Justin Matias and the Punahou defense held Saint Louis to just 7 points and 189 yards of total offense in a blowout win to open the 2014 season. Nick Endo | Special to SL

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On a weekly basis, ScoringLive's "Da Five" will pose five questions revelant to the prep sports world, and get responses from five different individuals. What results will hopefully provide multiple angles of insight and analysis for fans to take in.

Members of ScoringLive talks about Punahou's season debut, storylines for this weekend and much more.

1. What was your biggest takeaway from Punahou's season debut?

Brandon Ching, SL reporter: I didn't watch the game, but I saw the score on ScoringLive and based on what I saw, it doesn't look like Punahou is missing a beat. The defending state and ILH champs are still the team to beat. Despite losing Tui Tuileta, Ephraim Tuliloa filled in nicely and the receiving core led by Kanawai Noa is still dangerous no matter who's throwing the ball. I guess not having a preseason game didn't affect the Buffanblu at all and credit Kale Ane and his staff for preparing the team during that long lay off.

Shawn Sueoka, SL contributor: The biggest takeaway from Punahou's season debut was that not all is loss without, three-year starter and now USC Trojan, Tui Tuileta. The Buffanblu, like all great programs, had the next man step up and fill the position. Junior quarterback Ephraim Tuliloa exceeded all expectations for a first time starter. 22 of 35 completions for 428 yards and six touchdowns in a 55-7 win over rival St. Louis. Those are career single-game stats for most high school quarterbacks.

Jared Kanoa, SL all-purpose: My biggest takeaway from Punahou's game is that it does not matter who is throwing the rock because Kanawai Noa is a miracle worker. Kanawai looked faster than ever against the Saint Louis secondary. He not only caught the long balls but also caught passes in traffic with a Saint Louis defender draped all over him. Noa is a force to be reckon with and if I was playing him this week I would triple team him with my best guys and pray to the football gods Ephraim doesn't see Kanawai run past them. 

Michael Lasquero, SL reporter: I was most impressed by Punahou’s defense in its season debut. Last year Saint Louis put up 428 yards of total offense against the Buffanblu, this year the Crusaders didn’t even crack 200 yards of total offense. If you are a fan of the Buffanblu, you have to be extremely pleased with the defense’s performance, especially since No. 2 Mililani gave up 469 yards and 47 points to the Crusaders.

Brien Ing, SL founder: For me the biggest takeaway was the performance of Ephraim Tuliloa at the quarterback position. Coming in, everyone knew there was the running game in Taulapapa, the returning defensive strength and of course Kanawai Noa at the wide receiver position. What we didn’t know was what we were really going to get behind center. Well, six touchdowns and a boatload of yards later against a quality opponent, we do now.

2. Which player had the most impressive performance this past weekend?

Ching: Karson Cruz from Moanalua. He had 10 catches for 311 yards and 2 TDs against Farrington and he kept the Na Menehune in the game. Cruz had a 52-yard touchdown, a 40-yard touchdown and hauled in a 72-yard reception ---- all before halftime. His halftime stats were 6 catches for 226 yards and 2 TDs. He stepped up big for the Na Menehune after Jason Sharsh couldn't play due to injury and he provided Kawika Keama-Jacobe a great target down field. He also plays basketball and volleyball so he definitely utilized his hops and athleticism for those deep passes.

Sueoka: The most impressive performances usually go to an outstanding offensive player that broke some statistical records. This time I'm going to go with a defensive player. Two in fact. Although it came in a 46-27 loss, to Leilehua, the Waianae defense was able to amass seven team sacks. Three by defensive linemen Nayton Kuresa and four by fellow senior Maika Koko. Koko also caught a six yard touchdown pass lining up in the tight end position.

Kanoa: I'm going to go with a sleeper pick in Pac-Five receiver Tsubasa Brennan. Brennan is the core and backbone of Pac-Five, playing on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver and a fill in safety. Brennan not only gathered a total of 144 receiving yards and two touchdowns, but also contributed in key stops on defense in the tight win over Saint Francis. If there was a high school fantasy football draft and I had a pick in the middle of the first round, I would be confident in Brennan's talents to draft him as my first-team wide receiver.

Lasquero: I’m going to go with Iolani’s Austin Jim On. The senior quarterback threw for 249 yards and two touchdowns on 17-of-24 passing in the Raiders’ win over Damien last week. While his stats might not be as gaudy as others, his ability to convert on third down and extend drives gave the Iolani defense more rest. This paid dividends in the second half when the Raiders scored 20 unanswered points and kept the Monarchs scoreless.

Ing: Well, its hard to not look at what Kanawai Noa did against the Crusaders and not be impressed. The 34.7 yard per catch average is gaudy as is, but when you consider he hauled 3 of the 7 in for scores and that he did it in basically one half of play, that’s some pretty efficient work.

3. Out of the remaining undefeated teams, which one has the most issues?

Ching: The only undefeated team I saw in person is Farrington so I can't really comment on the other undefeated teams. I think the things the Govs need to improve on is the passing game and cutting down on penalties. Montana Liana went 10 of 20 for 120 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT and his o-line gave him time to throw, he had some nice spirals, but there were times when he overthrew and under threw his receivers. Farrington had 14 penalties for 121 yards against Moanalua and they gave the Na Menehune opportunities to advance down field and this other time a penalty pushed the Govs back and they had to settle for a field goal instead of a touchdown. 

Sueoka: Kamehameha picked up a win last week in California over Del Oro 25-17, but may have lost two of their bigger offensive weapons in quarterback Fatu Sua-Godinet and Kaulana Apelu. Sua-Godinet suffered an injury to his head while fellow junior Apelu sustained a leg injury. Apelu was the team's leading rusher before a season ending knee injury last year. Kamehameha is well known for their running game under Cosbie and Sua-Godinet didn't look too impressive in the pre-season scrimmages. He also had two interceptions last week to one touchdown. Not to mention that Oregon commit cornerback Dylan Kane is still nursing a forearm injury. With Punahou's big win over Ssaint Louis, the Warriors will hope their starters can return and improve before their matchup with the Crusaders on Sept. 20.

Kanoa: I have to say even with the explosive potential of Farrington's offense, its defense has me worried, particularly with their pass defense. Although they played the run rather well against Moanalua, they let Menehune quarterback Kawika Keama-Jacobe pass for a season high 552 yards with three touchdowns. If it was a dominant pass happy team such as Punahou, two interceptions may not save the Governors from potential scoring drives. 

Lasquero: I think the aggressiveness of Farrington’s defense can be a double-edged sword at times.  When the postseason comes, opposing coaches will see stuff on tape that they can take advantage off. The Governors’ passing game has also been lackluster. Three of the top four leading receivers on the team are listed running backs.

Ing: With two key injuries sustained in last week’s game on the mainland, Kamehameha is a team with no losses but a bunch of issues to face now, at least offensively. Its unclear how much time starting quarterback Fatu Sua-Godinet will miss, the Warriors do know that they will be without the services of Kaulana Apelu at running back. On a team that already relies heavily upon its defense to keep them in games, losing those two guys will definitely be an issue going forward.

4. What is the most intriguing matchup this weekend?

Ching: Kapolei at Moanalua. Moanalua coach Jason Cauley coached with Darren Hernandez and I think both coaches still keep in touch and are looking forward to competing against each other. This is a must-win game for both teams because Kapolei doesn't want to start the season 0-4 and Moanalua would like to snap their two-game losing streak to get back on track. 

Sueoka: With some lackluster matchups in the ILH and the OIA’s Red and Blue I'm going to go with a match up in the OIA Division II. Radford (2-0) taking on Kaimuki (1-1) this week at Kaiser has some potential impact in that division. At 2-0 Radford has a forfeit win against Anuenue and a come from behind win over Roosevelt. Not overly impressive for a team looking to be near the top come October. Kaimuki has 26-6 victory over Anuenue and were blown out by division leader Pearl City (3-0). Kaimuki new to the division is trying to figure out where they are in the division. Both will find out Saturday in this pivotal Division II matchup where their teams stand.

Kanoa: I actually like the Kapolei-Moanalua match up. Not just because I can see it being an offensive explosion but also because both teams have something to prove. Both teams are coming off a two game losing streak with Moanalua being 1-2 and Kapolei 0-3. Kapolei is still trying to find its first win of the season while Moanalua looks to get back on track after its upset win against Waianae. Over all it should be an offensive explosion with two opposite styles of offense clashing under the Friday nights.

Lasquero: The Lahainaluna-Baldwin game is my sleeper pick. The Bears held a five-point lead over Maui heading into the fourth quarter before giving up a touchdown and a safety in the final stanza. Meanwhile Lahainaluna is projected by many to win the MIL overall title, but numbers for the Lunas are reportedly lower than usual. I expect Baldwin to make things interesting in the contest.

Ing: I think Roosevelt hosting Kalani in a OIA Division II tilt will be more intriguing than it might look on paper. The Rough Riders have already played what many would argue to be the three best teams in the division (Pearl City, Radford and Nanakuli), and by many accounts could have walked away with a win over the Rams to boot. Kalani is 2-1 thus far, but hasn’t faced any of those aforementioned teams. Every win counts regardless, but with only four of eight teams moving on to the playoffs in OIA D2 play, seeding is everything.

5. What 0-3 win needs a win more this weekend, Kapolei or Saint Louis?

Ching: Both teams need a win to get their season going in the right direction. The Blue Division is so tough this season and every win should be treated as gold so I think the Hurricanes are feeling the pressure to win to prevent an 0-4 start and Moanalua is a tough, feisty team so Kapolei will have to earn this victory.  

Sueoka: A case can be given for either Kapolei or St. Louis needing this win. One thing is for sure having an 0-4 record is going to be very difficult to fight your way into the league playoff picture. With that being said the Crusaders will have their shot at either Kamehameha or Punahou in the ILH playoffs regardless of how they finish. The Hurricanes on the other hand need to finish in the top six of the OIA Blue to qualify for their league playoffs. Kapolei is currently sitting on the edge in that six spot, tied with Kailua, and finishing near the bottom means you need to play one of the third or fourth place team from the Red. If the hurricanes don't want to be bottom feeders a win this week at Moanalua will surely quiet their doubters and help their upward climb.

Kanoa: I think the obvious team is Saint Louis. If it were to lose somehow this week to Division II oponent Pac-Five, I think some sickness is being passed around within Saint Louis' schools. Saint Louis has all the skills and all the talent, not to mention the winningest coach in Saint Louis history. Granted Saint Louis' schedule has not been a walk in the park up to this point playing the defending state champion Punahou, the 2013 state tournament runner-up Mililani and a nationally ranked team in Saint John Bosco. However Saint Louis has to find a way this week to win or this will be an extremely long season for Cal Lee and company. 

Lasquero: If Saint Louis doesn’t beat Pac-Five Friday, I think the season is lost. There were already a lot of high expectations with Cal Lee returning to Kalaepohaku. A 0-4 start and a loss to a Division II team would just shatter team morale. Kapolei on the other hand can still salvage its season even if they lose this to Moanalua. All but two teams make the playoffs in the OIA Division I so the postseason is still in reach for the Hurricanes. If memory serves me correct, the 2010 Waianae team led by Puletua Wilson were in a similar situation to start the season. That year the Seariders made it all the way to the state championship game, falling to Marcus Mariota and the Crusaders.

Ing: Getting that all important first win is key, so for me, Kapolei avoiding that 0-4 start to the season is paramount. While the record does not seem to indicate it on the surface, the Hurricanes are a good team that just needs to turn the corner. Much like the Crusaders, the ‘Canes brutal opening schedule (then #5 Kahuku, then #7 Farrington and then #2 Mililani) has got to pay dividends eventually.