In the land of giants, two did all that was asked of them … and more.

Coaches and media voted Tainoa Lave of Campbell as the Defensive Player of the Year and Chazz-Michael Kapahu of Kapolei as the Offensive Player of the Year in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State high school football selections.

Darren Johnson, who guided the Campbell Sabers to their first Open Division state title, was voted Coach of the Year.

Kapahu was a key cog as Kapolei reached the semifinal round of the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Open Division State Championships. Kapahu rushed for 944 yards and 16 touchdowns on 182 carries, leading all Open Division running backs by a huge margin.

He added 16 receptions for 160 yards and another TD, and even threw a TD pass. Kapolei’s stellar season was built on balance, and Kapahu’s ability to close the deal was crucial. He scored at least one TD in 10 of the Hurricanes’ 13 games. He opened the year with 112 yards and a TD on 14 attempts against Punahou and kept grinding from there.

The first response from Kapahu was a mahalo to his trenchmen.

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“My left tackle is Shyzen Akiona. My left guard is Angel Watson-Amaral,” Kapahu said. “My center is Riley, Riley… I forgot his last name.”

That would be Riley Leuma.

“My right guard is Josiah-Michael Pule. My right tackle is Ioane (Paselio),” Kapahu said.

The only senior of the fab five is Leuma. The rest are freshmen or sophomores except for Watson-Amaral, a junior.

“I knew that they would be able to play as they get older and better, and they’re already playing better now,” Kapahu said.

At 5 feet, 8 inches and 180 pounds, Kapahu combined power, agility and durability. Kapolei had one of the state’s most talented offensive lines, including two promising freshmen. Kapahu’s ability to pick up yards after contact kept defenses honest, helping to open up Kapolei’s aerial attack.

“I’m happy that we know we can take it all the way to states,” Kapahu said. “But I’m kind of worried that we might have to split kids, going back and forth transferring. I’m hoping that we’re going to stay intact.”

Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez first saw Kapahu play two summers ago.

“I saw him play during the summer of his sophomore year during workouts. I saw a very determined kid who had an amazing work ethic,” Hernandez said. “His speed, power and elusiveness have improved greatly, and it was already apparent. Mikey is a lead-by-example guy. He outworks everyone, and his teammates are drawn to his standard of excellence. He always does things right. He’s a joy to coach.”

Aside from the All-State voters, Kapahu may be somewhat overlooked. He was not invited to play in the recent Polynesian Bowl. He just speaks softly and keeps grinding in the weight room, his training days under a scorching-hot Leeward Coast sun are matched by very few.

His max squat is 375 pounds. His bench press max is 325 pounds. His bench press rep max is 14 at 225 pounds.

“I’m really glad for this (honor). I don’t think anybody worked harder than me for this. I’m just very glad for all the people that supported me. Without them, I wouldn’t be here,” Kapahu said. “In the future, hopefully I’m at college somewhere playing football for as long as I possibly can and make the best of it.”

The constant, sometimes punishing style between the tackles separated Kapahu and only a few of his peers from the pack.

“It probably comes from my (running backs) coach Tyler Fabrao. He puts a lot of pressure on me. He always looks for the best for me. He probably made me who I am today,” Kapahu said. “I’m thankful for my mom and my brothers, my sister and all my coaching staff, (assistant) coach Mike Ioane. I’m thankful to Kapolei for giving me an opportunity to make a contribution.”

At 5-10 and 175 pounds, Lave was the X factor in Campbell’s superb season. Offensive coordinators game-planned for the mobile defender. Lave’s versatility extended to special teams and offense, playing wide receiver with the latter.

His real value on offense came late in the season with a move to quarterback, where Campbell’s smashmouth, wildcat scheme led to 11 carries for 42 yards and two touchdowns in a state-tourney semifinal win over Kahuku. That night was capped by Lave’s game-winning play in the final seconds, a sprint to the right pylon for the most epic 2-yard TD run in school history.

In the state final a week later, he had 27 yards and one TD in the Sabers’ 26-23 win over Kamehameha.

His football IQ grew as a youngster playing QB in youth football, which helped immensely when he began to play defense. He finished senior season with 77 tackles, including 10 for loss and four sacks. He had two interceptions, forced three fumbles and recovered one fumble. Beyond the numbers, he was similar to a quarterback, directing his defensive teammates often.

“I was given an opportunity to be in this position, which is a blessing. Shout out to everybody,” said Lave, who signed with San Diego State. “Getting put in the right spots, providing what our coaches need and being able to be that player means a lot. Putting everybody where they need to be to make plays.”

After losing in the state semifinals a year earlier — following a game-ending injury to then-QB, and 2024 OPOY Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele — the trend could have dipped for the Sabers. Instead, the arrow continued to point higher in ’25.

“That was the biggest thing. A lot of the guys, they just matured. At the right time, everybody started to listen and buy in to what we’re trying to do,” Lave said.

In their only matchup, Kapahu rushed for 76 hard-earned yards and two TDs on 14 carries against Campbell. Lave was incredible, with 14.5 tackles, two for loss, and a forced fumble. Kapolei won 31-13, but Campbell peaked in the final month. The ’Canes lost to Kamehameha, 31-10, in the state semifinals.

The voting was tight, mirroring the balance across the state in all three classifications. Kahuku linebacker Talanoa Ili was second in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year. Ili has already graduated and is now enrolled at USC.

Kailua defensive end Benjamin Honebein was third in the voting. The Surfriders captured the D-I state championship, powered by possibly its best defensive unit ever.

Kamehameha linebacker Evan Cazimero, Kahuku defensive back Madden Soliai and Kailua LB Keoki Cypriano also received votes in the DPOY category.

Campbell QB Brayden Medeiros was second in the Offensive POY voting, with Aiea’s three-way standout, Hiki Kim Choy-Keb-Ah Lo a close third.

Johnson’s resume includes stops at Kailua and Kaimuki, leading both programs to success. At Campbell, however, the ups and downs have been like none other. He suffered a minor stroke in 2019 and showed no lasting effects. Then, after Campbell’s win over Kamehameha for the state title, he suffered a second minor stroke.

“It’s been a lot of excitement, a good journey. It brought that winning the big one can happen to anybody. It put us in a good space. The kids believe in the process here, what we’re trying to do. Trying to win and trying to do it consistently,” Johnson said.

Campbell did it without a home game. The field is playable, but construction of bleachers and the rest of the facility is still in progress.

“Our turning point was at the end of the OIA semifinals when we lost (to Kahuku). Everybody just bought in. Anybody can win. There’s no dominant team this year,” Johnson said.

Campbell edged Mililani 14-10 in the OIA third-place game to eke out a state-tournament berth. Then came a 15-12 win over Kahuku, followed by the instant-classic, crowning moment against Kamehameha.

“It’s a good individual honor, but the championship is everything. Getting the kids to believe and play hard for you, I love this place,” he said.

Staying healthy is a priority. Johnson just doesn’t show a strong after-effect of the strokes. He walks and talks and is smiling more than ever.

“I’m still here. I’ve got all my kids, they got me on restrictions. My football family,” Johnson said. “Thank you, Ewa Beach. This is a special place with special people.”

Kamehameha’s Kaeo Drummondo and Kailua’s Joe Wong were neck-and-neck in the voting behind Johnson.

Aiea’s Mika Liilii received votes.

Prep Football: All-State First Team by Honolulu Star-Advertiser

FIRST TEAM

OFFENSE

POS
NAME, SCHOOL
HT.
WT.
YR.

OL
Malakai Lee, Kamehameha
6-7
310
Sr.

OL
Kamoi Huihui-White, Saint Louis
6-5
330
Sr.

OL
Koloi Keli, Farrington
6-3
290
Sr.

OL
Chantz Chargualaf, Campbell
6-4
290
Sr.

OL
Esaiah Wong, Kailua
6-5
290
Sr.

RB
Chazz-Michael Kapahu, Kapolei
5-8
180
Jr.

REC
Nikko Smith, Kapolei
5-9
150
Jr.

REC
Shaison Kupukaa, Campbell
6-2
195
Jr.

REC
Zayne Pasion, Campbell
6-3
180
Sr.

REC
Jordan Nunuha, Saint Louis
6-3
195
Sr.

QB
Jacob Ballesteros, Kapolei
5-8
170
Jr.

U
Hiki Kim Choy-Keb-Ah Lo, Aiea
6-1
175
Sr.

K
Tyler Fujimoto, Kamehameha
5-9
160
Jr.

DEFENSE

DL
Tevita Paongo, Campbell
6-2
270
Sr.

DL
Benjamin Honebein, Kailua
6-3
255
Sr.

DL
Ricky Liilii, Saint Louis
6-5
235
So.

DL
Ejay Tapeni, Mililani
6-3
280
Sr.

LB
Talanoa Ili, Kahuku
6-4
225
Sr.

LB
Evan Cazimero, Kamehameha
6-0
185
Jr.

LB
Malaki Soliai-Tui, Kahuku
6-1
215
Sr.

DB
Tainoa Lave, Campbell
5-10
175
Sr.

DB
Madden Soliai, Kahuku
5-10
180
Sr.

DB
Jahren Altura, Saint Louis
5-11
175
Sr.

DB
Isaiah Chong, Campbell
6-1
170
Jr.

U
Taimane Purcell, Kamehameha
6-4
235
Sr.

P
Tyler Fujimoto, Kamehameha
5-9
160
Jr.

RET
Nikko Smith, Kapolei
5-9
150
Jr.

Offensive Player of the Year: Chazz-Michael Kapahu, Kapolei
Defensive Player of the Year: Tainoa Lave, Campbell
Coach of the Year: Darren Johnson, Campbell

SECOND TEAM

OFFENSE

OL
Siosiua Afungia, Campbell
6-4
310
So.

OL
Kiamaia Campbell, Kahuku
6-2
256
Sr.

OL
Brandon Tailele, Kahuku
6-1
286
Jr.

OL
Shyzen Akiona, Kapolei
6-3
285
Fr.

OL
Elvis Miller, Kamehameha
6-1
270
Sr.

RB
Marquez Mellor, Kailua
5-10
195
Jr.

REC
Luke VanAntwerp, Mililani
6-2
200
Sr.

REC
Wyatt Ho-Williams, Damien
6-0
140
Jr.

REC
Kingston Siliado, Saint Louis
5-6
155
Sr.

REC
Kekama Kane, ‘Iolani
5-11
160
Sr.

QB
Brayden Medeiros, Campbell
6-1
190
Sr.

U
Zeph Salis, Kapolei
5-8
165
So.

K
Jadyn Parker, Kahuku
5-9
165
Sr.

DEFENSE

DL
Stone Ah Quin, Saint Louis
6-4
300
Jr.

DL
Trison Satele, Mililani
6-1
265
So.

DL
Masahiro Hopkins, Kahuku
6-4
255
Sr.

DL
Mathias Nera-Vo‘a, Kapolei
6-1
210
Sr.

LB
Toa Satele, Mililani
6-3
210
Jr.

LB
Keoki Cypriano, Kailua
6-0
220
Sr.

LB
Noah Papu-Muaava, Kapolei
6-3
240
Jr.

LB
Matteo Nera-Voa, Kapolei
6-1
180
So.

DB
Shaison Hosino-Marquez, Kailua
6-0
200
Sr.

DB
Taimua Pule, Kahuku
5-11
175
Sr.

DB
Dane Kellner, Punahou
5-10
170
Sr.

DB
Tyson Brody Wailehua, Kamehameha
6-0
165
So.

U
Shawdan Pacheco, Waianae
6-0
230
Sr.

P
Jorden Carbonell, Baldwin
5-11
160
Sr.

RET
Madden Soliai, Kahuku
5-10
180
Sr.

THIRD TEAM

OFFENSE

OL
Packs Ahovelo, Kailua
6-5
320
Sr.

OL
Fisiikaho Valikoula, Kahuku
6-3
305
Jr.

OL
Ioane Paselio, Kapolei
6-3
270
So.

OL
Alema Sylva, Mililani
6-0
290
Sr.

OL
Kamuela Wilhelm, Punahou
6-6
265
Sr.

RB
Nainoa Melchor, Kamehameha
5-8
185
Sr.

REC
Maui Remigio, Kapolei
5-9
160
Sr.

REC
Vainuupo Fanuaea, Nanakuli
6-5
240
Sr.

REC
Ioane Kamanao, Roosevelt
6-4
185
Sr.

REC
Brady Lau, Punahou
5-6
150
Sr.

REC
Jahsiah Souza-Armstead, Konawaena
5-10
160
Sr.

QB
Nainoa Lopes, Saint Louis
6-4
190
Sr.

U
Tayvin Kahele, Kailua
6-3
195
Jr.

K
Kayden Yap, Kamehameha-Maui
5-9
145
Sr.

DEFENSE

DL
Ezekiel Kelemete, Mililani
6-1
220
Sr.

DL
Vilitalitiga Mareko, Campbell
6-2
240
Sr.

DL
Shaden Niu, Kahuku
5-11
255
Sr.

DL
Siotame Malafu, Kapaa
6-3
230
Jr.

LB
Trehsyn Fesili, Mililani
6-3
215
Sr.

LB
Malachi Liilii-Utu, Aiea
6-1
185
So.

LB
Kalei Harbottle, Kamehameha
5-10
235
Sr.

DB
Nui Gilman, Mililani
5-10
190
So.

DB
Teave Crawford, Kahuku
5-11
170
Jr.

DB
Deegan Anduha, Waianae
5-10
170
Sr.

DB
Kolt Kahoohanohano, KS-Maui
5-10
170
Sr.

U
Bless Hanalei Cabrera-Hopkins, Mililani
5-11
180
Jr.

P
Kalaheo Kanae, Kahuku
5-11
160
Sr.

RET
Xander Pagan, KS-Maui
5-9
155
So.

HONORABLE MENTION

OFFENSIVE LINE: Uluaki Tatafu (Kailua), Kanoa Lopez (Kapaa), Andrew Ponafala-Fruean (Waipahu), Pau Spencer (KS-Maui), Pierce Taumua (Waipahu), Peyton Taumua (Waipahu), Isaiah Bertola (Farrington), Faanu Mao (Baldwin), David Kauvaka (Lahainaluna), Jerusalem Alailefaleula (Waianae), Efren Siuloa (Kahuku), Pono Momoe (Campbell), Amaziah Siale (Kapaa), Akoni Mata (Waimea), Samson Kala (Waimea)

RUNNING BACK: Zedekiah Campbell (KS-Maui), Tristan Pacheco (Waipahu), Charleston Salazar (Keaau), Zade Kalua (Nanakuli)

RECEIVER: Champ Colburn (Aiea), Hiilawe Han (Baldwin), Chaseton Wong (KS-Hawaii), Rhino Aumua (Kahuku)

QUARTERBACK: Isaiah Keaunui-DeMello (Kailua), Hunter Fujikawa (Punahou), AJ Tuifua (Damien), Caizel Jesus-Kapesi (Aiea), Bennett Strobel (Leilehua), Mana Forges (Kamehameha)

KICKER: Braven Hopkins (Castle), Ryan Bulesco (Kalani), Larry McCarley (Kapolei)

DEFENSIVE LINE: Kona Acedillo (Saint Louis), Delton Kurahashi-Choy Foo (Kailua), Siale Reid (Kahuku), JJ Butay (Waimea), Zane Fujihara Faavesi (Konawaena), Caden Dellefave (Baldwin), Kahikapu Young (Leilehua), Devon Green (Kapaa), Kalewa Pascua (KS-Maui), Isaako Sopoaga (Kaiser), Ryan Peters (Kapaa), Aukai Phillips (KS-Maui)

LINEBACKER: TJ Alualu (Saint Louis), Amate Taimatuia (Kapolei), Jackson Sebastian (Baldwin), Iraia Manumaleuna (Kamehameha), Dylan Wellerstein (Baldwin), Izaiah Nakamura (Roosevelt), Tyven Self-Gomes-Kealakai (Damien)

DEFENSIVE BACK: Taimane Souza-Fautanu (Konawaena), Brison Miyose (Kapolei), TJ Smith (Kailua), Brayden Bermoy (Kapaa), Maka Leapaga (Waianae), Jayboy Ganiron (Waipahu), Jaedon Pablo (Campbell), Takazee Thomas (Kapaa), JoJo Kahue-Antone (Moanalua), Kash Kamauoha (Kaiser), Shaison Kupukaa (Campbell), Ioane Kamanao (Roosevelt), Maui Kammerer (KS-Hawaii)

RETURNERS: Tainoa Lave (Campbell), Hiki Kim Choy-Keb-Ah Lo (Aiea), Kyle Thomas (Lahainaluna), Kekama Kane (‘Iolani)

PUNTER: Nainoa Lopes (Saint Louis), Luke VanAntwerp (Mililani), Larry McCarley (Kapolei)