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Pupule's Top 10 ballot, Sept. 24
Posted at 11:49 AM
Yes, Kamehameha is No. 3 on my ballot. Why would the Warriors be lower? By Paul Honda Interesting twists and turns for voters in this week's For me ... it's a matter of logic and reasoning. A process of elimination. I still have Kamehameha high on my ballot, and Iolani still ranks ahead of Baldwin because Iolani has beaten quality teams. Baldwin has only one true peer in the MIL (Lahainaluna). Here's my ballot. 1. Punahou (5-0-0, 1-0-0 ILH). Resilience. The Buffanblu managed just one offensive touchdown against Kamehameha, but special teams and defense were superb. The team was composed well beyond their youth, especially on defense. Dick Tomey always said, win two of the three phases and you will probably win the game. Quality wins: Kahuku (20-18), at Waianae (21-12), Eastlake (Wash.) 23-16, Kamehameha (14-13). Note: Eastlake was ranked No. 3 and No. 1 by separate Washington state media. 2. Saint Louis (4-0-0, 0-0-0 ILH). The Crusaders rested this weekend, which will be a bonus when they face Punahou next weekend. Quality wins: McKinley (42-7), Leilehua (20-0), at Castle (17-13), Kamehameha (10-3). 3. Kamehameha (4-2-0, 0-2-0 ILH). Warriors lose another heartbreaker. Nice-looking pass attack in the second half against Punahou. Right now, it seems Punahou, Kamehameha and Farrington are dead even. Punahou over Kamehameha 14-13, Kamehameha over Farrington 7-6 ... could Saint Louis be the true No. 1? We'll find out soon enough. Quality wins: Aiea (35-20), Farrington (7-6), Redlands East Valley (Calif.) 9-7. Losses: Saint Louis (10-3), Punahou (14-13). 4. Farrington (4-1-0, 4-0-0 Red East). A lopsided win over Kalaheo. Govs are getting by without quarterback Elijah Filifili (broken hand). Quality wins: at Waianae (37-0). Loss: at Kamehameha (7-6). 5. Waianae (4-2-0, 4-0-0 OIA Red West). Another shutout, 28-0 over Radford. Waianae's defense has also shut out Leilehua. George Kauwalu is one of the leading candidates for Defensive Player of the Year. Quality wins: at Mililani (28-13), Campbell (16-14), at Leilehua (24-0), Radford (28-0). Losses: Farrington (37-0), Punahou (21-12). 6. Iolani (3-1-1, 1-0-1 ILH). Raiders weren't crisp offensively, but they were consistent when they had to be. Justin Yamamoto's durability was a huge factor in the 24-14 win over Damien. He finished with nearly 200 yards rushing on 29 carries. Quality wins: Radford (22-16), Pac-Five (24-14). Loss: Mililani (26-23). Tie: Damien (34-34). 7. Baldwin (4-0-0, 4-0-0 MIL). Bears are good, but how good? We won't know until the state tourney, if the Bears qualify. They got plenty of rest this weekend because of the Maui County Fair. Well, they should have gotten plenty of rest. Quality win: Lahainaluna (6-5). 8. Leilehua (3-2-0, 2-1-0 OIA Red West). Mules had the weekend off to think about last week's loss to Waianae. Quality wins: Radford (37-19), Mililani (23-14). Losses: Saint Louis (20-0), Waianae (24-0). 9. McKinley (3-2-0, 2-1-0 OIA Red East). The Tigers actually showed promise way back in mid-August when they battled Saint Louis for a half. That 7-0 midway score turned into a Saint Louis rout, but the Tigers have built momentum since then. Tilton Kaluna sustained a season-ending injury early last year, but he's back, healthy and one of the best leaders in the state. If he can guide this team to the state tourney, Kaluna will earn a spot next to Abel Werner as one of the best quarterbacks in McKinley history. Quality wins: at Kapolei (28-13), at Castle (12-9), Kahuku (14-13). Losses: Saint Louis (42-7), at Kailua (19-8). 10. Kahuku (3-2-0, 2-1-0 OIA Red East). Athletically, the Red Raiders belong in the Top 4. However, until they bounce back from Saturday's 14-13 loss to McKinley, I can't vote them any higher than this. Quality wins: none. Losses: Punahou (20-18), McKinley (14-13). Note: Kahuku defeated Narbonne (Calif.) 25-6; Narbonne is currently 1-2. On the cusp Under consideration Previous Article: Pupule Pigskin Picks Comments © Copyright 2003 HondaReport.com/Leahi.Net
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