Hawaii High School Football: Top-ranked Kahuku narrowly avoids upset in season-opener

Kahuku (Hi.) has won three consecutive Hawaii state titles and is an overwhelming favorite to make it four in a row this fall. Disaster nearly struck on the North Shore for the Red Raiders in their season-opener on Saturday, however.

After failing to score in the first half, the preseason No. 25 team in the nation — per the On3 Massey Ratings — managed to fight through its struggles on the road and defeat St. Louis (Hi.) in a 14-13 slog. Junior quarterback Troy Mariteragi threw a 25-yard touchdown to Noah Ah You early in the fourth quarter which proved to be the difference.

St. Louis missed what would’ve been a game-winning 42-yard field goal as time expired:

Saint Louis’ 42-yard field goal for the win is NO GOOD and Kahuku holds on for a 14-13 win over its old rival on the North Shore.

Great way to cap the first prep football weekend of the season. @OC16Sports @KahukuSports @StLouisHawaii pic.twitter.com/O9KPrPxyjM

— Brian McInnis (@Brian_McInnis) August 11, 2024

Mariteragi threw for 214 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, according to ScoringLive. Five different Red Raiders caught multiple passes, including three-star California safety commit Aiden Manutai, who tallied 78 total yards on Saturday. Junior cornerback Madden Soliai led the Kahuku defense with seven tackles and also collected an interception.

Things only get tougher for Kahuku (1-0), as a trip to Nevada to take on Bishop Gorman awaits this week on Aug. 16. The Gaels are the preseason No. 8 team in the nation, according to the Massey Ratings, a model that combines statistics and ratings such as offensive and defensive power, as well home field advantage and strength of schedule.

The Red Raiders are also scheduled to play national preseason No. 1 Mater Dei (Calif.) on Sept. 14. Games against fellow top-five in-state schools Mililani and James Campbell are also on the docket later this season.

St. Louis (0-1) travels to Mililani for another tough game on Saturday, Aug. 17. Crusaders QB Nainoa Lopes completed 14 of 31 attempts for 135 yards in the loss this weekend. Junior wide receiver Jordan Nunuha caught six passes for 55 yards.