Ronley Lakalaka (4) and the Buffablu defense held the Warriors scoreless after giving up a score on Kamehameha's opening drive of the game. Nick Endo | Special to SL

Purchase image 1 of 1

For the first time this year, the Buffanblu found themselves with their backs against the ropes. But just like any champion Punahou bounced back, using a 47-point barrage to help itself clinch the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's Division I regular season title and remain unbeaten. 

While the offense played a big role in the 47-7 win over Kamehameha, Punahou's defense deserves just as much praise for the team's victory. After giving up a score on its opening series the Punahou defense pitched a shutout the rest of the way. 

"We came out a little bit slow but we just looked each other in the eyes and said ‘we have to do it.' This was a big game for us and it was a big win. They're a well coached team and luckily we came out on top," said Punahou cornerback Dayson Watanabe who recorded an interception in the win. 

Led by quarterback Fatu Sua-Godinet, Kamehameha was able to score on its opening series with an eight-play, 61-yard drive. On the scoring drive Sua-Godinet completed 4 of 5 passes for two third down conversions and a 34-yard score to Dylan Kane.  

Replicating its early offensive success was near impossible for Kamehameha to do once Punahou made its adjustments. Sua-Godinet would finish with 245 yards passing, but needed 38 attempts to achieve that mark and was intercepted twice.

"They brought in Dylan Kane. He's a deep threat so we made an adjustment and just stayed back and kept everything in front of us. We made the mistake of letting him get behind us and (we) took for granted that Fatu can throw," said Punahou linebacker Lakalaka.

The defense's ability to keep receivers in front of them also helped themselves negate Kamehameha's shallow and underneath routes. Out of Sua-Godinet's 18 pass completions, three were caught for negative yardage.

"Coach prepared us well during this last week of practice. We just wanted to keep everything in front of us and swarm to the ball," said Watanabe.

Punahou's defense was also able to shut down Kamehameha's vaunted running game. The Warriors entered the contest averaging 309 rushing yards per game. Punahou held them to just 14 yards of net rushing. 

Out of Kamehameha's 26 rush attempts, nine failed to cross the line of scrimmage. The longest run that the Buffanblu allowed was just for five yards.

"We got to thank the defensive line first. The filled up every gap, allowing the linebackers and defensive backs to make plays on the running back," Lakalaka said. "Kamehameha has a great offensive line, a big one. In order to stop the run game it (all) starts up front."

Standouts on the defensive line include Joseph Saula, Patamo Soa and Canton Kaumatule. 

The Buffanblu defense should also get credit for putting its offense in good field position for the team's first two scores. On Kamehameha's second offensive series of the game, Punahou forced Sua-Godinet into an intentional grounding penalty. This prompted Kamehameha to quick punt it on third down.

Punahou got the ball back on its own 31-yard line and quickly drove down the field with a four-play, 46-second drive. An 11-yard touchdown catch by Micah Maa helped put the Buffanblu on the board. 

Kamehameha couldn't get anything going on its ensuing series either. Punahou forced the Warriors into a three-and-out and got the ball back at the 50-yard line. Five plays later quarterback Ephraim Tuliloa hooked up with Kanawai Noa for a 12-yard touchdown play that put the Buffanblu up for good.

With the win Punahou will enjoy a week off before taking on the winner of the Kamehameha-Saint Louis game on Oct. 18. A win over that contest's victor will clinch the Buffanblu's fourth straight league title and appearance in the state tournament.

"Happy we came out with the win, but we still got more work to do. We got a bye to watch these two teams go at it and we'll see who comes out on top. We're just going to try and get better each day," said Watanabe.