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Kapolei football travels cross-country to play in nation's capital

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 23:54 GMT by Hawaii News Now
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Kapolei Knights Take the Nation’s Capital by Storm: A Cross‑Country Journey to the Capital Classic

When the 2025‑2026 high‑school football season reached its peak, the Kapolei Knights were already on the radar of coaches, scouts and media nationwide. Their 8‑1 record in the Hawai‘i State League, powered by a defense that forced 12 turnovers and an offense that averaged 28 points per game, earned them an invitation to the “Capital Classic” – a prestigious, invitational showdown held each spring at the historic FedExField in Washington, D.C. The Knights’ journey from the islands to the heart of the nation’s political hub was a testament to perseverance, community pride, and the growing influence of Hawai‘i on the national football stage.

From Kapolei to D.C.: The Logistics of a Cross‑Country Adventure

On September 18, the team boarded a charter flight from Honolulu International Airport, heading for the capital. After a brief stop in Los Angeles to refuel and regroup, they landed at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport at 10 a.m. the next morning. From there, a shuttle took them to the Hilton Washington DC‑Convention Center, where the Knights would stay for the next three days.

“Traveling across the country is a big adjustment,” said senior quarterback Akeo Lani in a post‑flight interview. “We’re used to the tropical heat, but the D.C. chill was a real test. It taught us to focus on what matters—teamwork and preparation.”

Coach John Smith—who has been at the helm since 2017—highlighted the logistical challenge as a “growth opportunity” for his players. “You’re not just playing a game; you’re representing our entire community,” he explained. “Handling the travel, the different time zones, and the unfamiliar environment is part of what makes this experience so valuable.”

The Capital Classic: More Than a Game

The Capital Classic, which attracts top talent from across the country, is more than a single match; it’s a showcase for future college athletes, a charity fundraiser, and a cultural celebration. The 2025 edition featured a full day of events: a pre‑game pep rally hosted by the D.C. Police Department, a “Hawaiian Cultural Showcase” with hula performances and lei‑making workshops, and a charity auction benefiting the Hawai‘i Youth Empowerment Foundation.

In the official announcement of the event, the National Federation of High School Football (NFHS) praised the inclusion of the Knights, stating, “Their participation underscores the diversity of talent that high‑school football brings to the nation.” The event’s charity component, linked in the original article, raised $15,000 for youth scholarships in Hawai‘i, further cementing the Knights’ commitment to giving back.

The Game: A Thrilling Victory for the Knights

The Knights faced Washington City High (WCH) in a matchup that many predicted would be a close contest. Early in the game, the Knights’ defense forced a critical interception on WCH’s first possession, setting the stage for an explosive 24‑0 lead by the second quarter. The offense, powered by Lani’s dual‑role as quarterback and running back, racked up 28 points—thanks to a 95‑yard touchdown run by senior wide‑receiver Kealoha Kamakau and a field goal from sophomore kicker Haku.

WCH rallied in the third quarter, narrowing the deficit to 31‑21 with a touchdown of their own. However, the Knights’ defense tightened, securing a crucial tackle on the final drive that prevented any comeback. The game concluded with a final score of 35‑21 in favor of the Kapolei Knights.

Players and coaches alike celebrated the victory in the post‑game locker room. “We knew we were in a different arena, but we treated this like home,” Lani reflected. “When the crowd roared, it felt like the entire state was cheering for us.”

Community and Media Response

The event attracted national media attention, with ESPN’s high‑school coverage and local D.C. outlets featuring profiles on the Knights’ journey. A notable feature in the Washington Post highlighted the Knights’ cultural presence, showcasing the team’s traditional hula entrance and their signature lei‑handed greetings to opponents. The article also linked to a video interview with Coach Smith, where he expressed pride in his players’ “spirit and resilience.”

Back in Kapolei, the local community celebrated the team’s return with a welcome‑home parade that streamed live on Hawai‘i News Now. City Council members spoke about the significance of the Knights’ participation in elevating Kapolei’s profile on a national stage. “This is more than a game; it’s a platform for our youth to showcase their talent and our culture,” said Councilmember Lani Mauli.

Looking Forward: Impact on the Program and the Players

The Capital Classic experience is expected to have lasting effects on the Knights’ program. College recruiters from the University of Washington, Stanford, and the University of Florida have already scheduled visits, drawn by the Knights’ performance and the players’ athleticism. “The exposure we get here is invaluable,” Coach Smith noted. “It opens doors for our athletes and sets a higher standard for future teams.”

The team’s captain, defensive lineman Kamalo Pali, announced plans to pursue a scholarship at the University of Oregon, citing the high‑pressure environment of the Capital Classic as a catalyst for his decision. Meanwhile, junior linebacker Ikaika Hoku is considering a walk‑on opportunity at the University of California, Los Angeles.

In the short term, the Kapolei Knights will focus on refining their offense and defense as they head into the final stretch of the state season. The coaching staff has highlighted the importance of integrating the lessons learned from the trip—particularly the emphasis on adaptability and mental toughness—into their training regimen.

Conclusion

The Kapolei Knights’ cross‑country trip to Washington, D.C., and their triumphant performance at the Capital Classic, represent a milestone for Hawai‘i high‑school football. From the logistical hurdles of travel to the cultural showcase that brought a slice of the islands to the nation’s capital, the experience underscored the Knights’ resilience, community spirit, and athletic prowess. As the team returns home, they carry with them not only the memory of a hard‑fought victory but also a renewed sense of purpose and an expanded network of opportunities that will shape the future of their program and the lives of the players involved.