Punahou quarterback Tui Tuileta lets a pass attempt fly against Farrington. Amber Popovich | Special to SL

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112213_EA_AP_B1_PUN-FARR_11-25-13_23.jpg - Amber Popovich | Special to SL

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When the 2013 Hawai'i high school season comes to an end Saturday night at Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium, Punahou senior Larry Tuileta will go down as one of the most statistically prolific quarterbacks in state tournament history. Of course, the University of Hawai'i-bound Tuileta would gladly give up those numbers for the Buffanblu's first state crown since the Manti Te'o-led team of 2008.

"I think Tui would definitely would say the same thing I'm saying, that the numbers don't mean anything to you until you're done playing," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "He just wants to complete, help the team in any way possible and let the numbers go where they go."

Punahou hopes the numbers add up to more points on the board than opponent Mililani (11-1), which like the Buffanblu (10-0), bring a 10-game winning streak into the title game scheduled to kickoff at 7 p.m. The Trojans' only loss was 24-14 to Punahou in nonleague play in August.

Tuileta will be making an unprecedented third consecutive start at QB in a state championship game. In his previous five state tournament games since 2011, he has completed 110 of 175 passes for 1,465 yards and 16 touchdowns against six interceptions. When Tuileta threw his fifth TD pass of the game in last week's semifinals against Farrington, he set the state tournament mark for career TDs, surpassing Leilehua's Andrew Manley. Tuitela is 70 yards shy of tying Manley's state tournament career mark of 1,535 yards passing. Manley accomplished his feats in seven tournament games.

When Tuileta passed for 430 yards last week, it was the second-highest single-game mark in tournament history; Leilehua's Keenan Sadanaga passed for 478 against Baldwin in the 2010 quarterfinals. It was only the sixth 400-yard passing game in tournament history. It was Tuileta's second; he passed for 420 yards in last year's semifinal win against Mililani. The only other QB to throw for 400 yards or more twice was Punahou's Cayman Shutter (412 in the semifinals and 400 in the title game of the 2008 tournament).

Helping make things happen for Tuileta is wide receiver Kanawai Noa, who leads the team with 44 receptions for 1,022 yards and nine TDs. But helping keep defenses honest is the running of sophomore Wayne Taulapapa, who leads the team with 912 yards rushing and 13 TDs. The passing and running attack of Punahou begins with its quick offensive line in center Kainoa McCauley, guards Semisi Uluave and Davis Miyashiro-Saipaia and tackles Jared Caputy and Julius-Pedro Muasau.

In the August meeting, Tuileta passed for 255 yards and two TDs, but was sacked six times. Protecting Tuileta will be a concern against a Trojans defense that has improved since. Mililani's front seven is disciplined and quick to the ball. Safeties Ian Namu and Jaren Jadlo have five interceptions each.

The biggest difference from the August game is the Trojans' offense. Sophomore McKenzie Milton and senior Robert Faleafine shared time at QB. Milton has since taken the reins and the Trojans' offense has been unstoppable.

Milton, a lanky 5 feet 11 and 150 pounds, has the knack to keep drives alive with his scrambling ability. He will exploit over-pursuing defenses with his speed by rushing for positive yardage.

"He's mobile and he has a lot of poise for a sophomore," Ane said of Milton.

Milton isn't the only sophomore difference-maker for the Trojans. Running back Vavae Malepeai gashed the Buffanblu for 143 yards and Mililani's two TDs in the nonleague game.

"They have a lot of momentum, offensively," Ane said.

The Buffanblu defense also is young with eight juniors and a sophomore in the projected starting lineup. Not many high schools can use a three-man front the way Punahou does.

Junior nose guard Joseph Naula (6-0, 270), sophomore tackle Patamo Soa (6-0, 283) and junior tackle Canton Burke Kaumatule (6'7, 275) make a formidable front. Because of an assortment of injuries, this will be Kaumatule's fourth start of the season.

The linebackers for Punahou are literally murders' row, at least numerically. No. 3 is senior Tumuauatasi Tuinei, No. 4 is junior Ronley Lakalaka, No. 5 is junior Saitui Moea'I and No. 6 is junior Kalama Chung.

The front seven will have to pressure Milton, yet, keep him contained. The onus might be on the secondary of Robert Straton, Joseph Augafa, Randon Oda and Dayson Watanabe to blanket Milton's receivers.

This is Punahou's fifth tournament appearance and it has played for the championship each time. The Buffanblu, though, are 1-3 in titles game, with all three losses against Kahuku. If Punahou is looking for history on its side, its only championship came against Leilehua in 2008. Like the Trojans, the Mules are an O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red West team.

If Punahou wins, it will be the school's first unbeaten team since 1961. The Dave Eldredge-coached team went 12-0. That team included Pal Eldredge and University of Hawai'I football coach Norm Chow. The heaviest player was 225-pound lineman Hardy Spoehr.