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Servite’s matchup this week against St. John Bosco in Trinity League football took a surprising turn Monday with the transfer of Braves starting quarterback Matai Fuiava to Kahuku in Hawaii.
On Tuesday, Fuiava’s older brother Robert confirmed that the junior has enrolled at Kahuku (6-3) and hopes to play Saturday against visiting Campbell (7-0), the No. 1-ranked team in Hawaii.
The in-season transfer makes freshman QB Koa Malau’ulu the likely starter for St. John Bosco (7-0, 2-0) when it faces Servite (6-1, 1-1) in the teams’ Brotherhood Bowl on Friday at SoFi Stadium.
Malau’ulu made his first and only start in the Braves’ Trinity League opener against Orange Lutheran on Oct 4. Fuiava was reported to be recovering from injuries and available but didn’t play as Malau’ulu rallied the Braves for a thrilling 28-24 victory.
Fuiava returned last week to start against Santa Margarita but split time with Malau’ulu in a 13-0 win.
Servite isn’t the only Orange County team that will be impacted by the change at St. John Bosco, ranked No. 2 in the nation by MaxPreps. The Braves play No. 1 Mater Dei next week and JSerra in Week 10 in the Trinity League.
Servite, ranked No. 31 in the nation by MaxPreps, has faced its own challenges at quarterback.
Starter Leo Hannan hasn’t played since an injury against Chaminade on Sept. 6. Friars coach Chris Reinert said last week that the Michigan State-committed senior is progressing in his recovery.
Last week, Servite started sophomore Colin O’Connor at quarterback against Mater Dei and played freshman Allen Kennett V.
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