No. 3 Punahou to host No. 7 Campbell in rare meeting


Stacy Kaneshiro | ScoringLive
August 24, 2011, 9:00pm

Sophomore QB Tui Tuileta, has completed 24 of 34 passes for 244 yards and three TDs for the Buffanblu this season. ScoringLive file photo

In a battle of teams off to a hot start, Punahou will host Campbell in a Friday matinee.

Kickoff is 3:15 p.m.

The Buffanblu (2-0), ranked third in the ScoringLive Football Power Rankings, will meet the Sabers (2-0) for the first time since 1996, when the teams play in the preliminary game of the 1996 Oahu Prep Bowl.

Punahou is coming off big road wins against Roosevelt (38-0) and Kailua (31-7), while Campbell has beaten Waipahu (68-0) and Waianae (21-14 in OT).

The Buffanblu are breaking in new quarterbacks in Larry Tuileta and Luke Morris; they've taken the majority of snaps in the two games. But Tuileta, a sophomore, appears to be pulling ahead, having completed 24 of 34 passes for 244 yards and three TDs.

Senior Malik Johnson, a 6-foot-5 receiver, leads the team with 11 receptions and 153 yards. Senior RB Steven Lakalaka, a versatile back who can catch, averages 5.9 yards per carry.

The Sabers' defense has been key in Campbell's wins. Linebackers Solomon Leaeno and Giovanni Stevenson each had double-digit tackles against Waianae and each returned an interception for TDs against Waipahu.

Campbell's offense has been guided by second-year starting QB Justin Tago, whose passes have more zip than last season. The junior is 26 of 39 for 401 yards and six TDs. But athletic sophomore Isaac Hurd (11 of 19 for 106 yards) brings some added dimension to the Sabers' offense.

They have spread the wealth around receiving corps led by Keoni Piceno and Aries Pihi, who account for five of the team's six aerial TDs.

But the 5-9 Tago will have to contend with the Buffanblu height on the edges with DeForest Buckner (6-7) and Luke Kaumatule (6-8).

RB Paul-Andrew Rhoden hasn't touched the ball much, but when he has it has been devastating to Campbell's opponents. He averages 21.6 yards per carry.

Punahou also has one of the better kickers in the state in Kaimi Fairbairn. He has good range for field goals and even better on kickoffs with his numerous touchbacks.


Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at [email protected].