Hawaiian Electric Game of the Week
No. 1 Punahou to face No. 2 Kamehameha Saturday




The top two teams in the state face off Saturday night with a leg-up in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I race on the line.

Two-time league champion Punahou, the No. 1-ranked team in the ScoringLive/OC16 Power Rankings, meets second-ranked Kamehameha in the nightcap of an ILH tripleheader at Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium and the UHA Game of the Week.

Damien and Saint Francis - a pair of Division II teams - get things started at 2p.m. before Iolani plays Saint Louis at 4:45 p.m. Kickoff between the Buffanblu and Warriors is slated for 7:30 p.m.

Punahou is led on offense by third-year starter Larry Tuileta (595 pass yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs) and averages more than 27 points and nearly 380 yards per game. Wide receiver Kanawai Noa (16 receptions, 298 rec. yards, 2 TDs) has been Tuileta's favorite target again this season after leading the state in receiving yards a season ago.

The Buffanblu are defensively by linebackers Saitui Moeai (team-high seven tackles vs. Damien) and Tumua Tuinei (six tackles, one sack vs. Damien). They are allowing just under seven points and 190 yards per game by opposing offenses.

Kamehameha's trademark through five games has been a hard-hitting, unrelenting defense that has playmakers at every level. Defensive end Mika Tafua (six tackles, forced fumble vs. Kealakehe) and linebackers Chad Souza (five tackles, two sacks, forced fumble vs. Kealakehe) and Calen Scot Holt (INT return for TD vs. Castle) are among the standouts. The Warriors are allowing just over eight points and 130 yards per game on defense.

Running back Brandon Kahookele (699 rush yards, 6 TDs, 7.1 yards per carry), the top rusher in D1, has filled in admirably for injured starter Kaulana Apelu, who suffered a torn ACL in the first game of the season. The offense averages over 32 points and 375 yards of total offense per game.

Punahou will be without a number of starters Saturday, including running back KJ Sekona and defensive end Ruairi Brady.

Meanwhile, Kamehameha will start Kayson Nakatsu at the second running back spot aside Kahookele for the second straight week. Kainoa Simao did not play in the Warriors' win over Iolani last week.

The teams split their two meetings last season. Punahou won the first meeting (34-14) and Kamehameha took the second (42-27).

A live audio stream of the game will be available on ScoringLive.com and simulcast on NBC Sports Radio/AM1500. Calling the game will be Jim Oshiro (play-by-play) and Mark Veneri (color commentary).

INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE OF HONOLULU

No. 1 Punahou vs. No. 2 Kamehameha, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. at Aloha Stadium

Live audio: ScoringLive.com; simulcast on NBC Sports Radio/AM1500

The Buffanblu (3-0 overall, 1-0 ILH) are coming off a 48-0 blowout of Damien Saturday. Running back Wayne Taulapapa, filling in for injured-starter KJ Sekona, rushed for a pair of touchdowns and quarterback Larry Tuileta connected on eight of his 13 pass attempts for 153 yards and three touchdowns in the win. The Warriors (5-0 overall, 2-0 ILH) got 244 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries from running back Brandon Kahookele in a 38-22 win over six-time Division II champion Iolani Friday. Cornerback Dylan Kane scored on a 26-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Raiders.

Iolani vs. No. 3 Saint Louis, Saturday, 4:45 p.m. at Aloha Stadium

The Raiders (3-2 overall, 1-1 ILH), ranked third in this week's ScoringLive/OC16 Division II Power Rankings, held an early 7-0 lead but allowed 38 straight points in a 38-22 loss to Kamehameha Friday. Despite 278 offensive yards - the most allowed by the Warrior defense in a game this season - Iolani couldn't overcome 375 rushing yards by Kamehameha. The Crusaders (3-1 overall, 1-1 ILH) rolled to a 73-6 win over Pac-Five Friday, led by running back Adam Noga's 149 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Ryder Kuhns threw for 126 yards and three scores in less than one half of action.

Damien vs. Saint Francis, Saturday, 2 p.m. at Aloha Stadium

The Monarchs (2-2 overall, 1-1 ILH) recorded just 107 yards offensively and allowed 382 defensively in a 48-0 loss at Punahou Saturday. Damien trailed 21-0 after the first quarter and 42-0 at halftime. The Saints (1-2 overall, 0-1 ILH) were idle last week after a 35-0 loss at Iolani in their ILH varsity debut on Aug. 30. Quarterback Ranan Mamiya accounted for 148 all-purpose yards, but Saint Francis allowed 21 first-quarter points by the Raiders and never recovered

OAHU INTERSCHOLASTIC ASSOCIATION

RED EAST CONFERENCE

Castle at No. 5 Kahuku, Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Carleton E. Weimer Field

The Knights (2-3 overall, 1-2 OIA Red East) scored a 21-7 upset over then-division leader McKinley Friday. Utility man Ikaika Urasaki caught 12 passes for 108 yards with two touchdowns - both from Pono Makekau -  and scored on a 59-yard interception return in the fourth quarter. The Red Raiders (2-2 overall, 2-0 OIA Red East) posted a 33-19 win over Moanalua Saturday, in which linebacker Manaia Atuaia intercepted a pair of passes and returned one for a touchdown.

McKinley vs. Farrington, Saturday, 6 p.m. at Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium

TV: OC16

The Tigers (3-2 overall, 2-1 OIA Red East) lost their first league game Friday in a 21-7 defeat at Castle. Mathias Tuitele-Iafeta scored on a 7-yard touchdown run for McKinley, which generated just 242 yards of total offense. The Governors (2-2 overall, 2-0 OIA Red East) pounded out 484 yards of offense, including 279 rushing yards, in a 31-14 win over Kailua Saturday. Running back Sanele Lavatai had 159 yards yards rushing and three touchdowns against the Surfriders.

Moanalua vs. Kaimuki, Saturday, 6:30 p.m. at Kaiser Stadium

Na Menehune (1-4 overall, 1-2 OIA Red East) failed to hold onto a 12-6 first quarter lead Saturday in a 33-19 loss at Kahuku. Wide receiver Jason Sharsh hauled in 12 receptions for 161 yards with a touchdown and running back Ishmil Scott scored a pair of rushing touchdowns in the loss. The Bulldogs (1-3 overall, 0-2 OIA Red East) have lost their last three games, but are coming off a bye week. Kaimuki manged just 101 yards of total offense in its last game, a 35-0 loss to McKinley on Aug. 31.

RED WEST CONFERENCE

No. 6 Waianae at No. 8 Campbell, Friday, 7:30 p.m.

The Seariders (4-1 overall, 2-1 OIA Red West) amassed 408 yards of total offense in a 39-21 win over Leilehua. Running back Ronald Matautia ran in three touchdowns and Trensten Spragling added 120 rushing yards against the Mules. The Sabers (3-1 overall, 1-1 OIA Red West) had a bye last week and last played in a 28-7 win at Aiea on Aug. 30. Quarterback Isaac Hurd threw two touchdown passes and ran in two other scores to rally Campbell from a 7-0 first-quarter deficit against Na Alii. 

No. 9 Kapolei at No. 7 Leilehua, Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Hugh Yoshida Stadium

The Hurricanes (4-1 overall, 2-1 OIA Red West) held off Aiea Friday in a low-scoring affair, 10-7. Place kicker Arielle Stoyanow made a 26-yard field goal in the first quarter and running back Tristan Pebria scored on an 18-yard run in the third against Na Alii. The Mules (3-1 overall, 1-1 OIA Red West) allowed 356 rushing yards and committed five turnovers in a 39-21 loss to Waianae Friday. Quarterback Mack Eberhardt threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns, but was also intercepted twice in a losing effort.

Aiea at Waipahu, Saturday, 6:30 p.m. at Masa Yonamine Athletic Complex

Na Alii (2-3 overall, 0-3 OIA Red West) have three straight games since a 2-0 start. Elijah Tausaga's 15-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Derryl Ogawa-Staples was Aiea's only score in a 10-7 loss at Kapolei Friday. The Marauders (1-3 overall, 0-2 OIA Red West) have also dropped their last three contests. Gavin Marques, who is expected to start at quarterback Saturday, scored one of two rushing touchdowns in a 39-12 loss to Mililani Friday.

WHITE CONFERENCE

Anuenue at Pearl City, Friday, 5 p.m. at Bino Nieves Stadium

Na Koa (0-4 overall, 0-3 OIA White), the lone winless team in the OIA, lost to Roosevelt Friday, 24-14. Running back AJ Grace-Kekawa ran in two touchdowns in a losing effort. The Chargers (2-2 overall, 2-1 OIA White) won their second straight game Friday - 49-8 over Waialua - after an 0-2 start to 2013. Quarterback Jordan Taamu threw a pair of touchdown passes and running back Justin Dupio added two rushing scores in the win.

Nanakuli at Kaiser, Friday, 7 p.m.

TV: OC16

The Golden Hawks (2-2 overall, 2-1 OIA White) were idle last week and last played on Aug. 30, when they beat Roosevelt, 28-21. Running back Naliko Kea scored a pair of rushing touchdowns in the win. The Cougars (3-1 overall, 3-0 OIA White), ranked second in the SL/OC16 D2 Power Rankings, romped Waialua Friday, 56-0. Running backs Fitou Fisiiahi and Thomas Leong combined for 272 of Kaiser's 322 rushing yards against the Bulldogs.

Waialua at Radford, Friday, 7:30 p.m. at John Velasco Stadium

The Bulldogs (1-4 overall, 1-3 OIA White) were shutout by Kaiser, 56-0, Friday to drop their second straight game. Waialua allowed 322 rushing yards by the Cougars and trailed 35-0 by halftime. The Rams (4-1 overall, 3-1 OIA White) escaped with a 47-37 win over Kalani Friday behind Tobias Powell's 173 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Wide receivers Jameson Pasigan and Absolom Henry both caught a touchdown pass and had over 100 receiving yards against the Falcons.

Kalani at Roosevelt, Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium

The Falcons (2-3 overall, 2-2 OIA White) made a late push against Radford Friday, but came up short in a 47-37 loss. Quarterback Noah Brum threw for 387 yards with five touchdowns - four to wide receiver Brandon Roberts, who finished with 10 receptions for 154 yards - in a losing effort. The Rough Riders (1-4 overall, 1-3 OIA White) picked up their first win of the year with their 24-14 win over Anuenue Friday.

BIG ISLAND INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION

Hawaii Prep vs. Waiakea, Friday, 7 p.m. at Francis Wong Stadium

Ka Makani (3-1 overall, 1-1 BIIF) are coming off a 34-21 upset victory of reigning league D1 champ Kealakehe Saturday. Quarterback Koa Ellis threw two touchdown passes and running back Bobby Lum added a pair of rushing scores in the win. The Warriors (2-3 overall, 1-1 BIIF) fell short in a 27-25 loss to Kamehameha-Hawaii Friday. Running back Devin Preston rushed for two scores and caught a touchdown pass in the loss.

Keaau at Konawaena, Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Julian Yates Field

The Cougars (0-2 overall, 0-2 BIIF) lost to Hilo, 35-7, Saturday. It was the second loss to a Division I team in as many week for Keaau, which lost to Kealakehe, 21-12, in its season debut back on Aug. 31. The Wildcats (3-1 overall, 2-0 BIIF) blasted Honokaa, 45-0, Friday behind 331 passing yards and five touchdowns from quarterback Brandon Howes, including two scoring strikes to wide receiver Chase Takaki.

Honokaa vs. Hilo, Saturday, 7 p.m. at Francis Wong Stadium

The Dragons (0-3 overall, 0-1 BIIF) suffered a 45-0 loss at Konawaena Friday. Honokaa allowed 414 yards of total offense by the Wildcats, and trailed 24-0 at the end of the first quarter. The Vikings (3-0 overall, 2-0 BIIF) are coming off a 35-7 win over Keaau Saturday. Quarterback Donavan Kelley threw a touchdown pass, rushed for a score and caught a touchdown pass against the Cougars.

Kamehameha-Hawaii at Kealakehe, Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

The Warriors (2-2 overall, 1-0 BIIF) got three touchdown passes from quarterback Micah Kanehailua and running back Ina Teofilo rushed for 129 yards and another score in a 27-25 win over Waiakea Friday. The Waveriders (1-2 overall, 1-1 BIIF) suffered a rare home loss Saturday in a 34-21 decision against Hawaii Prep. Quarterback Kaimi Wilson found wide receiver Keaho Kaakimaka for a pair of touchdown passes in the loss.

MAUI INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE

Lahainaluna vs. Baldwin, Friday, 7 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium

The Lunas (4-0 overall, 2-0 MIL) posted their second shutout in three games with a 49-0 win rout over King Kekaulike Friday. Running back Christian Whitehead ran in a pair of touchdowns and Lahainluna, the top-ranked team in the SL/OC16 D2 Power Rankings, racked up 301 rushing yards. The Bears (2-2 overall, 2-0 MIL) posted 529 yards of total offense, led by running back Dusty Flores' 213 rushing yards and three touchdowns, in a 42-35 win over Kamehameha-Maui Saturday.

Maui at Kamehameha-Maui, Saturday, 7 p.m.

The Sabers (3-1 overall, 1-1 MIL) had a bye last week after a 32-7 win at King Kekaulike on Aug. 31. Running back Onosai Emelio ran for two touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass in the win. The Warriors (1-3 overall, 1-2 MIL) have lost their last two games, including a 42-35 decision against Baldwin Saturday. Receivers Keoni Keanini and Joshua Hiwatachi had two touchdown receptions apiece in the loss.

KAUAI INTERSCHOLASTIC FEDERATION

Kauai vs. Waimea, Friday, 7:30 p.m. at Hanapepe Ballpark

The Red Raiders (3-0 overall, 1-0 KIF) got by Kapaa in a defensive struggle, 6-3, in their league opener last week. Running back Reggie McFadden scored Kauai's lone touchdown on a 15-yard run in the third quarter. The Menehunes (1-3 overall, 0-1 KIF) were idle last week after a 23-0 loss to Kapaa on Aug. 30. Quarterback Fresno Masaniai threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another in the win.



Reach Kalani Takase at [email protected].




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