Kapa‘a Warriors Win First-Ever DI State Title in Thrilling Fashion
The Kapa‘a Warriors made history on Saturday, winning their first-ever First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Division I Football Championship with a nail-biting 10-7 victory over Konawaena. The game came down to a field goal in overtime, with Kapa‘a’s Micah Rapozo stepping up to make a 33-yard kick that secured the title for his team.
Despite a strong showing from Konawaena, including a missed field goal and key turnovers, it was Kapa‘a’s defense and special teams that ultimately sealed the win. The game was scoreless until the fourth quarter when Kapa‘a’s Nash Burkart returned a punt for a touchdown. Konawaena answered with a late touchdown to tie the game, but the missed field goal in regulation set the stage for Kapa‘a’s dramatic victory.
Both teams showed resilience and determination throughout the game, with Kapa‘a finishing the season on a nine-game winning streak. Head coach Mike Tresler praised his team’s defense and special teams for their performance, emphasizing the importance of those units in winning the championship.
While Konawaena may have fallen short in this game, they have much to be proud of, finishing the season with a 10-3 record and winning their fourth straight BIIF DI title. Coach Brad Uemoto commended his team for their effort and resilience, emphasizing the journey they had taken together throughout the season.
The Warriors’ victory marks a significant milestone for the program, having moved up to DI after winning the DII title in 2021. Their perseverance and dedication have paid off, culminating in a well-deserved state championship.
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