PREVIEWS AND PREDICTIONS: Week 00 CIFSS Football Edition – Newport Harbor Sailors and Edison Chargers Open the 2026 Season in Oahu

The 2026 CIF Southern Section football season kicks off across the Pacific as six Orange County programs make the trip to Hawaii for Week 00. JPWest Media will be on the ground covering 2 of those games with photographer Jeremy Westerbeck and reporter Hannah Morrow.

Newport Harbor Sailors @ Nanakuli Golden Hawks

Friday, 7:00 PM HT | Nanakuli High School

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck | Reporter: Hannah Morrow

Newport Harbor opens the 2026 campaign looking to reverse course under head coach Matt Burns. The Sailors finished 3-7 in 2025 and missed the playoffs, a clear step back from previous expectations. This year’s group returns significant senior experience on both sides of the ball and will try to set a new tone right away under the lights in Waianae.

Senior quarterback Jordan Spigarelli takes the reins of the offense. He is joined by a talented group of skill players that includes senior wide receivers Jackson Stremick and Ryan Palmer along with senior running back Matthew Yamakawa. Stremick, a multi-position threat who has produced in the past, gives the Sailors a reliable target and playmaker. The offensive line and supporting cast will need to protect Spigarelli and create lanes early so Newport Harbor can establish rhythm against a home crowd.

Defensively the Sailors feature several returning seniors who should form a solid core. Linebacker Cameron Hatfield anchors the second level after leading the returning linebackers a season ago in tackles, corner Luke Garrido brings experience in the secondary, and defensive linemen Ryder Godbold and Owen Baldikoski provide size and disruption up front. Additional senior depth across the roster (including players such as Jett Blauwkamp, Luke Mitchell, and others) gives Burns a group that has been through the fire and understands the standard required to climb back into contention.

Nanakuli enters the season coming off a 2-7 campaign in 2025 (1-6 in OIA Division I). The Golden Hawks will rely on junior quarterback Allix Yap to run the offense. Yap has shown the ability to distribute the ball and will look to connect with a group of receivers that includes junior Zhyrisen Kahalekai and other returners such as Colten Wright and Duke Mier Jr. Running backs Kaimi Apana and Cruz Montez give the Golden Hawks some balance in the backfield, while the defensive front features size in players like Alapa Watson and Kuhio Kapololu-McKeague.

Nanakuli will have the home-field energy and the physical style typical of Oahu programs. The Golden Hawks’ ability to force early mistakes and control the line of scrimmage will be key if they want to hang with a more experienced Newport Harbor side making the long trip.

JP’s Prediction:

Newport Harbor’s senior leadership and skill-position talent prove too much on the road. The Sailors get out to an early lead and control the tempo for a 35-17 win to open the season.

Edison Chargers @ Iolani Raiders

Saturday, 3:15 PM HT | Iolani School (Eddie Hamada Field), Honolulu

Photographer: Jeremy Westerbeck | Reporter: Hannah Morrow

Edison comes into 2026 off a strong 2025 run that ended in the CIF Southern Section Division 3 semifinals under head coach Jeff Grady. The Chargers finished 7-6 and showed the grit that has defined the program in recent years. A large portion of the core returns, giving Edison one of the more experienced groups making the Hawaii trip.

Senior quarterback Sam Thomson is back under center after a productive 2025 season in which he threw for over 2,100 yards and 18 touchdowns. The run game features returning backs Sam Edmisten and Brett Dempsen, while the receiving corps is loaded with Logan Hampton, Blaise Burwell, and Brennan Vares. Burwell is especially valuable as a two-way player who contributes on both offense and defense. Defensively the Chargers return experience with Burwell, Ashton Godley at linebacker, and additional depth across the secondary and front seven that should allow Edison to dictate the physical terms of the game.

Iolani is beginning a new chapter under first-year head coach Pat Samsonas and opened the 2026 season with a 27-6 win over Baldwin. The Raiders finished 3-4 overall in 2025 and will look to build on that early momentum when they host Edison on Saturday.

Senior quarterback Halelu Lima leads the offense, with running backs Jadon Anzai and Ayden Teranishi providing options in the backfield. The skill group also includes Aka Lau Kong and other returning receivers. Defensively Iolani features senior experience in the secondary and at linebacker with players such as Tauveve Sataraka, Zack Bagoyo, Kela Briones, Cameron Jyo, and Joshua Griffin.

Iolani will be motivated to defend home turf against a mainland program and will try to create chaos with speed and scheme after their solid opening win. The early test against a battle-tested Edison roster will reveal a lot about where the Raiders stand under new leadership.

JP’s Prediction:

Edison’s returning experience, quarterback play, and two-way talent carry the day on the road. The Chargers pull away in the second half for a 31-14 victory to start the 2026 season.