The Waiakea Nakoa overpowered the Westside Eagles 34-8 to capture the Pop Warner Football Big Island Midget Division championship on Nov. 13 at Kealakehe High School. ADVERTISING It’s the first time the Waiakea Nakoa has claimed the Big Island Midget
The Waiakea Nakoa overpowered the Westside Eagles 34-8 to capture the Pop Warner Football Big Island Midget Division championship on Nov. 13 at Kealakehe High School.
It’s the first time the Waiakea Nakoa has claimed the Big Island Midget Division title since the late 1970s when then coach Harry Kim led the squad to the “bantam weight” crown.
Kim, the former Hawaii County Mayor, spoke to this year’s Big Island champions during the Waiakea Nakoa’s end-of-the-year banquet. He praised this year’s team and the association on their efforts, perseverance, and for a “job well done!”
The champion Nakoa had a 24-player roster and finished the season with a perfect 8-0 record. The team was under the leadership of association president Raylyn Quesada, head coach Joby Sayles, assistant coach Grant Shiroma, MPR coordinator Chris Mamone, and team mom Hauoli Sayles.
The team members were Hanalei Kipilii, Grant Shiroma, Justin Quesada, Keoni Kahikina, Isaac Lerma, Usti Koga, Corey Cordeiro, Brandon Ramey, William DeMotta, John Murphy, Kanoa Hamada, Noah Ah Chong, Quintyn Eblacas, Iokepa Shiroma, Roy Bagorio, Makana Gravela, Santana Jenkins-Lee, Conor See, Iokepa Pakani-Sayles, Brennon Solomon Pakani, Thomas Cole Pakani, Seth Fukushima, Kanamu Evangelista and Alejandro Mathews.
Charles Nahale, president of the Big Island Pop Warner Federation for over 20 years, was asked if he recalled when the title was last won by the Waiakea Nakoa Midgets.
“You are now asking a historical question,” he replied. “I’m not certain when it was. Three of my board members from back then have passed away, so some history there went to heaven.”
The Waiakea Nakoa launched their comeback in 2005, which proved to be rough, with an overall record of more losses than wins. This season is the first time any Nakoa team, in all divisions, has gone undefeated.
As one proud parent put it, “They went from zero to hero!”
If anyone has history they would like to share about the Waiakea Nakoa Football Association, please email: wnfapopwarner@gmail.com.
