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LONG BEACH — La Habra running back/linebacker Kevika Mata’utia-Martinez remembers feeling confused during the pandemic. Life, at times, didn’t seem to make much sense so he turned inward and researched his family’s culture.
It turned out to be an impactful decision.
Mata’utia-Martinez learned more about his family’s traditions and values, and developed a sense of pride that serves as a steady source of motivation.
La Habra’s football team has been one of the beneficiaries.
Highlanders coach Frank Mazzotta calls Mata’utia-Martinez’s two-way play a “huge” reason why La Habra has reached its first CIF Southern Section championship game since 2015.
The Highlanders (10-3) faces off against San Jacinto (10-3) in the Division 4 final on Saturday at HCN Bank Stadium in Menifee at 7 p.m.
“He’s a tough kid,” Mazzotta said of Mata’utia-Martinez at the media luncheon earlier this week for the football championships. “He’s a hard work. What you see on the field, that’s his personality.”
In a 13-7 victory against Cathedral in the quarterfinals, La Habra turned to Mata’utia-Martinez for 28 carries as the teams played during a rain storm. The 6-foot, 205-pound junior responded with a season-high 158 yards.
He also recorded a season-high eight total tackles.
“Huge,” Mazzotta said of the contributions. “The rain game changed everything. We went from a team with three to four wide outs to a three tight ends.”
Mata’utia-Martinez said he took a strong interest around the sixth grade in his family’s background.
His discoveries remain visible.
On his social media profile, there’s a photo of him holding the Samoan flag. And at the media luncheon, he wore traditional, brown and white-colored Samoan shells.
The flag and shells pay tribute to his grandmother Leilani, who was born in Samoa.
“As a mixed kid, I have a lot different cultures that I attend to,” Mata’utia-Martinez said. “I’m Samoan. I’m Mexican as well, and I’m also Italian.”
Mata’utia-Martinez said he often talks to his grandmother, who attends the Highlanders’ games.
“She’s always giving me a pre-game prayer and motivation,” he said. “She really helps me calm down before games, just take it all in. I’m always grateful for my grandma’s presence in my life.”
Mata’utia-Martinez leads the Highlanders in rushing (1,144 yards) and ranks second in touchdowns (10) and fourth in tackles (57).
He is quick to credit his offensive production to linemen Luis Dolphin, Noah Poppin, Julian Verduzco, Jacob Morales and Josh Holm.
Mata’utia-Martinez said he shares his family’s values of respect and unity with his teammates.
The qualities, he added, fit well with senior leaders such as Bobby Brooks, Poppin, Luke Hedgpeth and Morales, and junior quarterback DJ Mitchell.
“I try to spread those values and what I believe in,” Mata’utia-Martinez said. “Like when it comes to respecting our coaches. We kind of just have this brotherhood that I’m trying to bring, and (my teammates) all have been great this year. We really bonded this year, and that’s helped us get to this moment.”
Mata’utia-Martinez said he sees his family’s values in Mazzotta.
“Coach Mazzotta keeps our team so we’re not too low and we’re not too high,” he said. “Same emotions, just doing business.”
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