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When Word of Life Academy closed its doors at the end of the past school year, that meant 28 football players who were eligible to return had to look for new schools.

Among them was running back Awa Poggi, the third-leading rusher in the state among Division II schools. He was a workhorse for the Firebrands, packing the ball 209 times for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns. Despite being one of the premier rushers in Division II, he will be playing safety for Kailua High, of the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red East (Division I).

"It was hard to say goodbye," said Poggi, who lives in Waimanalo. "The last day, everyone cried."

McKinley lineman MacKenzie Togafau echoed the same sentiment.

"I was sad when it close because I'm going to miss all my friends," the 6-foot-4, 290-pound senior lineman said.

But both players said they were welcomed to their new teams with open arms.

"I was supposed to come here," Togafau said of McKinley. "But Pastor Joe (Onosai, who also was the Firebrands' coach) helped me get in. (My new teammates) let me in as a new family member."

It was more like a homecoming for Togafau.

"I'm excited Mac came back," Togafau's new teammate, but long-time friend Solomon Dixon said. "He's been gone three years."

Some players ended up at other Interscholastic League of Honolulu schools, like Saint Louis linemen Juda Parker and Paulay Asiata and linebacker TJ Russell.

Word of Life played two seasons of football in the ILH. With its departure, the league is back to three teams in each Division I and II.