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What a way to start the season.
For both teams.
Punahou and Mililani — state Open semifinalists a year ago — showed just how tough they’re going to be once again.
It could have gone either way, but it was the visiting Buff ‘N Blue who made the plays when it counted to edge the Trojans 21-14.
One of the biggest difference-makers was Punahou senior linebacker Blayne Shiraki, who came up with gigantic plays in crunch time.
Shiraki was a major part (and somewhat unsung) of the Buff ‘N Blue’s stout defense a year ago.
Against Mililani in the fourth quarter with Punahou clinging to the 21-14 lead, he:
>> Made a tackle for loss and then a sack on Trojans quarterback Kini McMillan on third and fourth downs to stop a drive just past midfield with 10:18 left
>> Made two sacks of McMillan on second and fourth down to end a Trojans march that got as far as the Buff ‘N Blue 29 with 2:44 to go
All told, Shiraki had eight tackles that included four sacks and a tackle for loss.
Of course, there were other hammers doing their thing. Alika Cavaco-Amoy had nine tackles, Agenhart Ellis added eight tackles and Ko’o Kia had six tackles, including a sack. And don’t forget about Kekai Burnett’s (two quarterback hurries) pass-rushing ability in the overall mix.
The Trojans led 7-0 and 14-7 before Punahou clawed back. Iosepa Lyman’s 1-yard TD run capped an 80-yard third quarter drive for a 14-all score.
Lyman was it again, catching what turned out to be an 18-yard game-winning touchdown pass on a wheel route from Ty McCutcheon with 4 minutes left in the third quarter.
In the first half, Makel Paiva gave Mililani a 7-0 lead with a 17-yard TD reception from McMillan. After Astin Hange knotted it at 7-7 with a 93-yard TD catch and run of a McCutcheon pass, McMillan gave the Trojans a 7-point halftime lead with a 3-yard TD run.
Some notable performances were turned in by —
Punahou:
>> Hange, 192 receiving yards, seven catches, TD, 253 all-purpose yards
>> Alai Williams, 72 rushing yards on 18 carries
Mililani:
>> Paiva, 63 receiving yards, seven catches, TD
>> Onosai Salanoa, 47 receiving yards, five catches
>> Davyn Joseph, 111 all-purpose yards
The Buff ‘N Blue play Millikan of Long Beach, California, at home on Saturday.
The Trojans will be at home Saturday against Kailua in one of the many Open/D-I games that are new this season.
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ALSO AT BedrockSportsHawaii.com:
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