The Kahuku HS Red Raiders won the Hawaii Youth Rugby Boys HS championship Saturday after a dominating performance through three matches.
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The Red Raiders did not allow a try in defeating Waikiki Beach 26-0, Waimea 60-3, and the Kalihi Raiders 36-0 in the final.
Kalihi had pulled off a bit of a surprise, defeating perennial contenders Hilo Reign in the semis.
It was a hot, windy weekend at Kapiolani Park, and Kahuku handled it all. Lock Saitui Moeai dominated in the lineouts, causing the opposition all sorts of problems in trying to secure first-phase possession, while hooker Jess Kanongataa scored three tries in the final. Willis Fonokalafi was named the MVP of the state playoffs.
This follows on Kahuku’s 66-8 defeat of the Chuckanut U17 team, who were on tour.
Kahuku has not lost all season, and this incudes a convincing win over then-#6 team United at the Las Vegas Invitational and a 70-0 defeat of St. Anne's from Ontario that was the first high school rugby game ever played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.
No. 8 Lopaka Lessary and center Jru Williams have also been outstanding for Kahuku this season.
