Aloha State Daily | Midseason Quarterback Change Sparks Kahuku Turnaround
Troy Mariteragi holds a 5-1 record as Kahuku's starting quarterback in 2025, with his only loss against the national power Mater Dei of California. After a turbulent offseason marked by a legal dispute involving former head coach Sterling Carvalho, Kahuku's 2025 regular season began on a difficult note.
The Red Raiders started with a home shutout loss to defending state champion Saint Louis. They narrowly defeated Kamehameha the following week and secured a win at Konawaena. However, they struggled in a 38-0 home defeat against national powerhouse Bishop Gorman from Las Vegas.
Less than a week later, Kahuku traveled to Southern California to face another top national team, Mater Dei, which was ranked number one at the time. Due to an injury to starting quarterback Matai Fuiava, Troy Mariteragi stepped in and nearly led Kahuku to an upset victory. The Red Raiders lost narrowly, 21-18, but discovered their new leader at quarterback.
"He had (won over) the team from before," Kahuku head coach Nihoa Pule said. "It's just a matter of when it was his time."
Mariteragi began the 2024 season as Kahuku's starting quarterback until St. John Bosco transfer Matai Fuiava took over midseason. After the 2025 game against Mater Dei, Fuiava returned to California to rehab his injury.
Author's summary: A midseason quarterback switch helped Kahuku rebound from a rocky start in 2025, led by Troy Mariteragi’s leadership and rising performance.