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Hawaii high school football teams have completed their preseason training camps and are preparing for an exhibition slate featuring several marquee matchups this weekend. The competitive season openers showcase programs at various stages of transition, with some teams returning from championship runs while others look to rebuild after key player departures.
Kamehameha will host Farrington Friday evening in what coaches call the unofficial “Kalihi Bowl,” pitting two Open Division programs against each other. The Warriors bring back injured linebacker Lincoln Apana and running back Maddox Sherrer, along with newly transferred players from their Division II state champion Maui campus. Kahuku also opens Friday against Saint Louis under new head coach David Stant, who has invested significant personal resources into upgrading the program’s facilities and training regimen following three consecutive state titles from 2021 to 2023.
Campbell, the defending state champions who won without playing a home game, travel to Waipahu on Friday. The Sabers continue facing facility challenges but maintain confidence built on recent championship success and strong leadership from returning players. Meanwhile, ‘Iolani opens Saturday against Baldwin in the Father Bray Classic under first-year coach Patrick Samsonas, who is balancing tradition with his own approach while working with a young roster that includes several talented underclassmen competing for playing time.
The weekend’s exhibition games provide coaches opportunities to evaluate talent and build team chemistry before the regular season begins. Multiple programs feature transfers and returning starters looking to establish early momentum.
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Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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