Mater Dei's quest for a third consecutive high school football national championship rolls on against a familiar foe – Hawaii powerhouse and reigning Open Division finalist Kahuku (2-2).
The Red Raiders consistently have one of the nation's best defenses and have played a handful of competitive games against nationally-ranked foes in recent years. In particular, they made waves in 2023 for upsetting St. John Bosco 30-23 just a week after losing 55-8 to Mater Dei. That season, they went 12-2 with their only other loss coming to Millilani – which they would beat three weeks later for the state title.
WATCH: Mater Dei vs. Kahuku on NFHS Network
This time, Kahuku comes in as a particularly big underdog after getting shut out by both St. Louis, the top-ranked team in Hawaii, and Bishop Gorman (NV), the second-ranked team in the country. In between those games, it beat in-state foes Konawaena and Kamehameha Kapalama by a combined score of 54-16. It's unlikely that the Red Raiders will have an easier time scoring against Mater Dei, but if they can break through on that end, they can hang with anyone.
Mater Dei only has one game under its belt after Bishop Montgomery had to forfeit their Aug. 30 matchup, but it was a win over another national contender in reigning Florida 5A champion St. Thomas Aquinas. In that one, Mater Dei won the second quarter 26-0 en-route to a 26-23 victory. QB Ryan Hopkins (Wisconsin) threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns in his Mater Dei debut, Chris Henry Jr. (Ohio State) had four catches for 135 yards and two touchdowns in his return from injury, and nine different Monarchs recorded a tackle for loss led by three from DE/OLB Shaun Scott (USC).
Here’s everything you need to know about live streaming Mater Dei vs. Kahuku.
How to watch Mater Dei vs. Kahuku football
- Live Stream: Watch on the NFHS Network
Mater Dei vs. Kahuku will air live on the NFHS Network. You can subscribe to NFHS Network on a monthly basis or an annual subscription.
Mater Dei vs. Kahuku start time
- Date: Friday, Sep. 5
- Time: 7:00 p.m. PT
The opening kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. PT on Friday, Sep. 5. The game will be played at the Santa Ana Bowl.
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