MHS Football Transitions to 11-Player

Photo by Christine Kage

Molokai High School’s football team is making a historic shift from the eight-player to the 11-player level in the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) for the 2024 season. The announcement came during an MIL athletic directors meeting, where Coach Mike Kahale and Athletic Director Lee DeRouin shared their excitement with The Maui News.

DeRouin expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “today is a special day for Molokai; we’re thrilled to play 11-man football in 2024.”

With Molokai joining Kamehameha Maui and King Kekaulike in MIL Division II 11-player ranks, the league now has a total of six teams. Coach Kahale emphasized their long-term goal, stating, “we’re super excited for this opportunity. It allows us to compete for a state title.”

The move also addresses the diminishing prospects of an eight-player state championship tournament.

Logistical challenges prompted discussions on scheduling for the new league, favoring a seven-game format due to Molokai’s more remote location. This will also allow for flexibility for byes and non-league games. Despite the anticipation for the transition, Coach Kahale acknowledged the value of their time in the MIL eight-player ranks, noting, “the eight-man league has been great for us and given us an opportunity to build a football program.”