Kamehameha up
to No. 1

The top spot may be cursed.

Following a clutch 27-17 win over Punahou, Kamehameha collected 21 of 23 first-place votes to dethrone the previously top-ranked Buffanblu. Today, the Warriors became the third team this year to become No. 1 in the Star-Bulletin Football Top 10.

Punahou and Kahuku followed the Warriors, garnering one first-place vote each. Iolani, meanwhile, handled Damien 24-7, yet slipped to No. 4. The Raiders also garnered a first-place vote, a measure of their record against Hawaii teams (4-0).

Iolani coach Wendell Look isn't superstitious. The strength of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, which has four teams in the Top 10, leads to parity.

"I don't think it's a curse. Every week in the ILH is gonna be tough no matter who you play. We could have the possibility of six ILH teams in your Top 10," Look said. "I'm surprised Damien hasn't been there. They're a good team, very physical and their defense is solid."

Dropping a notch in the poll doesn't matter to Look. "I don't know what they look for and stuff. If people think we belong there, fine. We're not used to being the top dog anyway, so it doesn't bother us," he said.