HondaReport.com - More Kamehameha-Punahou pupus

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008
There is rarely enough space in our beloved Honolulu Star-Bulletin for the incessant, endless drivel of my pen. So here's more about tomorrow's key ILH D-I battle.

Punahou, meanwhile, has been rested for two weeks since losing to Saint Louis. When quarterback Cayman Shutter went down with a shoulder injury at Castle on Aug. 29, the Buffanblu had a balanced attack. Kimo Makaula took the reins that night, with virtually no preparation, and Punahou ran 37 times with just 22 total pass attempts.

Since then, they've leaned back toward the passing game. Down early against Saint Louis, Punahou threw much more often. Both Shutter and Makaula aired it out, though the former was rusty and the latter got hot late in a 21-point loss. Both will probably play tomorrow, Ane said.

Shutter's injury will probably nag him for the rest of the season, but he has rehabbed well.

The Buffanblu have run the ball 48 percent of the time this season, but last year's numbers might indicate something different tomorrow. In the first matchup, Dalton Hilliard rushed 24 times for 100 yards as Punahou ran more than it threw (35-31).

In the second meeting, Hilliard ran for 91 yards on 17 carries and scored on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Shutter, while Te'o rumbled in for three touchdowns. Again, Punahou ran more than it threw (32-23). Kamehameha was very balanced against the Buffanblu, but in the latter matchup, Punahou came up with three picks.

The difference this season? Kamehameha's receivers are more acclimated to the system. Ho is one of the state's top breakaway running backs. Whether Punahou's defense can stop the stretch and inside trap plays — and Kamano's crafty play-action tosses to the tight end — will be a key measuring stick.

Te'o, who amassed 19 tackles against Saint Louis, could have another monster game. He can't do everything, however, if Punahou is forced to stack the box and leave its cornerbacks in 1-on-1 scenarios.

Kamano's deep tosses to Maika Mataele were often thwarted by Casey Kamakana in the loss to Saint Louis. Kamano will likely test his reach again tomorrow.
Kamehameha's defense picked its poison last week and didn't exactly fail. The Warriors sacked Saint Louis' Jeremy Higgins four times, including two by linebacker Sean Egdamin.

Punahou might not be willing to subject Shutter's shoulder to re-injury, so putting Makaula — one of the state's best tight ends — in the pocket may be a necessity. Makaula is 44-for-65 for 630 yards and six touchdowns. Two of his three interceptions, however, came last week.

If he isn't gassed from chasing Ho and Kamano, Te'o figures to finally see action at running back. With the 230-pound Te'o and Hilliard, there may not be a better backfield in the state.