Laie Park/Kahuku Raiders Big Boyz are #1
October 30th, 2009 by CarynLast night we went to La'ie Park to watch the championship games of the Hawaii Big Boyz Football League.
The league, which focuses on inclusion, health, and education, was set up a few years ago specifically for youth who were too big to play Pop Warner football (I had no idea that there was a weight limit to play youth football!).
It was great to see the community come out to support the boys, complete with concession stands, a PA system, and lots of music.
The first game featured the La'ie Park Raiders vs. the West Coast (Wai'anae) Raiders in the Elementary Division championship game. It was hard to believe that these kids are only ages 9-11...they are definitely some BIG BOYZ!
Final score: 34-14, La'ie Park Raiders
Next up was the Intermediate Division championship game (ages 12-14), featuring the Kahuku Raiders vs. the undefeated Kapolei Hurricanes. Talk about action-packed--the game had parents jumping up and down in the bleachers and older moms/aunties/grandmas dancing on the sidelines with each touchdown.
I was very impressed by both teams' ability to execute plays and make things happen out there on the field.
Final score: 48-35, Kahuku Raiders
These guys don't play around. Check out those trophies!
I'm so proud of our La'ie/Kahuku teams for winning, but I have to give big props to the Wai'anae and Kapolei crowds that came out to support their teams. It really underscores the need for this program when parents and coaches from across the island are willing to sacrifice all that time and effort on the road to make sure that their kids are able to play.
Now that we've won the Elementary and Intermediate Divisions, it's time to take care of business in the high school state tournament. Kahuku plays Castle tonight at 4:30 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.
GO BIG RED!
