Campbell raised eyebrows with a 68-point performance in its opener against Waipahu.

It showed it can win in the clutch, beating Waianae in overtime last week.

On Friday, the sixth-ranked Sabers proved they’re not just clutch or explosive — they’re legit.

No. 3 Punahou struggled just to pick up first downs as the Sabers defense dominated the Buffanblu in a 14-0 shutout at Alexander Field.

Justin Tago threw for 123 yards and ran for a touchdown before getting hurt and the Sabers held Punahou to 157 total yards to complete the most convincing interleague schedule in the state.

"This is for real right here," said linebacker Solomon Leaeno, who led the team with nine tackles. "Our mentality is to make a statement."

That they did against a Punahou team that recorded two of its four first downs in the second half in garbage time when the outcome had been decided.

Running back Steven Lakalaka, a UCLA commit, did not play due to a concussion, and his absence was clearly a problem for the Buffanblu. Backup Zachary Hernandez averaged almost 5 yards a carry, running for 62 on 13 carries.

Once the Sabers took the lead on the first play of the fourth quarter, Punahou was forced to go to the air. Quarterbacks Larry Tuileta and Luke Morris combined to finish 12-for-25 for 97 yards and two picks.

Tuileta played the entire first half and came back late in the fourth quarter for Morris, who was 3-for-8.

"We tried to give them both opportunities, but that was a great defense that put a lot of pressure on us," Punahou coach Kale Ane said.

The game was tied 0-0 at halftime and both teams missed field goals in the third quarter.

A 61-yard pass from Tago to Aries Pihi set up the Sabers’ first score. Tago plunged into the end zone on a quarterback sneak to start the fourth quarter.

On its next drive, Campbell drove deep into Punahou territory. On third down, Tago’s pass fell incomplete, but a roughing-the-passer penalty was called on Punahou.

Backup Isaac Hurd replaced Tago, who was injured on the play, and three players later, broke through three tackles to score from 6 yards out for a two-touchdown lead.

"We were supposed to go right to the receiver, but he got caught up and I just took it," Hurd said. "Tucked the ball, drove my legs and stuck the ball over the line."

Already hit with the injury bug, things got worse for Punahou when defensive end Luke Kaumatule went down with a right knee injury in the second quarter.

The 6-foot-7 Kaumatule, regarded as one of the top senior prospects in the state, didn’t return, and his status for upcoming games seemed bleak.

"We’re hopeful, but I don’t know," Ane said. "We don’t know for sure; we’ll wait to see what the doctor says."

Pihi finished with six catches for 115 yards, and Paul-Andrew Rhoden led a running attack that racked up 201 on the ground with 56 yards on 13 carries.

"It’s big for us, but we know it’s just the start of the season," Campbell coach Amosa Amosa said. "We know we have to get back and get ready for a good (Leilehua) team next week."