HHSAA Division I FOOTBALL: Punahou Blanks Baldwin, Advances to State Championship Game

By Kyle Galdeira

Punahou intertwined an efficient offensive attack and stifling defense as the Buffanblu bested Baldwin 35-0 in the first semifinal game of the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA State Football Championships tonight at Aloha Stadium.

With the win, second-seeded Punahou (11-2) advances to Friday’s tournament championship game against the Kahuku/Leilehua winner.
 
The Interscholastic League of Honolulu champion Buffanblu rode the hot arm of quarterback Larry Tuileta who passed for 264 yards and four touchdowns—one score in each quarter. KJ Sekona, Ryan Tuiasoa, Cody Lee and Malik Johnson hauled in a touchdown pass apiece while Steven Lakalaka scored on a five-yard run in the second quarter as Punahou controlled the clock and converted all three of its attempts in the red zone.

Lakalaka finished with 75 yards on the ground to go with 32 yards on four receptions. The back contributed to his squad’s 370 total yards, while the Buffanblu held Baldwin to 85 yards—fewer than two yards-per-play.
       
The Maui Interscholastic League champion Bears (9-2) were led offensively by Kaiana Camvel. The senior receiver caught three balls for 40 yards and added a five-yard run. Baldwin made the semifinal round after defeating Oahu Interscholastic Association’s runner-up finisher Farrington, 28-24, the week prior. Punahou, the 2008 state champion, enjoyed a first-round bye as the ILH champion.