GRR: Hawaii
The Kahuku Red Raiders are once again Hawaii state champions.
Kahuku played through a three-game weekend to take the title, shutting out Hilo 48-0 in the quarterfinals, Kona Bulls 48-0 in the semis, and then Big Isand United 29-3 in the final.
It's been a thrilling day at the Pacific Cup in Hawaii, with the USA-based teams showing very well in a tight, competitive tournamnt.
Two-time defending champs Danville out of Northern California ended the day 2-0, as did the Coastal Dragons of Southern California, and Hawai'i-based St. Francis. They were the only three teams undefeated.
The Pacific Cup kicks off in Oahu on Thursday, with teams from Utah, California, Arizona, Hawai'i, Tonga, Cook Islands, and New Zealand in a highly challenging boys HS tournament.
The teams will play shortened games over the first two days, setting up the final full-length games.
Kahuku won the Oahu Boys HS league with a 31-0 defeat of St. Francis.
It was a fairly controlled performance from the Raiders, as they continue to keep the opposition away from their tryline.
"Our backline defense is really tight from #9 to 15," said Kahuku Head Coach Seamus Fitzgerald.
Kahuku HS continued their winning ways in Hawaii, shutting out St. Francis 25-0 this past weekend.
Inside center Na'a Toaraa was the player of the game for the Red Raiders, but Kahuku also got some big plays from captain and openside flanker Mamea Owens, and vice captain Harmon Brown at outside center.