HondaReport.com - Photo day is happy day at Punahou

Oh happy day. Unlike other schools, where photo day is free of parents, fans and obnoxiously loud bands, Punahou enjoys it to the fullest. You'd think a graduation ceremony was going on.

PUNAHOU — Gotta hand it to Punahou. Those Buffanblu know how to enjoy photo day to the fullest.

It began shortly after 5 p.m. yesterday as players trickled back onto the field in full uniform. It had just been a little while since they completed practice, 24 hours before their nonconference showdown with state champion Kahuku — the team Punahou had lost to in the final minutes of last year's title game.

Island Football, maker of the annual yearbook (program), was there with Eli Kapu. So was a photographer for the team. Parents were everywhere, more than I'd seen at any other shoot. By the time half the team was back on the track and standing for our cameras, there was a buzz in the air. And by 5:30, when cameras were clicking everywhere on the south straightaway at Alexander Field, there was as vibe similar to graduation day.

It went on, friends and family clicking away long after us media were done. Stacy Kaneshiro of the Advertiser made it there and got his camera rolling. I didn't have to stay, but it was a good opportunity to meet some players, get some of their observations about the new season, and talk with longtime coach Kale Ane.

What did they say? Nothing spectacular, but interesting nonetheless. The offense is in good shape with all of its skill-position players back. Building Punahou's roster on my NCAA Football 2007 video game will be a lot of fun. Is Brett Kan a 90 or 95 as a passer when I create a dozen high school teams? Is Miah Ostrowski a 93 or 96 as a wide receiver?

Punahou's special teams are solid, as well, with River Kim back for his senior year. Word is he blasted a 55-yard field goal the other day, off a tee and with no rush. Nice to have options if you're Punahou going up against Kahuku's cranky defense.

Speaking of defense, that's where Punahou has a ton of questions. Replacing last year's senior-laden unit is difficult, but there's no shortage of confidence for the returnees. Are they physical enough to handle Kahuku's 290-pound giants? Will they be smart enough to deal with Saint Louis' deft attack? Will Kamehameha simply smash Punahou's defense into smithereens?

Last year's team was fast, heady and experienced enough to make changes on the fly as Ane dictated. This year, question marks for Punahou and every team in the ILH mean more drama for fans. Count me in as one of those, by the way. Nothing beats a mystery that can last for weeks.

By 6:30 p.m., the photo party is still at full tilt on Alexander Field. I've had my fill of pics and quotes, and with a double rainbow above Manoa Valley and a soft blessing of teardrops from the sky, it's time for me to go. For the Buffanblu, there's no thought of yesterday or last season, not even of tomorrow. They just enjoy the moment for what it is.

Discipline and organization are great, but these guys celebrate those traits. Life is good if you're a Buffanblu football player.