There’s a gigantic difference between the Nos. 4 and 5 high school football teams in Hawaii.
Kahuku proved that again Saturday night by dismantling visiting Campbell 46-0 on the rainy North Shore. Earlier in the season, the Red Raiders (7-3) dropped the Sabers 35-7.
>> CLICK HERE FOR A PHOTO GALLERY OF THE GAME
Now, Kahuku has a chance to show that there’s little or no gap between the Nos. 4 and 3 teams. That means the Red Raiders are out to turn the tables on third-ranked Mililani (8-3) next Saturday at Aloha Stadium in the OIA Open Division championship game.
In the teams’ regular-season meeting, the Trojans rolled 32-0.
Is Kahuku a much different team now? The Red Raiders certainly look it, with their defense dictating terms on opponents.
They did just that on Saturday, with three fumble recoveries and four interceptions of Campbell quarterback Blaine Hipa, including two by Mana Fonoimoana-Vaomu — one in which he returned 62 yards for a touchdown.
If Kahuku has what it takes to get by Mililani and then through the first round of states, there could be those ILH rivals — either No. 1 Saint Louis (9-0) or No. 2 Punahou (9-1) — waiting.
“We just have to be ready,” Red Raiders coach Sterling Carvalho said after he was asked about the clash against the Trojans. “Mililani is No. 1 in the OIA until proven otherwise. We gotta make sure we gotta knock them off. We gotta play great football because they’re a great squad.”
Fonoimoana-Vaomu also had a 55-yard punt that pinned Campbell deep in its own territory.
“Mana is great athlete,” teammate Zion Ah You said. “He can play quarterback, he can punt the ball, he can play DB. He’s small (5 feet 10, 182 pounds), so people underestimate him. But he’s a (big) dog.”
Despite nursing a sore foot, Ah You had a whale of a game as well, with a tackle for loss, an interception that led to a Kahuku touchdown and a 1-yard TD run on his only carry.
“(Against Mililani), we’re going to need to stop the run,” Ah You said. “Malosi Sam is a good running back and they’ve got a good O-line, too. We’ve got to stop the run, defend the pass, shut them out and let our offense do their thing.”
Talking about Fonoimoana-Vaomu and Ah You, Carvalho said, “They are great football players, even better young men off the field. I’m just so happy when great young men play the game well — they’ve got great motors — and are good role models off the field as well.”
A lot of Kahuku’s offense comes from Zealand Matagi, who gained 143 yards on 17 carries and scored twice, including one on a 90-yard run.
Tomasi Pasi, a defensive back, also helped the Red Raiders get points with an interception and 45-yard return that set up a TD. In addition, Kingston Jones‘ fumble recovery made way for Adam Requilman‘s 34-yard field goal.
A strong Kahuku pass rush dropped Hipa for losses six times, including two sacks by Enese Tonga and one by Lokana Enos, who also had a 22-yard TD reception on offense.
“We played aggressive defense and got off the ball,” Ah You said. “They (the referees) caught us a couple of times being too aggressive (before the snap) and called offsides. We just gotta keep playing aggressive.”
On special teams, Pasi also set up a score with a 65-yard kick return.
For Campbell, Zavier Ceruti caught seven passes for 123 yards and was a shining star who was sorely needed with fellow receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala out with a knee injury and running back Jonan Aina-Chaves off to the hospital with a severe reaction from a bee sting right before the game.
The Sabers (5-5) play Farrington (2-8) next week in the OIA third-place game that will decide the OIA’s last of three berths into the Open Division state tournament.
“We’re gonna regroup and gotta win out,” Campbell coach Darren Johnson said. “It’s not easy (coming to Kahuku). We should have played better. We thought we were ready.”
First round against Mililani was closer than the score showed. The scores were heavily influenced by special teams which Mililani won that day. Offensively they were ok and defensively they shut out Kahuku offense that was looking for their identity. If Kahuku ran more against Punaluu, they would’ve won that too…but this next game will determine the easier route in states. We believe. Go BIG Red.
@HBoy spot on observations, except I don’t think we played a punaluu lmao. All good bro, we know what you meant! Let’s go Big Red!! Who we playing next week? Aiea, Waipahu, Wahiawa. Oh never mind that’s “Mililani” #RR4L #RootedNotRecruited
Just curious. Where does Punalu’u High play their home games? Punalu’u Beach Park? Sorry, I couldn’t resist that one.
Sole my ex-wife is from that place. Just joking. How do you go from Mililani to Punalu’u. That’s too funny bro. Nice breakdown and I think we get chance too. Haha and I like see them play at Punalu’u Beach Park. The game would be halfway in the water.
Mililani front seven is no joke. They have to somehow get past that or make em gas. No play action. Their to fast upfront. It’s like they using Kahuku recipe. York is smart. Do exactly what Kahuku does on Defense. Just bring it every play with your best front and live and die by it.
Amazing what a win makes.
Kahuku had a great game and crickets from all the Coach Carvalho haters.
Not one negative comment towards him.
Had they lost last night (worst if they got blown out), there probably would have been 20+ comments right now about removing Coach Carvalho.
Support him for the entire season and not fluctuate from game to game.
Good luck to the Red Raiders against the Multidistrictlani Trojans…..
What happened to my post about what happened to the Carvalho haters?
Mililani is a good football team. Their air raid on offense can put up points with a quickness. On defense, they have a front seven that is second only to St Louis. If Kahuku can keep the score low going into the second half, it will be a classic game to watch. Zealand Matagi is the best runningback in the state. I’m excited for the OIA Championship.
Yeah sorry about Punalu’u (Punahou) you know spell check sucks. Anyways, I agree with Hawaii Prep World about Mililani but their offense didn’t do much to our defense the first time. Our defense is even better (as I am sure they are as well) but our offense is more confident at what they can do and although Mililani definitely has a great front seven, it will be fun to see how they match up this time.
The biggest problem I have with the playoffs (both OIA and States) is playing at the stadium where there are too many restrictions, teams sit on the same side, gotta but the tickets at the main box office, good chance for “altercations” between fans because of sitting proximity, no can tailgate, no income earned for teams playing (concessions) even when the Red Sea buys everything up and then the concessions close or run out of food before halftime. We need to start playing at schools again until the new stadium is done.
Mahalo and Go BIG RED!
Watch out , here comes the Kahuku people coming out from the closets now that Kahuku winning . All of a sudden , Kahuku is the team again ? Lol hilarious. Yah u can run over all those schools, but against the top 3 , no no no. Kahuku can’t run the ball against the top 3 like they did against cambell. Mililani D will shut down Kahuku O. And mililani will win again. Then , the community can go back into the closets and blame the coaches again . That community is…….
1. Big red ain’t buying no food because all 15 of the Kahuku fans already ate before they come to Aloha Stadium
2. Kahuku won a game they were 100% expected to win, no surprise. Campbell too small up front to stop the run, Campbell qb not good. Didn’t have his security blanket and look what happened. Kahuku rb is bigger than Campbell linebackers
3. How could Kahuku run more against Puns? That’s your game that’s all you did. Only had a few pass attempts. Not gonna pass at all? Your qbs are not good but can’t avoid throwing the ball at least a few times
Fwam
Our community still has the most championships in the current format. We’ve earned the right to be divas. Both Kahuku and St Louis have 12 appearances, Kahuku is 8-4. St Louis is 6-6. Mililani made 4 appearances and are 2-2. I dunno if you from Mililani or judging by your name you just one hater…probably one coach hater. We still the team to beat.
@good story
First off don’t ever compare Kahuku to saint Louis, not even close , Kahuku gots plenty more to accomplish to even be considered comparing . With that little league offense , it’s a shame on a national level to be on the same bracket as saint Louis . Kahuku should be winning , look at the size of the kids , like young grown men beating on smaller guys. But against the top 3 , speed quickness and outcosched. This is a true story.
Bandwagons come out , then hide after this week
Where was all the haters when we lost to Punalu’u. You guys only come out now cuz you see the score and start getting scared. Whoa I better start sending that negative BS so I can get to them. You only a hater and that’s all you got buddy. RR4L
Their they go again. Taking down my post and leaving the smack talking guys posting. Great policing!
HPW is a bunch of scrubs!!!! Censor that!!!!
lol “we still the team to beat” win the OIA before you start saying that
Wasn’t Campbell ranked higher then Kahuku and Mililani at the start of the season? And was the favorite in the OIA. Campbell needs a good recruiting haul this off season.
Kamehameha, Campbell, Farrington, Waianae and Kapolei belong in D1. Leave the Open to Kahuku, Mililani, Punahou and STL.
No matter who goes , St. Louis is just gonna is just too good for these teams . Not this year , by this time of the year , you can kind of tell already of the level of play is same. Saint Louis just different level from everybody this year. We see next year , I think Kahuku and mililani will have a chance at the ILH
Regardless who goes finals , Saint Louis is just too good .
Fwam
Why? You own this website? “Dont ever compare???” Stop living in the past buddy…WE have the most State Championships. YOU guys have the most Prep Bowls. Deal with it!!!
Yeah just have Kahuku, St.Louis, Punahou and Mililani play each 3x a year and beat up each other! See if the coaches go for that silly idea!
So who went put that bee in Campbell’s section to get their star running back out of the game?
prep bowls is state championships lol, only thing changed was the name. There is no difference. but if it makes you feel better just to say you have more than saint louis, by all means , glory to you. Just get past mililani first before you start talking more, i know the community got revived Either way you look at it like the above said, Saint Louis is just too good for Mililani or Kahuku this year. Fourpeat.
Prep Bowl and State Championship is the same thing. Only difference is that now neighbor island teams are invited. But they will never be in the open division. And when they do have a special team they will never play the open division, which is a shame. St. Louis to me has won more State Championships no mysteriously word it. The prep bowls were our State Championships
No matter how you word it
Kimo
Sorry, I don’t agree. Once the new rules were implemented for the State Championships and the playing field was more level…that’s when the OIA, especially Kahuku, started getting theirs.
Punahou is getting the ……. end of the deal. They will not be able to go state tournament and is currently ranked 2 and probably will be at the end of the season. Regardless if ILH only has 3 teams. State tournament should be the top 4 teams, and obviously the top 4 arent in it without Punahou. just because they dont want 2 ILH teams facing each other. Look people, recruiting is done at a national level , its only going to get worse and thats the nature of high school football now a days, its a new era. So start joining the programs and recruit instead of crying about it. And for people who says Kahuku doesnt recruit, stop trying to make yourselves feel better about not being on top anymore. I have ties to Kahuku, and it bugs me on how a few handful crys and complains which ruins it for the community as a whole being arrogant. Kahuku have kids coming in from Samoa , New Zealand, Utah, etc, its all family ties. Again everybody just start recruiting, everybody is doing it so join the program. DUH
Come on..Please tell me what Kahuku players got recruited for football….I’m from this community, my family’s been here since the school started playing football…Watched, played and watching again in support of this great community…Somebody tell me with facts….Don’t try too place us in your schools that does recruit to justify your success…
Good Story. No matter what format you are using it has always come down to the best ILH team against who ever comes out of the OIA. The new format has just given the 3rd and 4th place OIA another chance. You cannot tell me that when St. Louis won all those Prep bowls that they weren’t the best in the state. Kahuku is right there in the mix and had its share of State Championships just not as much as the Crusaders.
I believe that if Soljah would have stayed they would be the number 2 team in the state with a very good chance to unseat St. Louis. They are lacking any type of passing game at this moment. The rest of the facets of the game are very good.
but thats why Maiava left lol because Kahuku will never develop a QB on a national level. If Maiava stayed at Kahuku , his passing skills would have never flourished because Kahuku doesnt know how to teach that. all they know is ground and pound, typical little league offense, using size and force to run over the small schools, but not against the big 3 , coaching trumps all that stuff. Its boring to watch Kahuku football play, especially their offense. Like the offense has no identity, even when they try to pass , it looks horrible.
Sports Network. Point well taken. But he could pass as a sophomore, and if he was still here there would be some QB coach out there that would love the chance to work with him. You don’t need a passing offense like St. Louis, just one to keep the defense honest. And that’s where we can all agree on is where the coaching comes in. You’re not going g to run the ball that easy against a Mililani and a St. Louis defense. So they better have a plan B when the running game stalls.
We had a staff capable of developing quarterbacks and receivers that stood toe to toe with Mililani and St. Louis offensively. They even led the league in rushing while developing their passing game and we still got rid of them didn’t we?
Id like to know what staff you are talking about?
Wasnt Hao and Ah Yat with the RRs for a little bit??
No need change the formula.
Ground and Pound offense.
Stifling defense that creates turnovers.
Special Teams that provide great field position for defense and offense.
Only thing is that this formula dont work if you behind.
Which happened with Milville first time around.
Was working against Puns until they fell behind and had a 70 yard field to go in 3(?) minutes and was still running power-iso left and right. SMH.
I enjoy watching the RR’s play. They are just as physical as St. Lulu with one difference. Yes, the RR’s play with class and respect the game. No cheapshots, punching and talking smack. They talk with their play as it should always be and its refreshing and appreciated.
@Fwam
If I were a st. lulu alumni, I would be ashamed Of myself. cal lee dodging the top teams in the country. C’mon man who da hell is Bishop Gorman please!!!!
Millville played bosco twice.
Fwam fwam don’t ever mention st lulu football ever
You heard me. That school should be dissolved so shame no like play top teams.
Prep Bowl, State Championship, same thing.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the biggest difference between the two formats is that under the State Championship format, kids who turned 19 before a certain time aren’t/weren’t allowed to participate in the Championship game? I remember some St Louis kids back in the early years who had to sit out the Championship game.
I still don’t like Coach Sterling, but at this point, I think keeping him on is probably better for now so as to create a sense of stability and allows him and the kids more time to work on the passing game.
We’ll see, sometimes it take people longer to warm up to others….
Mililani front is devastatingly good; can’t wait to see what Big Red can do against them.
Like others have said, St Louis is at another level; would take so many factors to happen for either Punahou, Mililani or Kahuku to beat them this year.
Go get em Boys!! RRFL!!!
@#37
U are a fwam , why do you think Kahuku got recognized across the country ? Because they beat saint Louis , remember st lulu put Kahuku on the map. Real talk
Bishop Gorman , is the same team that pounded the red raiders lol, eat your own words #37 on the thread . U one clown.
@fwamiki
The Bishop Gorman team that beat Kahuku would murder this years lulu team.
Cmon boy!!!
Kahuku lost to Gorman 35-7 , the same year saint lulu beat Kahuku in states 30-14. So what now ?
@fwam
How come lulu not playing top teams. But Millville played bosco twice . Cmon boy!!!
When KAHUKU played Gorman, Gorman was ranked #1 in the nation. Tate martell was their QB! They had studs on that team. It would be interesting to see if Saint Louis could havs competed, but it is what it is. Fwam you are a FWAM!!
let me tell you who da hell Bishop Gorman is. they are currently the #21 team in the country as ranked by maxpreps. if you take out the SL game, they would be 7-0 this year and have outscored their opponents 360-52 this year. thats who da hell they are.
Yeah they play in a soft Las Vegas high football!
@nothing but the truth
no sense argue with these people, they think that Kahuku is almighty and belongs. They forget where Kahuku came from. They forget that Saint Louis get 20 something state championships, and they claim the prep bowl era no count lol. Let them feel good about themselves. Little League offense who supposed to be a power house representing Hawaii lol, Mainland people laughing at the type of offense they have, that was your state champions representative 4 years ago? They going lose to Mililani then get pounded in the state semi finals from the crusaders. Yes thats right.
They play in soft Las Vegas Football? Thats the same team that pounded them red raiders, Liberty would pound the red raiders too. Keep eating all your guys words. You telling me Kahuku would have played a game with them this year ? lol cmon man, Gorman would’ve embarrassed Kahuku this year. Man these Kahuku fans is just horrendous.
@Mule
Their fan base has just awakened, they think that they are back lol, they will go right back into hide outs after this week against the trojans. See ya
Respect ur opinion , you may be right, im not an expert on Nevada high school football, but,
Why does maxpreps rank them #21 ahead of punahou, kahuku, and mililani? must be something good about them.
How are they able to get all that talent to go to BG if they have a soft schedule. These kids who want to go ohio state and USC, are not going to waste their time playing a soft schedule year in and year out. Doesn’t matter how good the coaching is, kids are not going somewhere where your toughest competition are your practices.