Kamehameha Schools Maui wide receiver Frank Abreu celebrates touchdown catch in Warriors’ win over King Kekaulike last Friday. They are the No. 2 seed for the Division II state tournament and will host Pac-Five or Kaimuki in a semifinal on Nov. 18.
The Lahainaluna High School football team is on a historic journey this season, aiming to win the first-ever Division I state title for the Maui Interscholastic League. The Lunas’ path to the championship will not be easy.
With a record-breaking win streak of 44 games this season, the Lunas secured the No. 4 seed in the state tournament. They will face off against Kapaa, the No. 5 seed from the Kauai Interscholastic Federation, on Nov. 11 at Sue Cooley Stadium.
Meanwhile, Kamehameha Maui, the MIL D-II champion, earned the No. 2 seed in their bracket. They will start their postseason journey with a semifinal game on Nov. 18 against the winner of Pac-Five and Kaimuki.
The Lunas faced uncertainty earlier this season after their town was devastated by a wildfire on Aug. 8. However, they fought hard to get back into the season, representing Lahainaluna with pride. Their goal was always to reach the state tournament, and they have accomplished that.
A win over Kapaa would propel the Lunas to the semifinals, where they would face the No. 1 seed. The Division I state championship game is set for Nov. 25.
The Lunas have a history of facing Kapaa in the state tournament, with their last encounter resulting in a 21-10 victory for Lahainaluna and their fourth consecutive state title at the D-II level in 2019.
Both teams have exchanged films and scouted each other to prepare for the game. Kapaa is known for its physicality and ability to run the ball when needed.
The Lunas received positive news on the injury front as Noa Gordon, their quarterback, will be available to play against Kapaa after a re-evaluation of his clavicle injury. Gordon could see action as a changeup to starter Lyrik Kahula and will also handle punting duties. However, defensive back Avery Baybayan will be out for the Kapaa game due to a shoulder injury.
Lahainaluna co-head coach Dean Rickard emphasized the importance of playing the Kapaa game at home, stating that hosting the game at Sue Cooley Stadium gives them a true home-field advantage.
On the other hand, Kamehameha Maui coach Ulima Afoa is grateful for the time off before the Warriors’ next game on Nov. 18. They have only played two games since Sept. 29 due to scheduling, allowing their players to recover and focus on academics.
Afoa acknowledges that the Warriors’ only loss this season was to the Lunas, which was a closely contested game decided in the final seconds.
As the teams prepare for their upcoming games, Rickard believes that execution, minimizing mistakes, and controlling the ball will be crucial factors in determining the outcome.
In conclusion, the Lahainaluna Lunas and Kamehameha Maui Warriors are set for their respective state tournament games. Both teams are determined to make history and bring the championship title to the Maui Interscholastic League.