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.”

The Warriors stayed on campus at their dorm.

“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,” he said.

Coaches and media who vote in the Star-Advertiser Top 10 are intrigued with Waipahu, which received some votes.

“I think they’re going to bring their good program to the field. Their coach (Bryson Carvalho) coaches them up and we’ve got to be ready to play.”

Farrington at Kamehameha

Friday, 7:30 pm

The defending ILH champions were star-studded in 2025, but part of the legacy of those Warriors is their influence on the younger teammates. It happened at Campbell, where Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele’s impact was felt after he graduated.

Linebacker Lincoln Apana has returned from injury. He hurt his knee last year against Farrington. Running back Maddox Sherrer is also back from injury. Sherrer got hurt last season in a scrimmage with Campbell. He will team with Nainoa Melchor to give Kamehameha a potent backfield.

“It’s good getting (Apana and Sherrer) back, acclimated with the team,” Drummondo said.

Up front, the Warriors have some big shoes to fill. The graduation of Malakai Lee leaves a big void.

“The whole group is vital for us. Joey (Joseph Robledo) is our most experienced,” Drummondo said of the senior center.

The O-line is 10 deep.

“Two seasons ago we suited up only seven because of injuries. All these guys, we envision having a big role for us,’ Drummondo said.

An influx of talent from Kamehameha-Maui, the defending Division II state champion, could be impactful. Wide receiver Loea Asuega-Stark, defensive end/tight end Frank Abreu and safety Anthony Sardine will play Open Division football for the first time.

The LB crew includes Apana, mike ‘backer Evan Cazimero and hybrid piece Tau Purcell.

“We can be position-less and move guys around,” Drummondo said. “Tau will be a big piece.”

Niamiah Samia leads the cornerbacks.

Leon Cordeiro is the offensive coordinator. He is the father of former UH quarterback Chevan Cordeiro. Drummondo retains duties as the defensive coordinator.

“We never want everything to be exactly the same. We changed a bit with our strength and conditioning program in the offseason. We adjust o0ur scheme to our personnel,” he said. “Things change, but the general approach, the philosophy hasn’t changed. We want to be physical. We want to be fast. Be as violent as we can within the rules, snap to whistle. We need more reps to see how our players respond to adversity. I like the mental makeup of our group. They have a strong belief wanting to become a family.”

Baldwin at ‘Iolani

Saturday, 3:15 pm (Father Bray Classic)

First-year head coach Patrick Samsonas remembers playing for Wendell Look, the 43-year football coach at ‘Iolani who also served as athletic director and recently retired. Samsonas cherishes the “One Team” tradition and culture, but let his players know that he will be himself within that structure.

A lifetime of sharing and giving back only comes with an outlook that is sustainable. For Samsonas, it’s always about hard work and having some fun along the way.

“My opening speech to the team was, the message is going to be the same. One Team is not going to stop, but instead of an angry Chinese guy, you got this handsome buggah now. Humor is my thing,” he said. “What (Eddie) Hamada told Look, and what Look told me: be yourself. And I have been.”

Samsonas has former Kahuku standout Richard Torres as defensive coordinator and former Kaimuki head coach Clint Onigama as offensive coordinator. He has Sean “Ulu” Scanlan as offensive line coach.

The former Kaiser coach is getting to know his team and vice-versa. Center Max Nakaahiki, defensive back Zack Bagoyo and wide receiver Noah Furukawa are among ‘Iolani’s veteran contributors.

“The duo running back combo of Jadon Anzai and Ayden Teranishi will be fun to watch,” Samsonas said.

The roster of 54 players includes young gems in the rough like linebacker Trusten Lilo-Maiava and defensive back Cole Koyanagi.

Quarterback Adrian Perkins had several flashes of excellence as a sophomore in 2025 while learning on the job after CJ Villanueva suffered an injury. Nixon Ling is in the mix, as well, for playing time.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Samsonas said.