The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today the eight finalists for the 2024 Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year Award.
The are:
- Iose Epenesa, Defensive Lineman – Edwardsville High School (Illinois)
- Madden Faraimo, Linebacker – JSerra High School (California)
- Alai Kalaniuvalu, Offensive Lineman – Bishop Gorman High School (Nevada)
- Ko’o Kia, Linebacker – Punahou School (Hawaii)
- Cyrus Polu, Linebacker – Desert Hills High School (Utah)
- Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele, Quarterback – Campbell High School (Hawaii)
- Epi Sitanilei, Defensive Lineman – St. John Bosco High School (California)
- Douglas Utu, Offensive Lineman – Bishop Gorman High School (Nevada)
“This Award showcases the immense talent of our Polynesian student-athletes in high school football today,” said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Chairman and Co-Founder. “We congratulate each Finalist and their families.”
The Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year Award is presented annually to the most outstanding senior high school football player of Polynesian Ancestry. Previous award recipients include: San Francisco 49ers Safety Talanoa Hufanga (2017); Brigham Young University WR Puka Nacua & University of Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa (2018); Florida State University QB DJ Uiagalelei (2019); Ohio State University DE J.T. Tuimoloau (2020); University of Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan (2021); University of Tennessee QB Nico Iamaleava (2022); University of Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola & University of Utah QB Isaac Wilson (2023).
The finalists will be recognized during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on Oʻahu, Hawaii. The formal presentation of the Award will be held at the 2025 Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on January 18, 2025, along with the finalists being recognized during the 2025 Polynesian Bowl that will be played January 17, 2025.
