John Lujan | SL

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MAKIKI — Kapolei paid a visit to Punahou Thursday afternoon for a scrimmage between the pair of state tournament hopefuls.

It was the first look for most fans at the Hurricanes, who brought on former University of Hawaii coach June Jones as their offensive coordinator earlier this year.

No score was officially kept, but Punahou scored four touchdowns to Kapolei's three. The game was tied at 14 at halftime (Note: I left Alexander Field before the start of the second half in order to get to another scrimmage). The time was kept on the field by the officials and there was no contact on any special teams' plays.

Both teams were without a handful of would-be starters. Wide receivers Ezra Savea, Marquise Montgomery and running back Antonio Filipo-Brown did not play for the Hurricanes, while wide receivers Keala Martinson and Cole Arceneaux were among those that sat out for the Buffanblu.

Here are a few notes I managed to scribble between plays:

• KAPOLEI
 -Defensive end Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa looks like a formidable pass rusher. He got into the backfield multiple times, including a big run stop on 4th and 1.
 -Slotback Jaymin Sarono caught about five passes in the first half, several of them behind the line of scrimmage. The sure-handed senior figures to get a lot of passes headed his way from quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa. Sarono caught an 11-yard touchdown pass on a dumpoff pass to the left flat on the first play of the second quarter for the first score of the afternoon. He pulled down the high, arching pass and shook a defender before outracing the safety to the end zone.
 -Tagovailoa has grown a few inches and put on about 15 pounds, but has also clearly taken some big strides in his continued development as a QB. He displayed a strong arm, confidence in his decision-making and a quick release. Tagovailoa's second TD pass came on the final play of the first half, when he hit Wyatt Perez for a 7-yard scoring strike.
 -From what I saw, neither team was really able to establish a consistent running game. Kapolei lost a fumble on its first rush attempt. Without running backs Josh Kansana, LJ Esperas and Filipo-Brown, ball security could become an issue.
-Hurricanes coach Darren Hernandez said that former UH assistant Dennis McKnight, who was set to join the Kapolei staff this season, returned to San Diego to care for his ailing mother. I did notice that former UH receiver Jeremiah Cockheran was helping out with the 'Canes offense.
 -Linebacker looks like a strong spot in the 4-3 defensive scheme. Tyler Vasega, Rocky Savea and company are not only stout against the run, they were very active in pass coverage as well Thursday. Destyn White had at least one pass batted away from his outside linebacker position.

• PUNAHOU
-Senior Nick Kapule and junior Stephen Barber shared time at quarterback for the Buffanblu. Kapule, a lefty, started and led three first-half series to one for Barber. Kapule looked comfortable in the pocket and worked through his progressions well. He misfired on a few occassions, but did not throw into much coverage. Barber displayed some nice touch as well and a tight spiral. Both quarterbacks have big, strong arms.
 -The defensive line, led by senior end Miki Suguturaga, looks like they'll be a force to be reckoned with this season. They were especially tough against the run Thursday, drawing double teams to free up second- and third-level defenders to make tackles.
 -It appears that Barber will play a significant role in the offense despite backing up Kapule. He brings toughness and athleticism as a runner, but didn't always display the best ball security in the first half when he tucked it and ran. Nonetheless, Barber delivered Punahou's first touchdown on a 30-yard pass to a wide open Eamon Brady.
 -Kapule has solid footwork and pocket presence, which he showed off on a long touchdown pass to Judd Cockett. Kapule eluded the Kapolei pass rush and found enough open space to get off the pass to Cockett, who carved his way through the 'Canes secondary en route to the end zone.
 -A lot of different bodies rotated at the various defensive back positions, so it seems that auditions are still being held for the starting jobs there, but the linebackers were steady. Seyddrick Lakalaka delivered a punishing hit on a running back and Alexander Skelton regularly filled running lanes.
 -The Buffanblu are loaded with experience in their receiving corps with Martin, Brady, Cockett, Arceneaux and Ethan Takeyama all returning, but lost a three-year starter at running back in Wayne Taulapapa (the second leading career rusher in Punahou history). If they can run the ball effectively out of their four-wide shotgun formation, it will go a long way to making them a contender for the ILH D1 crown this year.