By Blake Laurita
Staff Writer
From 2009 to now, the Tavai family have carried on an everlasting legacy in Costa athletics, winning multiple CIF championships, two playing in college and one playing in the National Football League.
Five of the six Tavai brothers have attended or are currently attending Mira Costa High School. J.R., Jonah, Justus, Jordan, and Jahlani Tavai have all played on the Mira Costa football and rugby team. The Tavais have helped Costa win against other schools and attain many championships in both rugby and football.
“It doesn’t matter how good you are, there is always someone out there who’s better,” said freshman Jonah Tavai. “If you want to become the best you need to work the hardest.”
Jonah, the second youngest of the Tavai brothers, is at Mira Costa and plays on the freshman football team. He is a versatile player, and plays at nose guard on defense and runningback on offense. This year the freshman football team won the Bay League championship with a record of 8-2 with the help of Jonah.
“It was fun playing with Jonah this year,” freshman Miles Choromanski said. “It really helped having him on the team.”
Justus Tavai, the third youngest brother is getting ready to play his senior year at Costa and is on the Varsity football and rugby team. He played football at Costa during the fall and played on the rugby team during the spring.
“I look forward to playing with Jonah, Justus and other Varsity football players next season,” freshman Ryan Ohanesian said.
Jahlani, the third oldest brother is playing football at the University of Hawaii, attended Costa from 2009-2013 and served as the team captain for the football team his senior year. His three sacks and touchdown reception helped the Mustangs win a playoff game over Highland, leading Costa to a second-place Bay League finish.
“The Tavais have made major contributions to Costa’s football team,” freshman Kaden Loversky said. “I can’t wait to see how Jonah will do compared to Jahlani.”
Jordan and J.R., the two oldest Tavai brothers are currently playing Division 1 football in college. Jordan is playing defensive end at the University of Kansas and J.R. is playing outside linebacker at USC and recently went undrafted to the Tennessee Titans.
“As a USC fan I have seen J.R. play before, he is a crucial part of their defense and a big playmaker,” said freshaman Robert Fiene. “I would love to see someone that played Costa football on TV playing in the National Football league.”
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