Punahou jumps to first,
Kahuku drops to fourth

Minutes before kickoff, Punahou's injured stalwarts never flinched.

Near their locker room tunnel at Aloha Stadium, running back Ryan Nobriga and linebacker Sam Higgins could only smile when they talked about their teammates, especially their backups.

Two hours later, their faith was proven correct. Punahou remained unbeaten with a resounding 31-20 win over a previously hot Saint Louis squad. Saturday's clash sent the two Interscholastic League of Honolulu title contenders in opposite directions, at least in the Star-Bulletin Top 10.

Punahou rose two spots to dethrone Kahuku for the No. 1 spot. Saint Louis (2-2) fell out of the Top 10 for the first time this season.

"It's nice to be recognized by other coaches, but you have to earn it by playing on the field," Punahou coach Kale Ane said last night. "We have to keep working hard, which is what got us this far."

Ane expects his team to stay even-keeled. "I think they'll take it in stride. It's just another step toward our goal, just one game at a time," he said.

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