Mainland fans will get a first-hand, up-close look at Sports Illustrated's No. 1-ranked high school athletic program this weekend, as Punahou's football and girls volleyball teams will make a return appearance at the Emerald City Invitational and Kickoff Classic in Seattle.

The Buffanblu girls volleyball team will participate in tonight's "jamboree" type Volleyball Invitational along with Seattle-area teams Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma), Central Kitsap (Silverdale) and Eastlake (Sammamish). Each team will play two sets against each of the other schools.

Punahou finished third in the state last season.

Tomorrow night, the Buffanblu football team will play Central Kitsap in the feature game of the Kickoff Classic at Qwest Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks.

Two years ago, Punahou defeated Eastlake, 23-16, in the feature game of the Classic.

"We're very excited," said Buffanblu senior linebacker/fullback Manti Te'o, who scored two touchdowns in the 2006 victory over Eastlake.

Punahou's teams might be under an even stronger microscope this time around, about 3 1/2 months after Sports Illustrated ranked the Buffanblu athletic program as No. 1 among more than 38,000 high schools across the nation.

Punahou's football team, 2-0 after nonleague victories over Wai'anae and Castle, enters tomorrow's game ranked No. 1 in The Advertiser's statewide Top 10 poll of coaches and media.

But as in 2006, the Buffanblu will have to try to win without a key injured starter.

Senior quarterback Cayman Shutter suffered an injury to his right (throwing) shoulder early in last week's win at Castle. He saw a doctor Tuesday and was cleared to make the trip, but will not play, Punahou coach Kale Ane said.

"Nothing's broken or torn," Ane said of the shoulder. "He still has to go through some rehab, but he should be healthy and back playing sooner than everybody thought. But we will not rush him back."

Fellow senior Kimo Makaula, who shared the starting quarterback job with Shutter for much of last season, took over after Shutter was injured against Castle and will get the start tomorrow. Makaula had been playing tight end/receiver/defensive end this season.

"Sometimes it's better when you move back (to quarterback) from a different position, because then you have better viewpoints," Ane said. "He and the other guys have just got to be ready to step up."

In the victory over Eastlake two years ago, the Buffanblu's All-State receiver, Miah Ostrowski, suffered a sprained ankle in the second quarter and did not return. Te'o said he and his teammates were forced to learn how to pull together and will need that same resolve tomorrow.

"We learned that everybody has gotta step up," Te'o said. "Sometimes things like (injuries) will come at you, but you just have to grab the opportunity and have the courage to shine. Kimo did a great job (against Castle), and we're more than ready to go up there and represent Hawai'i."

Ane said Central Kitsap, a 4A (highest classification) team that went 9-2 and made it to the state tournament last season, presents a good challenge for Punahou.

"They blitz a lot on defense, which is always a concern, and they're well-coached," said Ane, who watched film of the Cougars from last year. "This is their first game, so they've had the whole summer to prepare for us. But then again, we've played two games, so that helps us."

The travel party left Honolulu Wednesday afternoon, and Ane said the athletes would get a chance to visit area colleges during the trip.