‘We proved the whole state wrong’: Saint Louis crowned State Champions after stunning Kahuku

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - It was a clash of colossal proportions as Saint Louis and Kahuku met in the HHSAA Open Division Championship.

The Koa head trophy returned to the slopes of Kalaepohaku as the Crusaders downed the Red Raiders, 17-10, denying big red a fourth straight title.

“We proved the whole state wrong,” said Saint Louis defensive end Pupualii Sepulona.

Entering the season, many assumed the champion would either be Kahuku, Mililani or Campbell — with Saint Louis left out of the conversation, the Crusaders took notice.

“Being the underdog it’s so good because no one believes in you, everyone doubted you, nobody thought we would have won the state championship this year but look,” said Sepulona.

With a first year head coach at the helm, a transition year was expected.

However, Tupu Alualu knew the success would come because of the championship mentality that goes back decades set by Cal and Ron Lee.

“I won in my days, I coached and I won and I lost, now I’m the head coach. I love football. I love Saint Louis football, not just regular football,” said Saint Louis head coach Tupu Alualu.

“I want to give credit to the Lee Brothers too, they been my coaches, I coached with them. I’m so grateful,” said Alualu.

As much success as the Crusaders have had in the past, there’s been a dry spell of five years since they last won a title.

For seniors like Titan Lacaden, he remembers the long journey it took to reclaim the Koa.

“I started this my freshman year, we lost to them, it was a sickening feeling something that I still hold to my stomach even with a win. Just a whole process from my freshman, sophomore, junior year the whole coaches changing and just a roller coaster. This win is something that’s meaningful not just for me but everybody that’s been part of this process,” said Saint Louis running back Titan Lacaden.

For Lacaden, this was his first test playing in the stadium he’ll soon call home.

The UH commit is ready to continue his career right here in Manoa.

“It’s a full circle moment for me. I’m kind of just lost for words,” said Lacaden.

Meanwhile Nainoa Lopes joined the Brotherhood last season and strives to honor the legacy of the signal callers that came before him.

He’s well aware of the reputation that comes with being a Crusaders quarterback.

“You know for me it’s just trying to play my hardest and keeping that alive,” said Saint Louis quarterback Nainoa Lopes.

This is Saint Louis’ 21st state title, putting a bow on their Cinderella season.

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