Punahou rolls past Farrington

Everything up to this point mirrors each of the two previous seasons for Punahou.

Next week is the game in which the Buffanblu hope to reverse their fortunes.

The No. 1-ranked team in the state advanced to its third consecutive Division I final of the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA State Football Championships with a 48-6 victory over Farrington on Friday night at Aloha Stadium.

Punahou (10-0), which has lost in the final to Kahuku each of the past two years, will try to claim its first state championship since 2008 against Mililani next Saturday at Aloha Stadium.

The Buffanblu beat the Trojans 24-14 back in August in an interleague game.

"It was one of our goals. To be there now is exciting, but we have unfinished business," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "(Mililani) is much better than we played early in the season. It’ll be a great challenge for us."

Punahou quarterback Larry Tuileta broke Makaena Puli’s 20-year-old school record for passing yards in a game (426), throwing for a career-high 430 and five touchdowns.

It’s the second time Tuileta has thrown for more than 400 in a game. He had 420 last year in a win over the Trojans in the state semis.

Another win over Mililani would make Punahou the fifth team to win multiple state championships in football, joining Kahuku, Saint Louis, Kamehameha and ‘Iolani (Division II).

"It’s going to be really tough," said receiver Kanawai Noa, who had three catches for 115 yards and a TD.

Tuileta’s night ended with more than 10 minutes left in the game. He threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to Dakota Torres to make it 41-6, giving him 430 yards for the game.

He finished with the second-highest passing total in a state-tournament game, trailing only Leilehua’s Kenan Sadanaga, who had 474 in a win over Baldwin in 2010.

Tuileta’s five touchdown passes went to five receivers.

"It was the receivers making plays, catching 5-yard routes, and making moves," Tuileta said.

Farrington’s emotional season ends in the state semifinals for the second straight year.

The Govs (9-4) opened with two blowout losses before rattling off eight straight wins to get to the OIA championship game.

Farrington lost to Mililani and then lost cornerback Dayne Ortiz, who went missing off Mokuleia two weeks ago and has not been found.

The Govs came together in the difficult time and beat Baldwin 21-3 last week before falling to the Buffanblu.

"Of course, we wish we could’ve gone one more game, but I don’t think anybody expected us to be here," Farrington coach Randall Okimoto said. "The kids really outplayed themselves this year."

Quarterback Montana Liana avoided a shutout with a 61-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Baguio. Farrington played without running back Sanele Lavatai, who missed the game with a shoulder injury.

Without its 1,000-yard rusher, the Govs struggled offensively, while Punahou scored on its first two possessions.

After giving up touchdowns to Punahou on its first two drives, Farrington held the Buffanblu scoreless on each of their next four drives to keep the game close.

Tuileta gave Punahou breathing room just before the half, hooking up with Noa on a 77-yard touchdown with 1:02 remaining before the break.

Farrington defensive back Jacob McEnroe had kept Noa in check all half. On the first play after a Farrington punt, the Buffanblu lined Noa up in the slot and the speedy junior got behind the defense to go untouched to the end zone for a 20-0 halftime lead.

Punahou outgained Farrington 487 to 186.