Kamehameha outlasts Punahou in defensive matchup to remain undefeated

Greg Yamamoto | SL

With first place on the line Saturday afternoon, Kamehameha were able to pull out a 20-7 win against the home team Punahou in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) matchup.

The win for the Warriors (5-0) gave them the first-place spot in the conference, and put the Buffanblu (4-1) into second place with three games remaining in the regular season.

"This win was huge to us," said Kamehameha's athletic director Gerald Welch, who spoke for the team's head coach. "Being in the driver's seat after this game will go a long way, and hopefully boost our confidence."

Both teams were undefeated heading into the game, and the top two defensive teams in the league. Characteristically, both teams held each other to season-low scores due to the defensive presence that resulted in four interceptions.

The Warriors were able to grab momentum after a slow start with a pick-six from senior Kapri Friel-Lacar at the end of the second quarter. The 39-yard interception to the house gave the Warriors their first lead of the game at 13-7. The interception came after its offense drove down and scored a touchdown to tie the game.

"I started noticing that every time she (Punahou's quarterback) turns quick onto our side, she's just going to throw the quick out, so once I saw her turn her feet towards my side, I knew to jump the quick out immediately," Lacar said. "It was a pretty big momentum swing, because we were just down 7-0 and now we were winning."

Joining Lacar was Kamehameha's freshman Courtney Faria, who was able to grab two interceptions. While for the Buffanblu, Makayla Albano was able to grab the team's only interception.

Despite a heavily defensive game, the Warriors quarterback Rylee Paranada made a huge impact all over the field with 98 rushing yards, 140 passing yards, 22 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. The numbers from the game back up her being in the top five in the league for rushing and passing.

"When my receivers weren't open, I knew I had legs, and was able to run to get yardage to help my team," said Paranada, who was also the starting point guard for the Warriors girls' basketball team that won the state championship. "I just like to translate what I learned from basketball, like running up and down the court and constantly moving my feet."

Punahou's starting quarterback Maryah Puletasi,who leads the league in yards and touchdowns, was out of the game due to injury. Her backup, Lexi Tu, was still able to total up 211 passing yards and a touchdown despite the three interceptions. However, Puletasi's presence was missed with the team only scoring seven points.

"It's a big win for the girls, and hopefully they're ready for the next time," said Welch.