NFL Punt, Pass & Kick: Isle trio in running to reach national stage

Three West Hawaii youth are in contention for the national finals of the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition.

Jarom Alani of Hookena, Tylanna Abraham of Kailua-Kona and Jayla Medeiros of Kealakekua placed first in their age groups at a “Team Championship” level qualifier hosted by the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Dec. 7.

Alani compiled a total distance of 222 feet 11 inches in the boys 8-9 group, Abraham a total of 170-3 in girls 8-9, and Medeiros 284-0 in girls 10-11.

Currently, Medeiros leads all competitors nationwide in her group, and Abraham and Alani are fourth nationally in their respective groups.

The top four finishers in the 10 age groups of all 32 team championship qualifiers will advance to the finals at an NFL playoff game in January.

Two more weekends of team championship qualifying remain, and the field for nationals will be announced after Dec. 26.

The trio were among a team of nine from the Big Island.

“I am especially proud of the outstanding performance of the nine Hawaii state sectional champions. Their hard work and exceptional abilities proved once again that our Hawaii youth are very competitive. I wish the best to the participants who have the potential to advance to the national competition,” Hawaii sectional coordinator Brenda Kuamoo said.

At the San Diego qualifier, Team Big Island had two other first-place finishers.

Nakoa Ige of Kailua-Kona won boys 6-7 with a total 162-0 and Jarom’s brother, Jason Alani, captured boys 12-13 with 313-7.

Other members of the team were Leahi Kaupu of Pahala (girls 6-7), Nalukea Kamakea of Hilo (boys 10-11), Alyssa Bivings of Naalehu (girls 12-13) and Karissa Caravalho of Hawi (girls 14-15).