The 2025 Hawai‘i high school football season kicks off this weekend with a familiar name returning to the state’s top tier.
One year after capturing their first OIA Division I title in 17 years, Leilehua will make the jump to the Open Division. The Mules, led by eighth-year head coach Mark Kurisu, previously competed at the top level in 2021 and 2022, posting a combined record of 1-12-1.
This time around, Leilehua brings a more experienced and confident group to the field, particularly on defense. The Mules’ front seven is anchored by junior standouts Braden Liua and Kahikapu Young.
“Perspective-wise, it’s a lot,” said Kurisu. “We’re a lot more confident going into the Open this year. Those first two years were right out of the pandemic and we had lost a lot of families. But we feel our program is in a better place. Our culture and our players are stronger. The expectation is there now, we’re not trying to catch up.”
Young echoed that sentiment, embracing the challenge ahead.
“It’s going to be different for us,” said Young. “Last season, we had a championship game and we won. Now we’re going into the Open, playing the big dogs. We’ve got to step up our level. I always wanted to play these teams and see how good I really am, and how good our team is.”
Liua added, “I’m very excited for the competition. I’m looking forward to playing teams like Kahuku and Mililani. We’re the underdogs, and not many people believe in us. But I believe our team is disciplined enough to win.”
Leilehua opens the season on Friday night with a road matchup at former Division I rival Waipahu. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
KHON2’s Cover2: Hawai‘i High School Football Weekly returns for its 13th season on September 4. The show will air every Thursday night at 9:30 p.m. on KHON2.