Punahou defensive lineman Tevarua Tafiti (10) celebrated with teammates after running back a fumble recovery for a touchdown against Campbell. Photo by Jamm Aquino/Star-Advertiser.
Defense, senior leadership and mature underclassmen are all key ingredients for No. 2-ranked Punahou, which outlasted No. 5 Campbell 31-21 on Saturday night. Senior running back Vincent Terrell rushed for 189 yards and two touchdowns, sophomore defensive end Tevarua Tafiti returned a fumble 70 yards for a TD, and freshman quarterback John-Keawe Sagapolutele added another learning-on-the-job experience.
Punahou has a good young team. I don’t think they will get the crusaders this year, cal and ron usually do better the second time playing a team. But, I can see Puns taking it the next few years and their QB possibly breaking every career state passing record if he stays healthy. 4 years in that offense with those athletes! Wow.
I agree. Great young qb and their team is young. This senior class for St. Louis is really loaded but it’s hard to say who they have up next. Seems promising for Punahou one the near future.
I’ve been watching a lot of games and I really think Punahou probably has the best defensive in the State. Very Quick and close out well. Secondary most underrated. Attention is on Gilman ( very good player) but they also have #5 (junior) gives them height. #12 (senior) very quick does his job.
#15 (junior) probably one of the best defender in the state.( kid can play) #31 (junior) another good physical player( kid can play). Bright future for these young puns.
If Cal and Ron Lee is still coaching next year, it doesn’t matter what Punahou has, Crusaders will be tops again
I think Tua’s Sophomore year a veteran Puns team beat the Crusaders twice. That Crusader team was young and loaded on defense very similar to this years Puns.
Punahou has a great bunch of young men. Good talent all over the field and some are waiting for their chance to contribute to the teams success in the years to come. The possibilities for the future are great for Punahou..
I think Punahou and Crusaders are in similar situations with good young talent…IMHO Crusaders have more in terms of number of talented players…and size.
The difference I see now compared to back in the 90s when I played is kids transferring out of Saint Louis. Back then it was unheard of. I understand it’s a different time and kids don’t wanna wait when they know they can start somewhere else but Punahou seems to be doing a better job of convincing their players to buy into the process. Making the kids see 1st or 3rd string you are an important part of the TEAM!
@#3 Hi School Fan
Not sure abt #15 being one of the best in the “state”. Might want to work on trying to be the best (db) on the team first.
@MiliLouis
I don’t really care for Punahou but I gotta admit their D is legit. Secondary is young and #15 stood out the first time I saw them play. His play has been consistent. His speed and coverage puts him up there and remember this is the open. He’s going up against really good receivers.
@Hi School Fan
For someone who states “I don’t really care for Punahou”, it sounds like you must watch all of their games to call a particular player “one of the best defender in the state”. You got Gilman as a very good player, but #15 is one of the best in the state? Amazing observation. Plus there are a lot of good db’s around like Mokiao-Atimalala, Kaniho and Latu just to name a few.
This player (one of the best in the state) that you’ve singled out must have:
1) great highlight film of shutting down wr’s and battling and making the tough interceptions
2) must be a solid tackler that rarely misses
3) doesnt need to hold on double moves
4) able to cover a lot of ground and stays tight on coverage
(just to name a few qualities)
Not trying to put down any player, just challenging and questioning the statement that you’ve made. It almost sounds like you’re trying to hype someone up. Any chance that you’re related?
@MiliLouis
I’m a ‘79 St. Louis moved to Utah after Graduation. I miss watching Hawaii Ball and have been watching D1D2 and open since I came back. I’m still a Crusader by heart and that’s the reason why I said I really care for Punahou. Since I’ve been gone so long I have learned to Like other schools and not just my school.
As for the kid never met him, don’t know who he is. I saw games and he caught my eye so I watched couple more and he was consistent. Just giving the respect. You got good points and I give that to you. I hope your not one that went to Mililani. Back then that would never happen but times have change and you learn to like other schools so it’s ok.