By Christian Angel, Managing Editor

After defeating the Central Catholic Rams last week in Eugene, Oregon, the St. John Bosco Braves face another out-of-state opponent, the Kahuku High School Red Raiders, as the Braves continue their national championship quest in their first home game of the season at Panish Family Stadium Saturday night.

Head Coach Jason Negro and Bosco Football secured a big win against the number one team in Oregon, the Central Catholic High School Rams, in a huge 49-0 blowout. They now look ahead to the 2021 Hawaiian Open Division Champion in the Red Raiders, who are ranked 34 in the nation by MaxPreps and are the second strongest football team in Hawaii.

Bosco continues their show-stopping national tour, looking to earn another win against the Aloha State’s best at home.

Kahuku will attempt to knock the Braves from the their throne as the consensus number one high school football team in the nation, as the Braves are currently undefeated in the opening three weeks, defeating Allen 52-14 in week one, defeating Bishop Amat 42-7 in week two and a statement performance defeating Central Catholic 49-0 last Friday.

Some Bosco teachers, Ms. Edna Ramirez and Ms. Patty Martinez, joined the team in Oregon to support the Braves throughout the whole trip leading up the game.  

“It was an absolutely amazing experience watching my boys in their element. Seeing their hard work on display and their hunger for competition allowed me to connect to them on a different level,” Ms. Martinez said.

The Braves now shift focuses offensively and defensively to take on the Red Raiders, who come into this game with an undefeated 4-0 record.

Offensively, in their past game against Central Catholic, the Braves were led by quarterback Pierce Clarkson, who went 9-9 for 183 yards and 2 passing touchdowns. He was then replaced by junior quarterback Caleb Sanchez midway through the 2nd quarter after it was made clear the game had completely swung in favor of the Braves.

Bosco’s offense also received some major help from senior wide receiver DeAndre Moore, who had four catches for 68 yards and two touchdowns, senior wide receiver Jahlil McClain, who had three catches for 95 yards, and running back Chauncey Slyvester, who had two carries for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, they shut down and shut out a Rams offense who could only muster up 64 total yards against the Braves. The Braves pass rush got to the Rams quarterbacks, sacking them eight times, with senior Vaka Hansen recording three sacks and Matayo Uiagalelei recording one.

Tomorrow night’s game will give Brave fans their first glimpse at Panish Family Stadium into the all encompassing might of the number one Braves, as they look to represent their community as well as the entire Trinity League for the third annual Trinity League vs. The USA Showcase. With both teams pride on the line, fans are due for a huge mainland clash. Kickoff starts at 7:00 pm, and for those who cannot make it to the game, it is available to watch via Bally Sports.