Quarterbacks Noah Sua-Godinet (8) and Ephraim Tuliloa (16) face off Friday when fifth-ranked Kamehameha faces off against top-ranked Punahou. ScoringLive photo illustration

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The final week of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu regular season will play out this weekend and playoff-seeding implications will be on the line in the Division I race.

Reigning state champion Punahou, the top-ranked team in the ScoringLive/OC16 Power Rankings, can clinch the top seed and a semifinal bye in the upcoming ILH postseason with a win over fifth-ranked Kamehameha Friday night.

The Buffanblu (5-0) have won the last three league titles and reached the state final each year. They have played just one D1 opponent all year — a 55-7 season-opening win over Saint Louis — and have had little difficulty, averaging 58 points per game, while allowing just 7 per game.

The Warriors (5-1 overall, 4-1 ILH), whose last state-tournament appearance came in 2009 when they won both the ILH and state crowns, has won their last two games since a 46-38 loss to Saint Louis. They are averaging 43.7 points per game, while allowing 22 per game defensively.

A Kamehameha win would force a three-way tie with a card draw determining the regular-season champion and the postseason seeding. If the postseason champion is different from the regular-season winner, there will be a winner-take-all playoff for the overall league title and the lone state-tournament berth.

We caught up with the head coaches of both teams earlier in the week.

ScoringLive: Describe your team's current situation in one word.
Doug Cosbie, Kamehameha coach: "Improving. We've played with a lack of discipline at times and it's getting better."
Kale Ane, Punahou coach: "Focused. I think they understand the significance of every game and the opportunity that's available to them."

SL: How near or far is your team from playing at its potential?
Cosbie: "I would say we're closing the gap, but there's a significant amount of improvement that needs to take place for us to reach our potential, but we are closing the gap. We're working on it, but we're not there yet."
Ane: "I think every coach has moments where they really are high on their team, but i think we all are striving for perfection and knowing that we can't get there drives us crazy, but i think that's what drives the staff and kids at all the schools to continue to challenge themselves as best they can."

SL: Which player(s) or position group would you consider to be the heart of your team?
Cosbie: "That's a difficult one, too. I think a couple groups. I think the defensive line first and then probably our receiving corps."
Ane: "I'm a linemen, so i'm going to say both offensive and defensive lines. We go as they go. If they protect our quarterback and establish the run, then we're a dangerous team. If our defensive line can get some pressure with three guys and stop the run, we're going to have a very good game."

SL: Do you feel league games between D1 and D2 teams are beneficial or detrimental?
Cosbie: "That is a tough one. I think this year they were more beneficial than last year. I think the D2 teams this year — Iolani is always a challenge — but I think the other three teams improved, especially Damien. I think Damien is a much better team than last year. It's definitely better than not playing, so I'll say it's not detrimental."
Ane: "It's interesting. I think a little bit of both. You always worry about safety facing a different level of competition, but we've been a developing team. My first six years we weren't very good. We got mercy ruled and it was difficult and I think you really have to look yourself in the mirror as what you need to do and go out and do it. It's not quite as easy as that — it took us six years — but it's also a great opportunity for the younger kids to play. I can't speak for the other D1 schools, but I think most of us play everyone. It's a good opportunity for them to be rewarded and recognized for their hard work as well."

SL: What are your thoughts about your opponent this week and how do you feel your team matches up?
Cosbie: "I think they're pretty good. They're definitely the best team in the state. In high school football, it's hard to rank teams in the whole country because there are so many teams playing so many different levels and styles, but as far as the state of Hawaii they're the best and I think on the national level they're right there with the teams that year after year are winning state championships and things like that, so it'll be a big challenge for us. They're a really good football team."
Ane: "Kamehameha is very athletic and they're very well coached. I think anytime a team is athletic and disciplined, it will be a problem. Offensively, it starts with their line, which is big and physical, they have a great running back and the quarterback is part of the run game, but he's also become a good passer as well. They have a lot of good weapons and they use them creatively. They're always looking for creative ways to attack you. The defense is aggressive and talented. Their defensive coordinator has a history of blitzing and trying to impose their will on you, so it will be a great challenge and we're looking forward to the opportunity."

SL: What do you think we can expect from Friday's game?
Cosbie: "We'll probably have a better idea on Thursday after practice, but our kids will play hard and if we just play a little more disciplined it should be a good game. If we continue to play how we've been playing — and it's not to say that individuals haven't played good at times — but we've been undisciplined at times and if we fix those things it should be a good game."
Ane: "I'm curious, too. I'm not sure what we're going to see. I think it's going to be a very entertaining game with lots of big plays — hopefully more by us than them — but both sides are very explosive. I think there will be some trick plays, including special teams. There's no holding, nothing to save it for. It's do or die. We have to win, they have to win. We're both in a situation where we have to win. There's tendencies, but when you down to a situation like this, all things go out the window and anything is possible. It should be very entertaining for fans, but it might be a nightmare for the coaches."

Kickoff between the Warriors and Buffanblu is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. The game will follow a Division II game between Pac-Five and Damien at 5:30 p.m.