After 34 games without a victory, the McKinley High School football team ended their five-year losing streak on Homecoming night, Oct. 5. They achieved a thrilling 9-7 win over the Kaimuki Bulldogs at Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium, reigniting enthusiasm among the Tigers and their supporters.
Following a 0-28 loss to Kaimuki in the 2023 season, McKinley entered the 2024 game with determination. The first quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams unable to score despite several attempts.
“We knew it was going to be a tough fight, and our defense really stepped up when we needed them most,” said McKinley Head Coach Steven Warner. “We told the team to just keep playing hard, make tackles, block, and focus one play at a time.”
Kaimuki running back Zechariah Kuratsu-Cook broke the deadlock in the second quarter with a 12-yard touchdown run, putting the Bulldogs ahead 0-6. Kicker Bryant Meyerhofer’s successful extra point attempt extended Kaimuki’s lead to 0-7.
“Even though Kaimuki scored first, there was no panic or frustration that night,” Warner said. “The staff prepared the team very well to play this game.”
McKinley kicker and wide receiver Gregory Givens (c/o 2027) responded with a field goal, drilling a 31-yard kick and narrowing the Bulldogs’ lead to 3-7. Givens said the score boosted the team’s morale and significantly contributed to their performance.
“Making that field goal felt great. It was the result of the hard work we put in every single day during practice,” Givens said. “It gave the team confidence and reminded us that we could make a comeback.”
At halftime, the crowd erupted in cheers as the McKinley High School Homecoming Court was presented by the JROTC Saber Squad, with Angriel Olap (c/o 2025) honored as Homecoming Queen. Olap, who also serves as a football manager, reflected on the entire night as a memorable and fulfilling experience.
“Even when we were down in the first half, we stayed positive and kept supporting each other. We wanted to make sure we played with pride and kept our focus until the very end,” Olap said. “I’m so grateful for the support we received from the school, especially from alumni, family, and friends—it really made the game even more special.”
While the cheerleaders led spirited routines and the band played “Gonna Fly Now” from Rocky, the crowd’s excitement surged. Miye Iida (c/o 2026) who attended to support the team, recalled the electric atmosphere.
“I was standing right at the fence throughout the game, and it was so cool,” Iida said. “Everyone was so excited, and it was so loud. You couldn’t even hear yourself talk.”
With just two minutes remaining, the Tigers took over on their own 20-yard line following a series of Bulldog penalties. They initially called the play to the left, but quarterback and football captain Alyza Taufa (c/o 2026) quickly saw an opening to the right and cut toward it.
“I remember seeing the touchdown marker and knew I just had to push through,” Taufa said. “It felt unreal.”
After breaking through the Kaimuki defense, Taufa took a powerful hit to the head and back but managed to power through for a 12-yard touchdown, putting McKinley ahead, 9-7. He later received medical attention from the athletic trainers.
“Alyza got rocked and still powered into the end zone,” Warner said. “He is one tough kid. Smart too.”
As the final seconds ticked away, the Tigers held firm defensively, stopping the Bulldogs from reclaiming the lead. With the victory secured, the stadium erupted with energy as the cheerleaders led the school chant, “Let’s go, Tigers.” The band played “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, and the roar of fans and “chee-hoos” filled the air.
“The energy from the crowd is what gave us the energy to keep pushing,” Taufa said. “It gave us the reason to do our best.”
Olap expressed gratitude for the community support, emphasizing its impact on the team’s determination and making the victory a milestone for the entire McKinley High School community.
“We really appreciated the support of the band, cheerleaders, and fans throughout the entire game. You could feel everyone’s excitement at that time,” Olap said. “Because of it, our boys fought hard.”
Morikuni highlighted the significance of the team’s achievement, sharing his pride in their determination to secure their first victory in years.
“I’m extremely happy, not just for the victory, but for the players, the coaches, and the entire school,” Morikuni said. “They’ll carry this win not only for the rest of the year, but for the rest of their lives.”
Although the football season has concluded, the athletes are far from done. The victory sparked a renewed sense of determination within the team, motivating them to continue striving for success in the upcoming seasons.
“The team has had its ups and downs during practices, but we have worked every day as much as we could to be able to pull off this win,” Givens said. “We will continue to work on our drills and improve how we play our positions in the offseason.”
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