Honolulu, HI (December 17, 2024) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today eight Finalists for the 2024 Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year Award.

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 eight Finalists include DL Iose Epenesa (Edwardsville High School; Edwardsville, Illinois), LB Madden Faraimo (JSerra Catholic High School; San Juan Capistrano, California), OL Alai Kalaniuvalu (Bishop Gorman High School; Las Vegas, Nevada), LB Ko'o Kia (Punahou School; Honolulu, Hawai'i), LB Cyrus Polu (Desert Hills High School; St. George, Utah), QB Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele (James Campbell High School; Ewa Beach, Hawai'i), DL Epi Sitanilei (St. John Bosco High School; Bellflower, California), and OL Douglas Utu (Bishop Gorman High School; Las Vegas, 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 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 2025 Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner (January 18, 2025), along with the finalists being recognized during the 2025 Polynesian Bowl (January 17, 2025).

2024 POLYNESIAN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR FINALISTS 

Iose Epenesa – Edwardsville High School (Edwardsville, IL)

Defensive Lineman … Samoan Ancestry … 51 total tackles (33 solo) … 7 sacks … Committed to the University of Iowa ... Selected to play in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl. 

Madden Faraimo – JSerra Catholic High School (San Juan Capistrano, CA)

Linebacker … Samoan and Hawaiian Ancestry … 113 total tackles (43 solo) … Committed to University of Notre Dame … Selected to play in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl. 

Alai Kalaniuvalu – Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, NV)

Offensive Lineman … Samoan Ancestry … Helped lead Bishop Gorman to an 11-1 record and 2024 AAAAA Nevada State Championship … Committed to the University of Oregon … Selected to play in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl. 

Ko'o Kia – Punahou School (Honolulu, HI)

Linebacker … Hawaiian Ancestry … 81 total tackles … 14 tackles for loss ... Committed to University of Notre Dame … Selected to play in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl.  

Cyrus Polu – Desert Hills High School (St. George, UT)

Linebacker … Samoan Ancestry … Helped lead Desert Hills to a 7-4 record … 46 total tackles (26 solo) … 2 interceptions … Committed to University of Utah ... Selected to play in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl.

Jaron Keawe Sagapolutele – James Campbell High School (Ewa Beach, HI)

Quarterback … Samoan Ancestry … Helped lead Desert Hills to a 9-2 record … 3404 passing yards … 46 touchdowns … Committed to University of Oregon ... Selected to play in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl. 

Epi Sitanilei – St. John Bosco High School (Bellflower, CA)

Defensive Lineman … Samoan and Tongan Ancestry … 59 total tackles (37 solo) … 4 passes defended … Committed to Ohio State University ... Selected to play in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl. 

Douglas Utu – Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, NV)

Offensive Lineman … Samoan Ancestry … Helped lead Bishop Gorman to an 11-1 record and 2024 AAAAA Nevada State Championship … Committed to the University of Oregon … Selected to play in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl. 

About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame: The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center and was established in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma`a Tanuvasa. There are currently 47 inductees. For more information, visit PolynesianFootballHOF.org.

About the Polynesian Bowl: The Polynesian Bowl is a premier all-star game played annually in Honolulu, Hawai`i that features 100 of the nation’s top ranked high school seniors of Polynesian and non-Polynesian ancestry alike – many of whom have gone on to play in the NFL. Past MVPs include AJ Epenesa, Puka Nacua, Travis Hunter, and Nico Iamaleava. The game is broadcast live and in primetime on NFL Network. For more information, visit PolynesianBowl.com.