Punahou got its non-league slate started as expected, controlling the action on both sides of the ball en route to a 35-0 rout of Konawaena.

Led by a pair that looked poised for breakout seasons on offense, the Buffanblu quickly built a three score lead at the end of the first quarter and added two more touchdowns in the second quarter to invoke the mercy rule.

Nelson Aau punched in the game's first score from two yards out, then after the defense forced a three and out on the Wildcats first drive,  broke off a 44 yard run on the first play of the Buffanblu's second possession for another touchdown.

Aau, a senior running back, was second in rushing volume a season ago for Punahou, logging 180 yards on 36 carries for three TDs.

Sophomore Zion White had four receptions for 70 yards and two scores, and clearly looks to be called upon as the lead pass catcher on the team now with the departure of Astin Hange to graduation.

Punahou shuttled two quarterbacks into the game, starter Sean Connell, who transferred back to Punahou after a season at Kaiser, and freshman Hunter Fujikawa, and the duo combined to complete 15 of 22 passes for 181 yards and three scores on one interception.

Defensively, the Buffanblu clamped down early and never let the Wildcats get into any kind of rhythm offensively.

Sophomore Keenan Alani completed just 6 of 19 passes for 22 yards with an pick, and kept Hercules Nahale largely held in check, registering just 50 yards on 17 carries.

Ko'o Kia had 12 total tackles, four for loss and added tree passes defended, Donte Utu registered three tackles, a pair of pass break ups and a fumble recovery and Madden Kong chipped in five tackles, two for loss.

Talia Vaimoana had an interception for the Buffanblu, Konawaena's Kaiea Thomas had the other in the contest.

The Wildcats had its best chance to put points on the board in the fourth quarter, as it drove down just outside the 20 yard line before opting for a 43 yard field goal on fourth down that came up just short of the post.