Zeph Salis steals the spotlight in Kapolei’s season opener, powering the Hurricanes to a 46-21 win over Punahou
Zeph Salis, a sophomore running back for the Kapolei Hurricanes, turned his first varsity football game into a memorable showcase, rushing for 201 yards and three touchdowns on just 10 carries in Saturday’s season-opening victory over Punahou at the Alvin Nagasako Sports Complex. Salis, the eldest of 11 siblings, demonstrated maturity beyond his years, a trait Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez says makes him a reliable factor whenever his number is called.
Salis wasted no time making his mark. His very first carry went 42 yards for a touchdown to get Kapolei on the board in the first quarter. “After he did that I thought, we’ve got something here,” Hernandez said. Salis finished with a pair of long runs in the first half, including a 24-yard TD run on third-and-9 that extended Kapolei’s lead, and a 56-yard breakaway in the fourth quarter to seal the game.
Although Salis is the backup to starting running back Chazz-Michael Kapahu, who ran for 112 yards and a touchdown, his impact Saturday was instant. Salis also contributed as a receiver, hauling in two catches for 30 yards, and he added a 25-yard completion to set up a two-point conversion that tied the score at 14 late in the second quarter.
Kapolei’s offense, under the leadership of two quarterbacks, Leysen Rodrigues and Jacob Ballesteros, benefitted from Salis’s versatility as a runner and pass-catcher. The Hurricanes showcased a balanced attack, emphasizing the run game to ease the transition after the departure of three-year starter Tama Amisone. Rodriguez and Ballesteros, who blended in during the opener, were supported by a determined offensive line and a lead-blocking fullback.
Hernandez credited the offensive line for the night’s success, highlighting a group that included Shyzen Akiona, Kalalau Puulei-Sene, Ioane Paselio, Amarxus Tagovailoa-Amosa, Riley Leuma and Angel Watson-Amaral. Fullback Ava Cook also stood out, delivering five pancake blocks as a lead blocker. The coach also praised veteran offensive line coach Al Kaaihue and run-game coordinator Tyler Fabrao for crafting the game plan and getting the line and running backs ready.
Salis’s speed—clocked at 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash—paired with his quiet, workmanlike demeanor has made him a standout since transferring to Kapolei in January. Hernandez described him as a quiet, mature kid who handles business on the field and rarely needs to be told what to do. “He’s lightning in a bottle,” Hernandez said, underscoring Salis’s natural instinct on the field that can’t be coached.
Kapolei, ranked third in the ScoringLive Power Rankings heading into the game, will look to carry this momentum into a non-league matchup against Lahainaluna on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Nagasako Sports Complex.
What this night signals for Kapolei is depth and development in the backfield. Kapahu’s power running provides a complementary style to Salis’s burst, offering the Hurricanes a versatile one-two punch. Hernandez emphasized that the team has multiple players capable of carrying the load, and Salis seized his opportunity when it came.
Summary: Salis’s breakout debut elevated Kapolei’s offense in the opener, highlighting his speed, vision, and versatility, along with strong contributions from the offensive line and blocking scheme. If Salis can maintain this level of play, Kapolei’s offense has a promising dynamic with its two-quarterback system and a robust run game.
Additional notes for readers:
– Salis’s first-yard TD set the tone and energized Kapolei early.
– The offense balanced run and pass, with Salis contributing in multiple phases, including a key 25-yard pass play that helped convert a two-point attempt.
– The Hurricanes’ line play and blocking were instrumental, giving Salis and Kapahu clean lanes and time to execute.
Overall, the night was a breakout moment for Zeph Salis and a strong indicator that Kapolei’s offense has multi-dimensional weapons as the season progresses.