Kailua's Graham 'overwhelmed' by record-tying field goal


KAILUA - Naia Graham's favorite sport is soccer.

And it should be for the Kailua High junior. He led the Surfriders soccer team with 10 goals last season and was named to the O'ahu Interscholastic Association East all-star team.

But football is giving him options, especially after Saturday night. That's when he drilled a 57-yard field goal in Kailua's 52-26 win against Kaimuki. That tied a state record set in 2009 by Hilo's Christian Daog against Kamehameha at Kunuiakea Stadium.

"It feels overwhelming, actually," he said of the record kick. "I'm really overjoyed."

His kick was with the wind and likely would've cleared at least 60 yards. He didn't use a tee, which is allowable in high school football. In practice a few weeks earlier, he nailed one from 61 yards, he said.

"I enjoy playing soccer more than football," Graham said. "This is my second year playing (football) and I'm starting to really enjoy it, but I think my passion is soccer. But if football provides more money and stuff, as far as scholarships, yeah (I'll play football)."

The third-place Surfriders (2-4 overall, 2-2 Red East) will host first-place Kahuku (4-2, 4-0) Friday night.






Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at [email protected].