There have only been five times in program history where a Saint Francis football player has rushed for over 300 yards in a game. Kingston Keanaaina (’25) has done it three times this season. These exhilarating performances have enabled the team to have incredible offensive output, leading the Lancers to a 6-1 record in the West Catholic Athletic League. Keanaaina is working hard to help the team win a Central Coast Section championship.
The Brigham Young University commit is giving it his all in his senior year before heading over to the Big 12 Conference. His explosiveness, as well as his strength and power to break tackles, has allowed him to score 15 touchdowns so far this season. Throughout the season, he has shown incredible agility to find pockets within the defense to accelerate into. It takes a certain mentality to be able to average over 170 yards a game, and he has shown he has what it takes to play at the Division I level. His dominance on the field gives the Lancers huge leverage over their opponents as they grow tired of trying to tackle him all game. And, with his phenomenal balance, defenders struggle to contain him.
Coach Calcagno (’83) is proud of his star running back’s performance this season and is confident in his skills, giving him the ball over 200 times: “He’s a difference maker, right? He gets stronger as the game goes on, and I think that is on display week after week. We can hand him the ball and grind the clock. If the game ever gets close, you can count on him. He’s an amazing football player, and we really love handing the ball to him because good things happen.”
It’s true; good things do happen when the Lancers give him the ball, and it was shown in full effect against the CCS reigning champions from last year—Junipero Serra High School. In an incredible game against the Padres, the score was tight with three minutes left in the third quarter. Following successful blocking by the Saint Francis offensive line, an incredible burst of pace from Keanaaina allowed him to rush into the secondary and score a 77-yard touchdown. This crucial play by Keanaaina sealed the victory for the Lancers, 27-21. Plays like that only further exemplify what this program is built upon: big players making big plays.
Overall, the success of this football team doesn’t come only from Keannaina’s performances. In fact, this team has shown incredible cohesiveness despite challenges faced throughout the season. Thanks to great leadership, the players are able to come together and be consistent on both defense and offense. Come out and support the football team on November 22 at 7 P.M as they take on Saint Ignatius High School at San Jose City College in the CCS Open Division Final!
