A Week of Preparation
Six Orange County high schools traveled to Hawaii eager to test themselves against local competition, arriving early to acclimate to the time zone and soak in the islands’ culture before their first games.
Game Highlights
Newport Harbor High School opened its Hawaiian campaign with a 41‑0 victory over Nanakuli High School, where quarterback Jordan Spigarelli threw for 253 yards and four touchdowns while receiver Shane McKibbin added 143 yards and two scores. Across the island, Capistrano Valley High School routed Damien Memorial High School 55‑6, showcasing a balanced attack that left the opposition scoreless after the first quarter.
Cultural Immersion
Both squads embraced local traditions, attending a luau where they mingled with opposing players and coaches before the meal, a gesture of hospitality that fostered camaraderie. The experience was described by participants as a rare opportunity to bond beyond the field.
Obstacles and Reflections
When Hurricane Lala forced Capistrano Valley’s return flight to be delayed by twelve hours, the team remained upbeat, calling the disruption “hard to replicate at home.” Head Coach Matt Burns of Newport Harbor noted that his players stayed “dialed in” on competition while enjoying the Hawaiian atmosphere, and Coach Sean Curtis praised the NFL‑style travel schedule that compressed practice time into a two‑day window.
Beyond the gridiron, the teams explored landmarks such as Pearl Harbor and the coastline, using the excursions to build pride in representing their schools on a national stage. The collective 6‑0 record underscored not only athletic success but also the value of cultural exchange in shaping a memorable high school experience.