The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame has announced its five finalists for the 2022 Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to the most outstanding senior high school football player of Polynesian Ancestry.
The five finalist are: Defensive End Tausili Akana of Skyridge (Lehi, Utah), Quarterback Nico Iamaleava of Warren (Downey, California), Wide Receiver Makai Lemon of Los Alamitos (Los Alamitos, California), Offensive Lineman Francis Mauigoa of IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida) and Defensive End Matayo Uiagalelei of St. John Bosco (Bellflower, California).
“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.”
Below are snapshots of each finalist from the Polynesian HOF:
Tausili Akana – Skyridge High School
Defensive End … Samoan and Hawaiian Ancestry … Helped lead Skyridge to a 13-1 record and the 2022 6A State Championship … 63 total tackles (34 solo) … 12.5 sacks … One rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown … Selected to play in the 2023 Polynesian Bowl.
Nico Iamaleava – Warren High School
Quarterback … Samoan Ancestry … Helped lead Warren to a 9-2 record … Threw for 1,726 yards and 25 touchdowns … Rushed for 399 yards and six touchdowns … Committed to the University of Tennessee … Selected to play in the 2023 Polynesian Bowl.
Makai Lemon – Los Alamitos High School
Wide Receiver … Hawaiian Ancestry … Helped lead Los Alamitos to a 9-3 record … 1,044 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns … Committed to the University of Southern California … Selected to play in the 2023 Polynesian Bowl.
Francis Mauigoa – IMG Academy
Offensive Lineman … Samoan Ancestry … Helped lead IMG to an 8-1 record … Committed to the University of Miami … Selected to play in the 2023 Polynesian Bowl.
Matayo Uiagalelei – St. John Bosco High School
Defensive Line … Samoan Ancestry … Helped lead St. John Bosco to a 12-1 record and the CIF Southern Section Championship … 47 total tackles (27 solo) … 7.5 sacks … Three receiving touchdowns … Selected to play in the 2023 Polynesian Bowl.
Current San Francisco 49ers Safety Talanoa Hufanga was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Award in 2017; BYU WR Puka Nacua & University of Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa were selected as co-players of the year in 2018; Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei was selected in 2019; Ohio State DE J.T. Tuimoloau received the Award in 2020; and University of Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan was selected as player of the year in 2021.
The finalists will be recognized during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. The formal presentation of the Award will be held at the 2023 Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner on January 21, 2023, along with the finalists being recognized during the 2023 Polynesian Bowl that will be played January 20, 2023.
