CJ Caraang | SL

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In Saint Louis’ first two games of the year, there is no denying the fact that sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has outperformed senior Ryder Kuhns. The numbers support the claim: Tagovailoa is 28-of-43 passing for 335 yards and seven touchdowns while Kuhns is 21-of-42 passing for 207 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. The young gunslinger also can tout the rock having rushed for a team-leading 119 yards this year. For all things considered, Saint Louis coach Cal Lee has named Tagovailoa as the starter in the Crusaders’ contest against Punahou Friday.

However, there are a couple of matchup problems that the Buffanblu defense present that could hinder Tagovailoa’s performance in his first varsity start; matchups that Kuhns might be able to tackle on better.

Saint Louis slotbacks vs. Punahou linebackers

A lot of talk between the difference between Tagovailoa and Kuhns is that the offense seems to move down the field better with Tagovailoa at the controls. For that I say look at the leading receivers. Slotbacks Allan Cui (14 catches, 141 yards, two TDs) and Keanu Souza (eight catches, 110 yards, two TDs) have outshined wideout Drew Kobayashi (six catches, 79 yards) so far in 2014. A lot of those numbers can be attributed to Ron Lee’s return as offensive coordinator of the Crusaders. Lee brings a wealth of knowledge in the run-and-shoot system, an offense that relies on its slot receivers’ ability to churn up yards after the catch.

Cui and Souza have proven themselves to be effective pass catchers in space, but will face a tough task tonight when they go up against Punahou’s linebacker corps. Ronley Lakalaka, Saitui Moeai and Kalama Chung all return for their senior season as linebackers for the Buffanblu. Together they make up arguably the best linebacker corps in the state.

Although they have not played a game yet, they have proven that the Punahou defense is capable of shutting down a slot receiver. In the 2013 Division I state championship game, Punahou held Mililani slotback Bronson Ader to just 19 yards on eight catches (2.4 yards per catch).

If Punahou can take away one of Tagovailoa’s safety valves in the slot, they could force the young quarterback into making a number of ill-advised throws.

Southpaw and mount Kaumatule

Another thing of note is that Tagovailoa is a left-handed quarterback. When evading pressure quarterbacks tend to scramble towards the side that their throwing hand is on, mainly because it allows for an easier, more controllable throw on the run. That would be fine and dandy if it wasn’t for the fact that 6-foot-7, 290-pound Canton Kaumatule is playing right defensive end on the other side.

Kaumatule, a four-star Scout.com prospect, is a physical specimen that will dominate the line of scrimmage on every single play if he isn’t at least double-teamed. The senior defensive lineman is an elite talent that will disrupt any offensive game plan regardless of system.

In the likely event that Kaumatule comes crashing down in the Crusaders’ offensive backfield, Tagovailoa will need to resist the tendency to scramble left – and right into Kaumatule’s paws.

A case for Kuhns 

Even though Kuhns won’t be starting against Punahou, my gut tells me that the experienced signal-caller will still see playing time.

One thing that Kuhns has in his favor is that he tossed for 326 yards and four touchdowns in the Crusaders’ 2013 contest against the Buffanblu. Those passing totals were the highest that Punahou gave up to a Division I quarterback in its championship year. The next highest amount was to Mililani quarterback McKenzie Milton in the state title game (127 yards, one touchdown). 

Kuhns has also displayed a penchant for the long ball in his junior campaign. Kuhns’ 10.86 yards per pass attempt in 2013 was the highest out of all the players who attempted at least 20 passes during the season. This is something that the Crusaders can take advantage of especially with Punahou losing All-Hawaii first-team defensive back Joseph Augafa to graduation.