Kamehameha Schools Maui wins first football state title

Dec. 4, 2024

The last day of November delivered a huge first for Kamehameha Schools Maui.

Powered by an explosive running game and a stout defense, the Warriors beat Kaiser High School 37-14, to claim its first-ever state football championship.

A large contingent of fans wearing blue, white and Maui pink filled the stands at John Kauinana Stadium on the campus of Mililani High School to witness the historic accomplishment. The victory capped an epic season of firsts for Nā Koa, who beat every team in the Maui Interscholastic League for the first time and earned their first number one seed in the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Division II Football State Championships.

Ironically, head coach Ulima Afoa says it was a pair of preseason defeats — to perennial powerhouse Saint Louis and a close loss to California’s Beaumont — that ultimately set the Warriors up for the championship run.

“I think those two games molded the kids to see exactly what is needed to be successful,” said Afoa. “They just went back to work and tried to learn from those losses and those lessons basically carried them through to the championship.”

Credit: Rylee Sparling

Bringing home the koa trophy is especially sweet for ʻohana Delatori.

Senior center Keawe Delatori experienced coming up short in the state title game his freshman and junior years. He says this year’s squad was determined to reach new heights.

“The secret sauce was the competition,” said Delatori. “In practice, we were always pushing, always making each other better and ultimately that’s what led to our success.”

Keawe wasn’t even born yet back in 2003 when his makuakāne, Leo Delatori KSK’86, started the school’s football program. After more than a decade on the sidelines, Leo transitioned to campus leadership and now serves as dean of student services. He has fond memories of seeing both his son and the program develop throughout the years.

“There’s a legacy that has been built from the first year up until now. Even the former players feel part of this,” said Leo Delatori who also shared this manaʻo about his son:

“He was that kid that would come to practice and he’s running on the track in his diapers. When he was in elementary school, he was the ball boy during the games. It’s something special to see your child put in the hard work and reach their ultimate goal.”

Another highlight on championship night was the enthusiastic response from the Maui community. When the team’s plane arrived at Kahului Airport, Maui Fire Department fire hoses showered the plane in a lei of water. Huge crowds met the team at the gate and at baggage claim. Maui police even provided an escort to the ʻAʻapueʻo campus. Proud KS alums played a part in carrying out these special celebrations.

“Just seeing and feeling that love, not only (the) KS Maui community, but the community as a whole, and being able to bring this victory back home for them is something special,” said Keawe Delatori.

Coach Afoa says his team truly exemplified kuʻupau on their journey to becoming ‘ōiwi leaders.

“That’s really what leadership is about. It’s developing a deep belief in the things that matter to you, which in turn makes your community better. In reality, the team is just an extension of the community.”

The championship game was the finale for 17 starting seniors, with another 11 starters expected to return next year to defend their title.