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CHATSWORTH – What started as an eventful home opener for Sierra Canyon’s football team turned somber Thursday night when play was stopped with 6:41 left in the third quarter against the Trailblazers’ opponent, St. Louis High from Hawaii.
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St. Louis sophomore quarterback Luke Shigeta was taken off the field on a stretcher after being hit near his helmet with Sierra Canyon leading 52-0. The game was stopped and it will be recorded as a Sierra Canyon victory.
After laying on the ground and being cared for by trainers, Shigeta was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
St. Louis coach Tupu Alualu wasn’t able to provide a full update on Shigeta’s condition but explained the player’s role and importance to his team.
“Luke is a good person first, and he’s a hard worker,” Alualu said while updating Shigeta’s condition. “He’s our quarterback … He started the first game for us and then started our second game. Coming here, we are just trying to learn the other two quarterbacks. We were expecting big things from him tonight.”
Alualu and Sierra Canyon coach Jon Ellinghouse agreed to end the game after Shigeta’s injury. The two head coached met at midfield and exchanged pleasantries before both teams left the field and the game’s ending was announced to fans in the bleachers.
“Safety of the kids is most important thing,” Ellinghouse said. “A lot of respect to St. Louis. It’s an emotional thing seeing a teammate hurt and being taken away in an ambulance. I think obviously the game was decided and we had a running clock situation anyways.
“We got together and (Alualu) thought it was the best way to end. I respected his wishes. Nothing but respect for him and we’ll move on to next week.”
Alualu was reminded of how physical tackle football can be and the precautions that need to be taken after a head injury.
“Every day I tell these kids who are so young that’s it’s not easy and it’s a violent sport,” Alualu said. “You got to make sure you get your back and you get your brothers’ back. Now they feel a certain way and it is what it is.
“I love St. Louis football, I graduated from there, and I’ve been there for 14 years, three years as a coach and we came out here to get experience. We play IMG Academy, Sierra Canyon and I thought it would be smart to cancel the game because we have to go back home and play St. John Bosco.”
Sierra Canyon dominated throughout the evening and led 31-0 at halftime.
Sophomore linebacker Eli Zambrano returned an interception 46 yards for Sierra Canyon whose play is beginning garnish national recognition. The Trailblazers allowed less than 10 points in its second straight game.
But winning was the last thing on Ellinghouse’s mind as he bid his opponents from Honolulu a healthy farewell postgame.
“The Hawaiian people are a beautiful people and (St. Louis) is a beautiful program,” Ellinghouse said. “We wish them all the best. I know this was a tough trip for them. But I know they’ll have brighter days. They have a great program.”
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This story was originally published September 11, 2026 at 12:43 AM.