Posted on: Saturday, October 9, 2004
Defense propels Punahou by Damien
By Kyle Sakamoto
Advertiser Staff Writer
Punahou entered its football game against Damien having given up the most yards and points per game in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu.
The Buffanblu defense, however, made major strides in a 35-0 victory yesterday over the visiting Monarchs.
Punahou (1-2 ILH, 3-3 overall) forced four second-half turnovers — two on special teams — and yielded 91 total yards and four first downs.
"We played very well defensively, our kids picked up the scheme," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "I'm very pleased with their performance."
The Buffanblu, who play in the ILH Division I, looked nothing like the team that was surrendering 290.8 yards and 25.6 points per game in the six-team ILH.
The Division II Monarchs punted eight times, including seven after failing to pick up a first down. The deepest penetration by Damien was the Punahou 31-yard line.
"We punted a little too much," Damien co-coach Rudy Alejo said. "When we got something going we couldn't follow up on it. Punahou is a good team."
Damien (0-2-1, 2-4-1) entered as the ILH's top rushing team, averaging 152.5 yards per game. Against Punahou, the Monarchs had 26 rushes for 63 yards.
The Monarchs ran a lot of delayed handoffs, and Punahou's defense was often able to get good penetration and shut down the running lanes.
"They kept us at bay; our running game didn't do so well," Alejo said.
The Monarchs' passing game also struggled with George Martin completing 4 of 16 passes for 28 yards.
"We played exclusively man (coverage) because they run the ball so well," Ane said. "It put a lot of pressure on our corners and safeties to play man, but they were up to the job today."
The Buffanblu scored 21 points off turnovers, including a 60-yard interception return for a touchdown by defensive back Maika Murashige off a Monarchs' fake punt in the fourth quarter.
"It's a coach's dream to create turnovers and score off of turnovers, and once you get one everyone starts feeding off it, so the momentum really changes," Ane said. "We were hoping to get as many as we can and it worked out real well today."
Punahou's Brett Kan completed his first 11 passes and finished 14 of 21 for 153 yards and a touchdown.
The 35-point mercy rule went into effect after Punahou backup quarterback Justin Ingalls hit Paul Hayes on a 9-yard touchdown pass with 7:13 remaining in the game. The score was set up by an interception by defensive back Keoki Hong.
Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8041.
PUNAHOU (1-1, 3-2) 7 0 7 21—35 Pun—Colin Viloria 2 run (River Kim kick)
Pun—Steven Dannaway 46 run (Kim kick)
Pun—Maika Murashige 60 interception return (Kim kick)
Pun—Jeremiah Ostrowski 21 pass from Brett Kan (Kim kick)
Pun—Paul Hayes 9 pass from Justin Ingalls (Kim kick)
RUSHING—Damien: Kris Herauf 6-12, Kealoha Pilares 2-5, Fuava'a Faualo 12-40, George Martin 4-(minus 24), Landen Dela Cruz 1-8, Rein Ota 1-22. Punahou: Kainoa Johnson 8-72, Viloria 8-18, Dannaway 4-58, Bucky Aona 1-(minus 2), Zac Yamagishi 1-5, Mat Young 1-1, Ingalls 1-(minus 6).
PASSING—Damien: Martin 4-16-1—28, Mikaele Lonomana 0-1-1—0. Punahou: Kan 14-21-1—153, Ingalls 4-7-0—37.
RECEIVING—Damien: Pilares 2-9, Brandon Baguio 1-3, Bronson Sonico 1-16. Punahou: Viloria 5-22, Ostrowski 5-62, Brian Matsumoto 3-64, Dannaway 1-5, Trenton Zane 1-14, Hayes 3-23.
DAMIEN (0-2-1, 2-4-1) 0 0 0 0— 0
