Top-ranked Punahou overwhelms 'Iolani, 56-0


Top-ranked Punahou continued their league dominance as they throttled 'Iolani in an Interscholastic League of Honolulu matchup at Kozuki Stadium. Although the game was played at 'Iolani, it was a homecoming for both teams.  The Buffanblu are still undefeated (4-0 ILH, 6-0 overall) and have outscored their ILH opponents 191-8. They also matched the 42-points scored in the first quarter against Saint Francis earlier this season.

"We feel really good about our running game and our lineman put in a lot of effort into this week preparing. Wayne has been running great and we're happy to see him continue that. The line did a great job and Wayne followed his blocks and was patient so it was nice to see," said Punahou coach Kale Ane.

Wayne Taulapapa led the ground attack with 18 carries for 122 yards and 4 touchdowns.

"It was a team effort, my job was easy. I think we came in the mind-set to win and keep pushing forward. The o-line did a great job and I'll say it over and over again: I love my o-line and what they do. They just open up everything for me," said Taulapapa.

Punahou quarterback Larry Tuileta went 5-of-6 passing for 139 yards and 1 touchdown.

On Punahou's opening 9-play, 80-yard drive, Taulapapa touched the ball 8 times and scored on a 3-yard run. After a 44-yard punt return by Kanawai Noa to the 'Iolani 31-yard line, Taulapapa carried the ball 4 times and scored on a 6-yard run.

Kanawai Noa added a 15-yard touchdown reception from Tuileta and Taulapapa scored two more touchdowns from 24 and 4 yards to go up, 35-0.

Reupena Fitisemanu plowed his way through with a 1-yard touchdown run with 24 seconds left in the first quarter.

After 'Iolani's Chad Hanaoka fumbled the ball, Dayson Watanabe scooped it up and scored on a 24-yard fumble recovery 10 seconds into the second quarter. Most of the reserves for Punahou played the rest of the game and backup quarterback Ephraim Tuliloa threw a 30-yard touchdown pass to Dylan Combs.

'Iolani plays Pac-Five at 5 pm and Punahou takes on Saint Louis, No. 3 in ScoringLive/OC16 Division I Power Rankings, at 7:30 at Aloha Stadium.

"I don't think I will sleep a whole lot," chuckled Ane on the impending matchup with the Crusaders. "They have a great defense and their quarterback has been doing outstanding, but it will be a big challenge for us but we're looking forward to the opportunity."



Reach Brandon Ching at [email protected].