Top-ranked Punahou runs by Pac-Five, 59-7

Punahou's Kamana Hobb's shakes off a Pac-Five defender to gain yardage for the Buffanblu. Amber Popovich | Special to SL

Despite a rocky start and numerous penalty infractions, the Buffanblu of Punahou derailed Pac-Five by the final score of 59-7 in both teams' regular season finales at Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium Friday night.

"I'm proud of the kids. I think we are playing hard," said Punahou's defensive coordinator Agenhart Ellis. "We have a lot more to work on. We made some mistakes tonight, but I think we are progressing."

No.1 in the OC/Scoringlive rankings remained undefeated (6-0, 8-0), while the Wolfpack fell to 1-5 in league play and 1-7 overall.

"Im not really surprised by that," said Punahou running-back Kotoni Sekona (referring to his squad's impressive record). "We practiced hard. We wanted everyone to play this game. O-line works hard every week, and everyone put in a good effort as usual."

Despite the convincing victory, Punahou made a few mistakes in the opening minutes. Starting quarterback and future Rainbow Warrior, Larry Tuileta, threw an interception at the nine minute mark that fell into the hands of Alex Silva. The men-in-blue were able to score on their next offensive possession, but moments later they fumbled the ball for another turnover which eventually led to a 17-yard touchdown reception by Pac-Five's Tsubasa Brennan. The score was then tied up at 7-7.

"I think it took a little time for our team to get synced," said Punahou's junior tight-end Matthew Christman. "With the games that are on the line though, our team plays together."

Despite a strong start by the Wolfpack, Punahou scored three touchdowns (two by Wayne Taulapapa) to put themselves ahead, 21-7, by the end of the first.

Similar success for Punahou continued in the second quarter .

Punahou ran in two touchdowns, both by Kotoni Sekona, and kicked a 36-yard field goal to push their lead to 38-7 at intermission.

Heisman Hosada ran in the game's remaining three touchdowns, two in the third quarter and another in the fourth.

"All the credit goes to the o-line and play calling," said Hosada. "We have to keep working hard at practice every day. Other teams are working hard so we have to try to do our thing."

Pac-Five finished with zero rushing first downs for the game.

The Buffanblu managed to pull off an easy victory despite having twelve penalties for 130 yards, including three personal fouls and four holding calls.

"Anytime you give up a lot of yards in penalties it's not good for your team," coach Ellis said. "Our boy's understand that."

"As a team we have to go back and fix those mistakes," said Sekona.

Two of Punahou's key players did not see action tonight. Head coach Kale Ane rested his team's receiving leader, Kanawai Noa, and 275-pound defensive lineman Canton Bourke Kaumatule did not play due to injury.

"He is looking good, so we will see in the next coming weeks how his progress is," coach Ellis said of the injured Kaumatule. When asked of the likelihood that Kaumatule will be ready to play in the next contest Ellis said, "We are crossing our fingers."

Punahou has a bye week next, then plays the winner of Saint Louis versus Kamehameha. Pac-Five will play Damien in the ILH division II semi-final game next.