San Mateo's Serra opens West Catholic Athletic League play Friday, Sept. 25, at Bellarmine in San Jose, riding momentum from a road win over Hawaii's Kahuku.
Back on campus Wednesday, Sept. 23, more than 300 Padres athletes gathered for the school's annual Blessing of the Athletes ceremony, which included a blessing of Serra's newly renovated football field and track.
That momentum traces back to a Sept. 4 road trip to Hawaii, where Serra beat Kahuku 28-21 at Carleton E. Weimer Athletic Field on Oahu's North Shore, according to the school's athletics website.
The Padres racked up 471 total yards against the Raiders, who were ranked No. 3 in Hawaii by MaxPreps.
Kahuku was also ranked No. 2 in the Cover2 & Popeyes Hawaii Open Division poll. The school's athletics website called the result "program history."
Serra led 21-0 at halftime, according to MaxPreps. Kahuku scored 21 points in the second half, but senior Jared Wong sealed the win for Serra with an interception return for a touchdown.
Senior running back Andrew Takapautolo and senior wide receiver Charlie Walsh powered the offense. Walsh earned West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) All-League Second Team honors last season. Serra, ranked No. 6 in Northern California by MaxPreps, entered the game as the defending Central Coast Section (CCS) Division 1 champion under head coach Patrick Walsh.
The Padres embraced the "Aloha spirit" throughout the trip, visiting Pearl Harbor and meeting Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, according to the school's athletics website.
The win over Kahuku looks even stronger in hindsight. The Raiders have since lost to St. John Bosco of California 49-13 and to Mililani 28-6, dropping to 3-3 on the season, according to On3's Hawaii rankings.
Serra opened the 2026 season with a loss to then-No. 1 De La Salle, then flew to Oahu and came home with the Kahuku victory. The Padres followed that with a 21-7 road win over St. Mary's of Stockton in Week 3, pushing their record to 2-1. On3 ranked Serra No. 14 in California as of Sept. 20.
