long, long time? The Aloha Stadium stands were pretty packed on both sides (not the end zones) in the orange and blue sections.
Several Kahuku fans commented on many Mililani fans leaving the stadium when there were still a few minutes left and wondering why.
Well, the answer is football is important in Mililani, but football is close to EVERYTHING in Kahuku. That’s the difference; not trying to incite anything here. Just the truth.
But, football is the subject and not fandom, so we’ll go back there.
There were many twists and turns in this one. Both teams had the good fortune to turn turnovers into touchdowns for a 7-7 tie in the fourth quarter.
Kahuku scored on its second possession of the opening quarter, when Harmon Brown, taking a direct snap in the wildcat formation, drove through the pile for a 26-yard TD after Pesa Lefau‘s fumble recovery of a muffed Trojans punt return.
It took until the 6:50 mark of the third quarter for Mililani to etch its own 7 on the scoreboard. Isaac Liva, a defensive end and a transfer from non-football Hanalani, did the trick, scooping up a fumble that ricocheted back into the Kahuku backfield (from the rugby-like pile that the Red Raiders run most of their offense with) and streaking 27 yards into the end zone.
But, wait. It’s time to interject what went wrong with Mililani’s high-powered offense on this championship night. Well, yes, you have the immense Kahuku defense, but it is worth mentioning that the Trojans were down to their third-string quarterback. Injured star QB McKenzie Milton (shoulder) was on the sideline throwing some passes in the first quarter, but he was wearing shorts and a gray hoodie under his No. 13 jersey and was not cleared to play.
Dillon Gabriel, the freshman backup, was up and down in his start. He didn’t last, though. Latu came in and put a clean hit on him that ended his season in the second quarter. Gabriel suffered a broken collarbone and in came Kaysen Higa.
Gabriel’s night was interesting. Three times on Mililani’s first drive — after a long Vavae Malepeai run put the Trojans inside the Kahuku 5 — he tried to throw a fade to the left corner of the end zone but overthrew Kalakaua Timoteo each time. You could see that Gabriel did not want to make a mistake by underthrowing it and that he just couldn’t find the correct range.
A little while later, before the injury, Gabriel’s dad, Garrett Gabriel of University of Hawaii fame, had his hands on his knees on the Mililani sideline and was looking straight down at the FieldTurf. Reading minds is not an exact science. Far from it, but it seemed like he was thinking: “So close in such a critical situation. How do you tell him how to take a little bit more of a chance? The line is so fine between touchdown and interception.”
Kahuku made a goal-line stand that inspired its fans big-time.
This narrative shall now move on to Bradlee Anae, the Kahuku defensive end who played with a fire that’s rare in this day and age. On every Mililani punt, he lined up in the middle along with Aaron Tapusoa and they both charged like madmen to get to the punter. The ploy did not result in a block, but it did make the Trojans punter rush every time.
And since we are singling out people who made a difference in the outcome, it’s a good idea to get the name Keala Santiago into this post. Everyone knows about his ability as a safety and a punt returner and those skills were on display all night. He finished with two interceptions and some punt-return bravery.
So, how did Kahuku get ahead, then?
Interestingly enough, it was offensive coordinator John Hao‘s backup quarterback Cameron Renaud — a rare dropback passer at Kahuku in these rugby-style days — who led the way.
Renaud, a junior, threw two midrange passes to Keakaula Kaniho to put the Red Raiders in field-goal range.
Next up in the getting-things-done category: Kekoa Sasaoka, the place-kicker who is a transfer from OIA rival Farrington. He stepped up and sailed a 42-yarder through the uprights for a 10-7 lead with just 9:51 left in the game.
Earlier, Sasaoka came up short on a 54-yarder with 2:49 left in the third quarter. Later, he was wide left on a 45-yarder with 5:32 remaining.
With 2:24 to go, somehow, for the first time since the first quarter, the holes opened up for Kahuku. Santiago did his part in spreading out the Mililani defense with his 21-yard gain on a reverse. Brown then went up the middle three straight times out of the (rugby!) wildcat before scoring on a 2-yard run for a 17-7 lead.
Sasaoka, after a Santiago interception, drilled a 38-yard field goal for the final scoring as time expired.
OK, so if it’s not evident, let us tell you how much Kahuku enjoyed this win. There were honks galore from cars leaving the parking lot, and Kahuku fans in the back of pickup trucks flying red Kahuku flags and shouting triumphantly.
They are pumped up about their undefeated Red Raiders (11-0), who in the minds of any other upcoming opponent statewide, represent a very scary thought.
Vavae Tata? The defensive mastermind jumped and shoulder-bumped three players on the defensive unit near the end of the game as they exited the field after a stop. Tata looked in their eyes as if to share that defensive spiritual/mystical bond and they followed through with the bump. Others coming off the field — maybe they had just been bruised or winded — were walking slower, so they just got a pat on the head from Tata.
It should be noted that Tata made it a point after the game to pat the head of Mililani defensive end Kaimana Padello, who never stops coming at you, no matter what. Padello was all over the field on Friday, making plays and sacks and tackles for loss and just being the general nuisance that he has proven to be.
“It just goes to show you that we can stop the run,” said Padello, who was dripping sweat after the postgame handshake line. “We’ve heard the talk about how we can’t stop the run after what happened (a 71-53 loss to Liberty, Nev.) in Vegas. Our defense did a heckuva job tonight. Yes, we gave up 20 points and it was a big loss, but we still have the state championship to play. It’s football. Whether you win or lose, it’s about how you come back and not how you suffer from it. We’re ready and hungry for the states.”
Rod York, the head coach of defending state champion Mililani (9-2), was a gentleman in defeat. He said: “Kahuku was the better team tonight. No excuses. I’m very proud of every single player who put the Trojans helmet on tonight. They represented very well. Sometimes, you lose on the scoreboard, but it’s how you show up in the game that counts. We’ll be back. Maybe we’ll see them (the Red Raiders) in the states.”
Kahuku will get a bye in the states next weekend. Mililani will play in the first round.
Milton, who reporters from Hawaii Prep World spoke with briefly after the game, may be back soon and it is well documented how he has the ability to make the Trojans offense much more dynamic. He is expected to return to practice with a doctor’s clearance this week, but it’s not certain if he can play next weekend in the first round of the states.
Mililani isn’t the only team with quarterback injuries. Kesi Ah Hoy, Kahuku’s starting quarterback, ran the wildcat on Friday, but went down with a left ankle inury in the third quarter. It was serious enough to keep him out the rest of the game, but it didn’t appear serious enough to keep him out for the rest of the season.
So, as we head to the Division I states, it will be interesting to see how it all shakes out — especially these two OIA teams and how they fare against the best the state has to offer — and possibly how they fare against each other in a rematch.
Gonna be like days of old. Saint Louis vs. Kahuku!!!
@Nick – nice article but you pretty much failed at “not trying to incite.”
Am I passionate about Kahuku football? Yes.
Is it “close to EVERYTHING” for me? Not by a long shot. That’s an “outsider’s” ignorant assessment and misinterpretation of our passion. I am WAY more passionate about my faith in God, my love for my wife and kids, and my academic and professional endeavors. I just also happen to love seeing the young men and women of Kahuku succeed…at anything worthy of praise and support. This holds true for most RR4Ls.
As far as football is concerned its also “worth mentioning” that the Trojans are down to their third string QB because their O Line is not nearly as good as last year’s squad and yet for some inexplicable reason Rod York has neglected to make adjustments to account for that season-long deficiency with their personnel. And Kahuku did the smart thing and took advantage of that obvious weakness and imposed their defensive will with superior talent and coaching.
I will admit that I was completely wrong about the Trojans defense. They played lights out and were by far the best defense we’ve faced all year. Ma’a Tanuvasa has done an exceptional job coaching up their defense to their maximum potential. Mililani vs St Louis is looking like an awesome game if Milton is back by then.
If Milton comes back for states they will be better, but will they be able to improve their pass blocking? I hope so for his long term outlook. Championship aside I am also glad we earned a bye with this win. Gives the team an opportunity to get healed.
11-0. And every week doubters come up with excuses as to why we win. Just admit it. Until somebody beats us… We’re the best in the State.
Go Big Red
GoBigRed,
Not so sure Mililani is playing St.Louis to get to the title game. Mililani will be unseated so they could end up on th Kahuku side of the bracket. They will not be seated #3 as either the BIL or MIL champ will be #3 and #4. So don’t get too cocky, Mililani could take you guys out in the semifinal round. No, you are not the best in the state until you win the title.
And the excuses keep rolling in. 3rd string QB, Milton not playing, etc etc etc. York’s mantra “Next Man Up” not good enough? We were down to our 3rd QB/RB. No mention of that.
Nothing clean about the hit on Gabriel. But it is what it is. “Big” has won the battle but the war is far from over. Looks like the Trojans have a chance to prove that they are the best by going through both the Crusaders and “big” red. Great job O line! Great job DEFENSE!! Way to represent the community TROJANS!!
SimpletonSimon: the qb and rbs in kahuku’s offense are more or less interchangeable parts because a) Kahuku does not run an offense with a sophisticated/complex passing attack requiring their qb to go through multiple reads and deliver the football with timing and accuracy. all of the passes that were completed in the second quarter were to wide open receivers running simple post routes off of play action.
b) 90% of their plays is run out of a full house back field with no receivers, and all they do is run the dive, off tackle, or some kind of sweep. their rbs are talented, yes, and so is their team, but the nature of their offense makes it so that their parts are much more interchangeable.
a third string qb running the mililani offense is MUCH more crippling to the team because the quarterback is the focal point of that offense. he needs to make the correct read and deliver the football accurately under pressure. if the quarterback struggles, the entire mililani offense will sputter.
this would’ve been a much different game if milton was playing but it is what it is.
Great game from both teams and both sides of the ball. The rest of the state better watch out if these two teams are healthy and that includes St Louis too. Hope everyone heals up and is at full strength cause we don’t want to hear or won’t make any excuses when they crown the 2015 state champs with the knowledge that the best team won and move on with our lives. Hats off to Mililani they did an unbelievable job slowing my Big Red last night. Good luck in states and one day, the write ups won’t be more neutral in giving praises and excuses than they have been this year.
Mililani Defense was on point tonight but you can’t win with a third string. Congrats to Kahuku OIA champs. See you in the states.
Tell that to Noland Takuda who won the State Champonship with a non string QB who was pulled up from the JV. What ever happened to Mililani having superior coaches?
@zero maybe Mililani shouldnt rely so much on ONE position to win a PHYSICAL team sport. Injuries happen all the time. That’s on York for putting all his eggs in one fragile basket. Why didn’t they just run a simple full house set offense like Kahuku with Malepeai(best RB in the state)?? Let me guess they don’t have the personnel on the TEAM? Kahuku lost their starting QB at the beginning of the season, starting running back a couple games later (Ameperosa), and Ah Hoy played what a quarter and half? Kahuku moved the ball down the stretch with Renaud(3rd string QB) and Kenese(4th string RB). The better TEAM won. T-E-A-M save all that shoulda coulda woulda one player what ifs.
Congratulations to the Kahuku players and coaches on another OIA championship season for the Northshore. They’re the team to beat in states. Mililani looks good on D, and should be boasted on offense if Kenzie returns. St Louis is waiting to prove again that they are the team to beat in the 808 like years past. I’m excited for the state tournament and can see these 2 teams in particular meeting up again for all the marbles.
Kahuku used 3rd & 4th string players to “move” the ball only because their starters couldn’t do it against the Trojans. The only play that worked in Kahuku’s playbook was the one that calls for a late hit against a defenseless QB. The highly touted ground attack was grounded. Enjoy what you have, the season is not over.
good comments @GoBigRed; was using hyperbole when I referred to “everything.” … also we would be really lacking in insight if we didn’t report that the reigning All-State player of the year did not play in this game. if this was an NFL game, you can bet they would think the player of the year out would be a large blow who most likely would have made at least a little difference. Milton out us not an excuse. It’sa fact that needs to be told, just like the fact we reported last year that Tuli Wily-Matagi’s injury hurt Kahuku’s chances in the OIA title game. Not an excuse. a plain fact.
TGOD- well said brah, I can tell that you are a class act. If I see you in the stadium we can drink a few. It’s going to be a great state tournament, Kahuku is the TEAM to beat but don’t count Mililani out. This is the year of the Crusaders
Congratulations to Kahuku, they have an awesome team. I was also impressed with the Mililani defense I did not think anyone could slow down the boys from Kahuku.
When did this site turn into Match.com? Get a room…
Damn, both teams made a great game out of a poorly ref’d game. To me it could of went either way, Kahuku D looked dominate as expected but the Trojan D unexpectedly looked just as good. Ah Ahoy and Milton would have been a difference maker if they both played…… i wana see this match up again in states….
Definitely hats off to the trojan D players and coaches. As far as the trojan O, putting the loss on the Higa kid is down right wrong. Wasnt he the qb when mililani blew up Kailua? Its nice that coach york takes responsibility, maybe trojan fans and Big Red critics should follow his lead. Trojan coaches were either unwilling or maybe not able to make the adjustments to attack the Big Red D. You have one of the best ever rb’s in the state. Like someone else pointed out, the staff had time from when milton got hurt to make adjustments in their O. Looking forward to states. Good luck to all the teams. RRFL!
P.s. @ nick abramo, nice article, i still think you have a bias to Mililani, but thats just my opinion.
Lee Boy,
Can you be any more confusing? Sounds like you’re covering all your bases “just in case”.
Anyways, amongst all the chit chat we find ourselves right where we want. St. Louis and Mililani will duke it out to play us in the States. Y’all need to start worrying about each other. Overrated defense, under ranked Team, old fashioned running…at the end of the day, we sitting pretty and the boys deserve it. All Hail Kahuku, Hail!
@surfdad – OIA #2 is always placed in the ILH side of the bracket. So yes, I am looking forward to Mililani vs St Louis.
Better late this write like so you all can do each other with jargon and semantics but technically speaking Milton doesn’t need to play if he already got offers at the next level whereas young athletes will say they feel OK but like thrying to upgrade/increase their stats numbers may also cause a permanent reinjure when doing so;…just an honest and wise thought which is practice at the next level ,…so bottom the line is forget adding on numbers like to your stats like for now just protect your body “For Future Official Use Only”,…eh like you’ve proven yourself and most everyone acknowledges that;…yet is your coach thinking about your future or his dream?
@Paper Crane – Ummmmm WhatTheEFF? LOL
First off, congratulations to the Kahuku Red Raiders on winning the OIA D1 Championship. Congratulations to Mililani on a hard fought game. Trojans definitely turned some heads on the defensive side of the ball. I guess they answered a lot of questions about being able to stop a powerful running game. Kahuku just added another problem for opposing teams, a passing game. After lastnights game, I think the only team that will be able to beat Kahuku, is Kahuku. All those penalties could’ve done them in last night and could probably cost them in the State Tournament if not addressed. Good luck to all teams in the state tournament
Kahuku too strong but Mill gave a good fight. 0 points from that high octane offense is insane, also York said after Gabriel got hurt they had no QB, lol, feel bad for Higa.
Kahuku wont survive if their players keep getting hurt.
@SimpleSimon,….it’s all about thinking smart, honest, and professionally and that’s what it’s all about at the next next level so time to start now whereas gotta KEEP healthy and Coach York also need to start now for next season like 2nd, 3rd, and 4th QBs,..even JVs;…just thinking technically honest and not with the (only feeling) dreaming heart/gut;…GO RED RAIDERS.
@SimpleSimon
Don’t mess with our Shakespeare.
This is the right moment in time that some of the best coachs and players would meet in a state tournament there probably will never be or it might take a very long long time to see this kinda match up again. Decisions decisions living a life at your highest excitement in time and giving your all or reminiscing in your old age and regreting of what could have happened some would give almost all they own to have one more chance to find out.
@Gobigred- You still think that ST Louis can’t stop your run game. What PAC12 school did you graduated from brah
It’s all about taking it to the next level like grooming football athletes that can perform at more then one deep position but multiple positions and on both sides of the scrimmage line;..now
that’s depth and knowing that the BIG RED has more greatness coming up in the ranks like I was so wow impressed with TAUSILI FIATOA and especially the all around performances of MIKI AH YOU;…scary thing is lets hope they both stay put with RED RAIDERS NATION and not get con by private offers?
Hats off to Kahuku congratulations. This is a team sport, 11 players working for the same goal all the excuses about Milton being injured just means that Mililani is a one man team – Kahuku may look a bit unorthodox but across the board they have the most talent. Even the stud LB trojan who is from Kahuku was wearing red shoes to represent his hometown Kahuku and he was the reason why trojans scored so if he didnt transfer to Mililani imagine how weak their D would be.
Look forward to states and the St. Louis vs. Mililani in the semi finals.
I personally appreciated how Coach Tata “fought” for our boys on the sideline. All too often, I think we tend to let the refs have their way…I hope he continues. There’s a fine line between aggressive coaching and being a cry baby but I think if done correctly, can be inspiring to the boys. It makes them feel like he has their back.
People are so impressed with how Mililani “stopped” Kahuku’s run game, but did they really STOP Kahuku’s run game? They might have slowed them down, but definitely not STOPPED them. What’s more impressive that nobody is talking about is how Kahuku STOPPED Mililani’s “scoring machine”. Mililani went from scoring 50+ per game to a flat out ZERO. When Milton got hurt, the backups still came in and put up 40+ on Moanalua twice, and then Waianae. So Mililani didn’t stop Kahuku’s run BUT Kahuku sure DID STOP Mililani’s offense. They were still great without Milton UNTIL this game. The only thing the people have to realize now is that Mililani’s strength of schedule was just the same as Kahuku’s. 😉
@Paper Crane – Tausili Fiatoa has been in Utah since the beginning of the season.
@Good Story,….yeh like Coach Tata did that with class action style too like without any non verbal out burst,…yeh they all cool like even his players;….JV game next…mahalo.
@surfdad. Sorry they would have to go thru St. Louis.
Love how everyone has already put Kahuku in the Championship game. Winner of tonights game will be in that bracket, sure both have lost but its another game. Don’t forget the outer island teams are just as hungry.
Lee Boy – Mahalo, I’ve been taught respect and humility by my kupuna. I don’t respond to negative comments as after all it’s only a game and these are our kids on the field.
Kahuku is undefeated and should be #1, St Louis is the ILH Champion and should be #2. Either team can win it all and I won’t be surprised. But for me and my ohana, it’s “Go Trojans”!
God Bless
@SimpleSimon,….he,…he, like you talking Utah is far away like on a different planet like it only takes about 6-7hrs to be back homecoming on Hawaii Nei,..like that quick;…blessed prayers will bring Tausili Fiatoa home before next season and like he should be even bigger and much faster, like you watch and see. GO BIG RED/RR4L-1963er
Jalen Olomua was tearing it up on their defense! Keep it up man! No mattah where you go, RR4L. NEVER forget where you’re from!
Just a curious question but who gets the #1 seed because it would seem that they would get the harder way in having to play milllilani as probably the 4 or 5 seed
@BleedRed, Since Kahuku is OIA #1 we get the first round bye and put on one side of the bracket, for sure Mililani gets stuck into going through ILH#1 to make it back.
@Choice is mines not yours, sometimes hunger isn’t enough, in fact I cant remember the state championship game being played with anyone other than two Oahu teams? In all likelihood, Kahuku will face off against the team they beat 43-0 or 30-0. I hate to discount the outer island teams its just usually they are undersized/manned, its unfortunate just not enough players. So, yes Kahuku is a heavy favorite to run their half of the bracket.
Kahuku 1, ILH 2, Mililani 3.
Congratulations St Louis Alumni for going to North Shore to help them win…Good luck in the states
Kahuku never needed a St Louis alumn to win, but st.louis always needed Kahuku kids to win.
@choiceisminenotyours. Outer Island teams are just as hungry and I attest to that. However it will be difficult. Back in 07 or 08 Baldwin was taken lightly and almost upset Kahuku. It has not gone unnoticed and Oahu D1 teams has gotten a lot better since than. The caliber of playing on Oahu vs outer island is totally different. They do not pick in D2 teams.
@Insideoutsidein Yes, Kahuku won with 5 seconds left in the 4th. True. And it’s Baldwin/Waiane winner so good luck to all. One game at a time.
@GoBigRed’s Girfriend. I think it’s nice that St. Louis alums are proud of the coach. Tell you what. If KAHUKU HIGH SCHOOL win states for the eight time is school history in a couple of weeks the St. Louis alum will get my vote for coach of the year. 😉
@Gobigred’s friend – Kahuku has won 7 State Titles without a St Louis Alum. I’m sure no matter who the coach is, Kahuku will always have a good shot at States. Hard to dispute that Kahuku just got athletes.
I vote coach Tata for coach of da year!
Guess what? I’ll be cheering da LOUDEST as he coaches our boys to a beat down of da Crusaders!!
*cough cough* unless it’s Mililani or Baldwin. HAHAHAAAAAAA!!
I love how all da St Louis fanatics crediting him for us winning. As if it’s all coaching and no talent. Too bad for St Louis some of their best players came back HOME.
Guess what? WORSE for St Louis cuz choke boys who were contemplating transferring there are now more inclined to stay HOME. (Not like your academics is up there with Punahou Iolani or Kam.
So THANK YOU ST LOUIS! For taking a boy Straight Outta Kalihi and teaching him enough about football so that it will come back to bite you in da okole!!!
HAHAHAAAAAAAAA!!!
@GoBigRed just wanted to point out that Maa Tanuvasa does not coach the D-line at all…the real credit goes to Thor Salanoa jr…he really is the truth behind the D-line that you guys saw out there that night but congrats anyways on the championship great game
@ surfdad
Stick to surfing.
@ DoRightSleepWell
Latu’s hit on Gabriel = CLEAN!
@ SimpleSimon
Hear hear!
Those giving more credit to Mililani’s defense than Kahuku’s are delusional! Before this game, Mililani’s offense was credited as being “unstoppable”, “prolific”, “high octane”, but now after their drubbing at the hands of Kahuku’s defense, ALL THE EXCUSES COME OUT. Thank you to those Mililani supporters who come up with all the excuses in the world about why their team lost, and for exemplifying so perfectly, what it means to be a SORE LOSER.
Was it just me? Or did anybody else see the dancing monkey on Mililani’s sideline? The one on the field for majority of the game that the refs kept turning a blind eye to. Kahuku’s OC, John Hao gets flagged for coming on the field to celebrate a touchdown. Mililani’s coach, York, comes onto the field, calls out our players, makes threatening gestures, and yells at the refs but isn’t flagged once! Fair reffing? Oh dass right, the refs are regulars at the Trojans practices. TOO MEAN!