HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Punahou linebacker Manti Te'o was the Star-Bulletin State Defensive Player of the Year last season.
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All eyes on preseason No. 1 Punahou
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Banners celebrating state championships in nearly every sport hang in Punahou's Hemmeter Fieldhouse, with one glaring omission.
The Buffanblu have never won a state title in football, but that trend is expected to change by a panel of media and coaches.
Punahou is the Star-Bulletin's No. 1 team as the football season gets under way tonight with eight games.
Led by reigning defensive player of the year Manti Te'o, quarterback Cayman Shutter and tailback Dalton Hilliard, the Buffanblu have the name recognition to go all the way.
Where they end up will depend on how quickly the revamped offensive and defensive lines can achieve a level of play needed to bring Punahou the one state championship banner it has yet to hang.
BILLY HULL
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Punahou's Dalton Hilliard, center, is one of the top returning running backs in the state this year.
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When your defense is anchored by one of the highest-touted recruits ever to come out of Hawaii, expectations are high.
Saint Louis has ruled the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, claiming 20 of the last 22 league titles.
But it's Punahou, led by reigning Star-Bulletin defensive player of the year Manti Te'o and electrifying running back Dalton Hilliard, that is the favorite not only in the ILH, but the entire state.
The Buffanblu are the Star-Bulletin's No. 1-ranked team heading into the season. They received 13 out of a possible 24 first-place votes in a panel of coaches and media.
"It's something we're proud of," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "Anytime you're ranked No. 1, it shows that you've made a move in the right direction."
The Buffanblu never won more than six games in a season between 1999 and 2004, but are 26-6 over the last three seasons and made the state championship game in '05, losing a heartbreaker in the final seconds to Kahuku.
Te'o, who can go to practically any college he wants, will play both offense and defense, and will combine with Hilliard to form one of the most talented running back duos the state has seen in a long time.
The Buffanblu will need some help from an offensive line that will feature five new starters, which is Ane's biggest concern as their season opens Aug. 23 against Waianae.
"Our offensive and defensive lines need to get it done," Ane said. "We have very little experience on the offensive line coming back. It's going to take them some time getting comfortable."
No. 1 Punahou
Here's a look at Punahou's recent history and its schedule this season:
2007 (7-2)
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| McKinley |
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W 56-18
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| Leilehua |
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W 28-19
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| Kamehameha |
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W 28-7
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| Saint Louis |
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L 14-28
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| Pac-Five |
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W 44-28
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| Saint Louis |
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L 0-7
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| Kamehameha |
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W 31-17
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| Damien |
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W 55-38
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| Iolani |
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W 48-14 |
Previous four years
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2006: 8-2
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2005: 11-3, state final
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2004: 5-5
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| 2003: 6-4 |
2008
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| Aug. 23 |
Waianae
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| Aug. 29 |
at Castle
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| Sept. 6 |
at Central Kitsap (Seattle, Wash.)
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| Sept. 13 |
Saint Louis*
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| Sept. 26 |
Kamehameha*
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| Oct. 3 |
Word of Life
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| Oct. 10 |
Damien*
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| Oct. 17 |
Iolani
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| Oct. 24 |
Pac-Five*
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| Nov. 6 |
Kamehameha*
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| Nov. 24 |
Saint Louis* |
* -- at Aloha Stadium
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On paper: The Buffanblu have the capability to score a lot of points this year. Hilliard (5-foot-11, 195 pounds) and Te'o will be the focal running backs, but returning senior quarterback Cayman Shutter (6-1, 190) is no slouch. Kimo Makaula (6-2, 225), who recently committed to Hawaii, is the backup quarterback, but will play many positions, including tight end, receiver, defensive end and punter. Returning first-team, all-state wide receiver Robbie Toma is back as Shutter's main target.
Te'o is a one-man wrecking crew at linebacker, but will have help on the inside from Casey Shibuya. Sean McFadden anchors the secondary and rover Jeremy Ioane (5-11, 185) is "a sleeper" according to Ane.
The skinny: With all the talent at the skill positions, the offensive and defensive lines are going to be where the Buffanblu are tested. All five starting linemen on offense graduated last year, leaving Kaiwi Crabb (6-4, 252) and Ian Pene (6-1, 225) to carry the load as the only guys with experience. All-state defensive tackle J.J. Autele graduated, leaving Trevor Iosefa and converted linebacker Pasi Iaseta to fill that role.
X-factor: Handling the pressure.
Punahou has never been in this situation as the favorite heading into the season. It has the big names that people are enamored with, but football is as much of a team sport as any. It's going to take a collective effort from everybody, especially the big boys in the trenches, if the Buffanblu are to fulfill their lofty expectations.
