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.

Sophomore wing Kingston Jones (pictured at left) was named the Backs MVP of the championship, while prop and senior captain Trycen Mau was named the forwards MVP.

Flyhalf Zealand Matagi, a sophomore, was outstanding as well, as was lock forward Tuia Tupuola. Kahuku had just come off playing in eh Tropical 7s in Florida, so traveling almost 10,000 miles over last week might have taken its toll on the team.

But it didn't. Head Coach Nusi Takuafu said his team did struggle in set piece, and transitioning quickly from sevens to 15s wasn't easy. But the team's overall athleticism and power in contact won the day.