John Lujan | SL

Purchase image 1 of 1

MAKIKI — As is the annual tradition between the two teams, Punahou hosted Farrington for a controlled scrimmage Saturday. Defending Division I state champion Kahuku joined in the festivities for a tri-scrimmage between three of the state's most storied programs on a blistering hot, sun-drenched morning at Alexander Field.

The teams rotated their offensive and defensive units by series against each other. Each series was approximately 10 plays with limited special teams' play.

Punahou's offense had the best showing of the day, scoring a total of seven touchdowns (four against Farrington and three against Kahuku), including four pass TDs by backup quarterback Stephen Barber. Kahuku scored two touchdowns (one against each opponent) and Farrington's lone score came against Punahou's reserves.

Here are some observations of all three teams from Saturday's scrimmage.

• FARRINGTON
  -The quarterback battle between seniors Justin Uahinui and Bishop Rapoza has yet to clear up, with neither having a great outing Saturday. Uahinui was the first QB in for the Govs, but threw an interception in the series before giving way to Rapoza, who guided the other two offensive series. Rapoza, who is the incumbent starter at the position, showed some indecision with the ball at times, but it was mostly against the Kahuku's first-team defense.
  -Running back Challen Faamatau is going to be the workhorse once again for the offense. Although his offensive line didn't give him much running room, Faamatau turned a couple of bad plays into positive yardage. The 15 pounds or so that he put on this offseason will go a long way to keeping him on the field and healthy as he'll likely get more than 20 touches in every game.
  -The offense struggled to get the ball to standout receiver Kingston Moses-Sanchez, who can be a gamebreaker. Instead of stretching the field, Moses-Sanchez was often the target of short passes, including a few receiver screens. If the Govs can find a reliable second wideout opposite of Moses-Sanchez, it'll help keep defenses from loading the box against Faamatau or double-teaming Moses-Sanchez.

• KAHUKU
  -The Red Raiders rotated a lot of bodies in a lot of position, so it was difficult to keep track of them all at times, but there wasn't a whole lot of drop off between the first and second units. Running back is one of those deep positions that saw a slew of bodies get in reps Saturday. Harmon Brown started, but saw limited carries. When he was in, he look very good. He waited patiently for his blocks to develop and showed burst through holes, including a 12-yard touchdown run against the Buffanblu. John-Paul Kefu scored the other touchdown on a 1-yard dive against the Govs.
  -Freshman quarterback Sol-Jay Maiava struggled at times making the correct reads and short-armed a few throws, but flashed the athleticism that many expect him to bring. He ran a number of read-option plays, but wasn't always quite on the same page as his backs. Still, you get the feeling once that gets ironed out, Maiava will find a lot of success running the ball.
  -I found myself watching the Kahuku secondary a lot Saturday morning and they did not disappoint. Cornerbacks Kekaula Kaniho and Stokes Botelho are arguably the best pair in the state in man coverage and backing them up is Kesi Ah-Hoy, who played a lot of safety, but also crept down into the box at times. Just as he did for the offense last season, it's clear Ah-Hoy is a leader of men in the defensive backfield.
  -The defensive line, perhaps to no one's surprise, looked very good, especially against the pass. The ends were quick off the snap and fast off the edge, while the interior linemen ate up double-team blocks for lunch.
  -Outside linebacker Miki Ah You stood out amongst the newcomers on the defense. He was active against both the run and the pass and got a pass break-up in a zone coverage assignment. He also showed he can rush the passer off the edge in passing situations with a quarterback hurry or two.

• PUNAHOU
  -Once again senior Nick Kapule was the first-team quarterback, with Barber backing him up. Kapule and the offense struggled in its opening series against the Red Raiders, but found success against the Govs. Kapule found a wide open Tamatoa Falatea for a 64-yard TD pass and hooked up with Ethan Takeyama for a 40-yard scoring strike on the same series.
  -Takeyama, a wideout, isn't very tall or big, but has a knack for adjusting to the pass and is adept at back-shoulder receptions. He found the end zone three times in all Saturday. Takeyama also caught both TD passes from Barber against Farrington's defense. Barber's other two scoring strikes were delivered to Andrei Iosivas and Cole Arceneaux.
  -The Buffanblu run game looks improved since Thursday's scrimmage against Kapolei. Sitiveni Kaufusi picked up some tough yards between the tackles, but also had enough speed to turn the corner once or twice. Antonio Cortez worked with the second team.
  -Defensive line play was superb once again for the Puns. Miki Suguturaga quickly introduced himself to Uahinui with a sack early on. I think this defensive line is going to be a handful for any offensive line this year. Punahou's run defense looks outstanding right now.

The Red Raiders will host the Govs at Carleton E. Weimer Field in another scrimmage Friday, while the Buffanblu will open their season at Leilehua Friday in a non-league game.