Among a crowd of more than 20,000 football fans, drenched with team pride and soggy weather, Saint Louis School took the high school state championship title Saturday against Kahuku, 30-14. 

The Crusaders defeated the Red Raiders, who were defending state champions, in the inaugural Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) Open Division Championship.

Saint Louis quarterback and Alabama quarterback-commit Tua Tagovailoa not only became Hawaii’s all-time leading passer but also cemented his legacy as one of the state’s best-ever prep quarterbacks. Tagovailoa threw for 243 yards and rushed for another 136 yards, with two total touchdowns.

Tagovailoa’s 52-yard touchdown pass broke a 17-year-old record held by former Crusader Timmy Chang. The record was for highest career passing yards by a Hawaii prep quarterback, which was 8,001 yards.

“Quarter 2 was the most important highlight of the championship game,” Coach Leland Tobias said, mentioning that it was when the team really got into the rhythm of the game.

At half, Kahuku held a 14-13 lead, which remained the same until the fourth quarter. Crusader kicker, and Leland Tobias’ son, Jacob Tobias converted a field goal to put Saint Louis in the lead for good, with 11 minutes remaining.

“The second half was probably the most exciting part of the game because we knew (the Crusaders) were going to win,” said Saint Louis fan and Honolulu resident Justin Jones. “It didn’t matter that it was pouring on us. We were there to support the boys.”

Following the field goal, the Kahuku Red Raiders were able to make their way down to the second yard line; however, the ball was fumbled, and the Crusaders recovered the ball to regain possession. In the remaining minutes, Tagovailoa scored a touchdown, followed by another Saint Louis touchdown that led them to the state title.

“Game preparation was key for them,” Leland Tobias said. “The boys’ mental and physical attitude were different from last year. (This year), they had a mission laid out, and the whole team was focused on that job.”

For Saint Louis senior slot receiver Noah Alejado, it was hard work, dedication and faith that helped the team earn its fourth state title.

How do you feel about winning?

“Winning is amazing, but we all know we can’t take credit for the win that night. It was all the man above. Without his blessing, we wouldn’t have been able to execute everything we needed to do.”

What was the team’s mindset going into the game?

“Our mindset was simple; all faith in the man above and execute at our finest. (We weren’t) nervous but more anxious to get on the field and play the Big Red. We knew we had to carry our past, present and future Crusader nation on our backs, and we had no intentions but to shock the whole world. And that’s exactly what we did.”

What was the journey like, coming back after last year’s defeat?

“Leading up to last night, it has been a roller coaster of continuous ups-and-downs. We gave it our all every practice, and it paid off in the end. We are the state champs, and nobody can say otherwise.”