Punahou WR Kanawai Noa racked up 229 receiving yards on 11 receptions and a TD to lead Punahou back to D1 title game. ScoringLive file photo

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Melissa Ing, Brien Ing | SL

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As scary as it might sound, wide receiver Kanawai Noa wasn't playing at full strength in Punahou's 49-19 victory over Mililani in the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Division I Football semifinals.

The game marked the first time he was back on the gridiron since sustaining an ankle injury in the Buffanblu's win over Iolani on October 5.

"About a 90, 95 (percent)." replied Noa when asked about how close his ankle was to being fully recovered. "But I tried my best."

His performance in the semifinals certainly indicated as much, as the sophomore proceeded to rack up a season-high 229 yards on 11 catches, one of them a 68-yard strike off a pump-fake from quarterback Larry Tuileta, where Noa was hit in stride and coasted his way into the endzone.

"Tui called that play right before we came out for that play." said Noa. "The corner just got caught on top the speed out and left me wide open."

Noa has now hit triple-digits in receiving yards in seven of eight games, and found the endzone at least once in every game he's suited up in. His 1,207 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns leads all Division I pass catchers statistically, as does his simply gaudy per game average of 150.9 yards per contest.

Kanawai and the Buffanblu will take on Kahuku Friday with the Division I Football title on the line. The two teams have already met once this season on August 18, with the Red Raiders taking home the victory in come-from-behind fashion, 21-13.

TOP PERFORMERS - WEEK 15

Radford LB Isaac Alualu recorded 10 tackles and had a fumble recovery against Iolani.

Nanakuli DB Eric Au Hoon-Kaawa recorded 7 tackles and a sack against Lahainaluna.

Nanakuli LB Troy Crawford recorded 7 tackles against Lahainaluna.

Iolani QB Reece Foy passed for 215 yards and 4 TDs against Radford.

Farrington LB Austin Faumui recorded 9 tackles against Kahuku.

Mililani DB Bronson Kaleinamoku-Chun recorded 8 tackles against Punahou.

Iolani RB Yuuya Kato rushed for 103 yards and a TD against Radford.

Punahou DL Canton Kaumatule recorded 7 tackles and 3 sacks against Mililani.

Lahainaluna DB Tytus Lucas recorded 5 tackles, had a 34 yard interception return for TD and added 64 yards rushing against Nanakuli.

Lahainaluna DL Hercules Mataafa recorded 4 tackles a sack and a forced fumble against Nanakuli.

Mililani QB Jarin Morikawa passed for 295 yards and 3 TDs against Punahou.

Iolani WR Tanner Nishioka had 8 receptions for 125 yards and a TD against Radford.

Punahou WR Kanawai Noa had 11 receptions for 229 yards and a TD against Mililani.

Punahou LB Isaac Savaiinaea recorded 10 tackles and a sack against Mililani.

Mililani WR Preston Sinn had 9 receptions for 109 yards against Punahou.

Iolani LB Josiah Situmeang recorded 5 tackles and added a 45 yard interception return for TD against Radford.

Farrington RB Tyler Taumua rushed for 104 yards and 2 TDs against Kahuku.

Kahuku LB Ku J Tapusoa recorded 7 tackles and a sack against Farrington.

Farrington LB Aisea Tavae recorded 11 tackles against Kahuku.

Punahou RB Ryan Tuiasoa had 2 receptions for 99 yards and a TD and also rushed for 60 yards and 2 scores against Mililani.

Punahou QB Larry Tuileta passed for 420 yards and 5 TDs against Mililani.

Kahuku KR Lasselle Thompson had a 95 yard kickoff return for TD against Farrington.

Kahuku RB Aofaga Wily rushed for 141 yards and 4 TDs against Farrington.