MHS Football Embarks on A New Challenge

Photo by Paul Kiyonaga

Practice for the Molokai Farmers’ football team borders on exuberant. The air is punctuated by the sharp voices of coaches, music to which the players subtly head nod, and a palpable excitement at what is a new and present challenge: 11-man football. Since 2010, Molokai High School (MHS) has dominated the eight-player Maui Interscholastic League (MIL), winning seven straight titles. Now, the Farmers and Head Coach Mike Kahale are focusing on conquering 11-man and the opportunity to compete for a Division II state championship.

Entering his 14th season with the Farmers, Kahale explained that MHS has been preparing for this transition for the last couple of years as they began to mix in 11-man games, which feature two more offensive linemen and one skills player.

“We’re super excited,” said Kahale. “Although we are transitioning up, this is actually one of my smaller teams.”

Usually running about 50 players deep, this year’s squad has just 39 athletes. The Farmers’ team will be challenged early this year, facing reigning MIL Division I champions Lahainaluna for their season opener on Aug. 31.

“Lahainaluna is the perennial top dog,” explained Kahale. “It’s going to be a tough first game, but we’re ready to go out and compete.”

“We have some ballers,” he added.

Leadership will come from some of the team’s veterans. Junior Chauncey Adolpho won first team all-defense last year as a linebacker. Now, he’s getting more involved on the offensive side of the ball as a running back.

“We’re ready to put our name on the map,” said Adolpho.

The team has “more energy” this year, he explained. Adolpho, who enjoys daily weightlifting at MHS and explosive drills during practice, is “looking forward to hitting, looking forward to getting more touchdowns, more running yards, more exposure.”

Critical to the success of the team will be senior quarterback Kahakoilani Lopez. Lopez has also played receiver and safety during his high school career. Now, he’s working on transitioning to quarterback and getting the offense and playbook down.

Lopez explained that he’s liking the daily practices and just trying to soak it all in for his senior year.

“It’s my last year for football, so I’m trying to make the best out of it,” he explained.

The Farmers’ home opener will take place Sept. 14 against Baldwin. The Farmers will join Kamehameha Maui and King Kekaulike in the MIL Division II league, but will also compete against MIL Division I teams Lahainaluna, Baldwin and Maui High during the regular season.