GUAM BOYS DUEL IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN WASHINGTON

On December 2, 2023 the two top ranked high school football teams in the state of Washington featured two players with Guam roots going head-to-head in the 4A State Football Championship at the University of Washington Husky Stadium.

The #1 team in the state, the undefeated Graham-Kapowsin Eagles took on the #2 team, defending champion Lake Stevens Vikings.

Daveon Superales of Graham-Kapowin Eagles and Kekoa Quinata Okiyama of Lake Stevens Vikings made it to the State Championship and were looking forward to a good battle of the top teams. 

GSPN recently covered football standout Daveon Superales of Graham-Kapowsin, who was in the running to be named the nation’s top high school quarterback in a poll on highschool.si.com.

However, it was the reigning champion Vikings who defended their title winning 31-6.

Okiyama, a standout WR/CB, who made the varsity team last year as a freshman, has now been a part of two championships.

“It’s been an amazing journey winning back-to-back state titles. Being a part of a varsity team my freshman year, winning our first championship title and doing it again for the second state win my sophomore year has been incredible. The opportunity to play and battle with the best guys in the game has been such a privilege. And this is still the beginning,” said Okiyama.

Okiyama is the grandson of Rose Quinata Okiyama of Umatac and Santa Rita, and Gary Okiyama of Yona. His parents are Kyle & Sophia Okiyama. “So many family members were rooting Kekoa on from Guam when we learned he was going to state championships again! We’re all so proud of him here,” his auntie Jennifer Camacho said. 

Fellow Guam boy and highly-touted quarterback Superales was at the losing end of what was a perfect season up to that point, coming into the title game 13-0. He finished the championship game 31-of-48 for 306 yards and rushed for 89 yards and a score, but threw a pair of interceptions.

For Okiyama, he appreciates the family support in Washington and on Guam and promises to keep the momentum and focus going on academics and athletes.

“My family has been my biggest support by always being at every game, family from far reaching out and always making sure I do my best and have fun. They always keep me motivated.”