Prep Game Of The Week – 8/27/14

FOOTBALL
SAINT LOUIS vs. PUNAHOU
AUG. 29, 2014, 7:30 P.M.
@ALOHA STADIUM

Chris Hart

As a proud Punahou alumnus, I may be a little biased. And, yes, Punahou hasn’t played a game yet because its game against Leilehua was canceled because of Iselle. But as much as I respect the Saints — us old people still call them the Saints — Punahou is ranked No. 1 in the Star-Advertiser poll for a reason. Statistically speaking, Kanawai Noa is possibly the best wide receiver in the history of Hawaii high school football. Ronley Lakalaka is a returning all-state linebacker, Wayne Taulapapa is a stud at running back, Semisi Uluave will be playing for some NFL offensive line one day, and a healthy Canton Kaumatule has as many scholarship offers as Manti Te’o. If it’s a close game, look for kicker Alex Trifonovitch to clinch the win for Punahou. I love Cal Lee and the Saints, but there is simply too much talent on my Puns team!

Gary Dickman

Your Puns, Chris? Yes, Punahou is ranked No. 1, and as the defending state champions, deservedly so. But what the Crusaders — yes, Crusaders —have in their favor is that this is their third game of the season. As you mentioned, this will be Punahou’s first game, and there could be some rust. Punahou also is breaking in a new quarterback to replace all-state player Larry Tuileta. The Crusaders already have been well-tested in their first two games, playing against Mililani and a top-five nationally ranked team in St. John Bosco from California. The quarterback position for Saint Louis is solid, and Coach Lee has a quality group of receivers led by Drew Kobayashi and Allan Cui. Scoring points won’t be a problem. Defense has been an issue, but in their third game, Saint Louis will buckle down and beat Punahou by a point.

Tune into the Sports Animals Gary Dickman and Chris Hart Weekdays 3 7 p.m.