Campbell topples Kahuku to cap perfect run through OIA Open slate

Brian Bautista | SL

Led by an inspired defense and big evenings from Zayden Alviar-Costa and Brystin Sansano, top-ranked Campbell posted a 21-13 win over third-ranked Kahuku, the first for the Sabers over the Red Raiders since Oct. 6, 2018.

Alviar-Costa hauled in seven passes for 122 yards and a score and Brystin Sansano had 19 carries for 62 yards and two rushing scores, equalling the number the Red Raider defense had surrendered to Hawaii opponents in aggregate all season.

Other than a somewhat shaky opening drive, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele was efficient and avoided mistakes, completing 18 of 25 passes for 239 yards.

The Red Raiders drew first blood on a Manoa Kahalepuna field goal from 21 yards away and tacked on another from 25 yards to close out the half, but both first half scores by the home team were could-have-been touchdowns that were at least somewhat costly in the grand scheme.

In contrast, the Sabers made the most of opportunities, exemplified by a strip sack by Braysen Cullen midway through the second that turned into a touchdown two plays later when Sagapolutele found Alviar-Costa on a beautiful arching spiral from 33 yards out to make it a 14-3 advantage.

Sansano's 62 rushing yards don't jump off the page, but reflects the most given up by the Red Raiders' defense to a single ball carrier all season. He scored from 13 yards out on the first play of the second quarter and capped the Sabers' scoring with a one yard dive in the third.

Kahuku deployed three quarterbacks in the game, with St. John Bosco transfer Matai Fuiava coming in on the third series of the game. He played the rest of the game and completed 12 of 27 passes for 174 yards, which included a pass play on fourth and 22 that connected with Aiden Manutai for a 34 yard score with 4:38 left in regulation.

That touchdown made it a one score contest, but the Sabers' offense grinded out third first downs to evaporate the remaining time for a comeback.

Campbell will be top seed in the upcoming OIA Open Division playoffs, where they will face off with Kapolei. Kahuku will take on Millani in the other semifinal.