As Kale Ane walked toward the handshake line at Aloha Stadium he did not look like a man whose team had just won the biggest game of the Hawaii high school football season to date.
The Punahou coach’s pained expression following the 24-0 win over rival Kamehameha on Saturday was more suited for someone on the other side of that equation.
"That’s just the poker face," Ane said Sunday afternoon, adding that the postgame exchanges with Warriors coach Doug Cosbie and his staff were cordial and professional.
But he did make it known to a reporter he was unhappy about some plays, including what he felt were late hits on his quarterback that were not called.
The league has always been physical, but safety has never been emphasized more. For better or worse, standards have changed. Today, Interscholastic League of Honolulu football leaders are meeting about officiating and safety concerns.
If you saw just one specific play Saturday, you know why this is happening — especially given the current climate.
A decleating, crackback block on a punt in the second quarter would’ve been considered borderline by some in the old days. Now the question is, "Where is the border?"
From the Warriors’ perspective, this was a great play that could pump up the entire team. From the Buffanblu view, well, they’re just happy their teammate got up quickly and wasn’t seriously hurt.
From the stands? Here’s what one of the most knowledgeable and objective football experts in Hawaii told me. (You should also know this person has no connection to Punahou.)
"I said, ‘Well, he’s ejected.’ I thought it was helmet-to-helmet and was livid that there was not even a (penalty)."
That unbiased observer was not alone. Others said they saw more, including cut-blocking by linemen.
Kamehameha was taken to task earlier this season for what some deemed overzealous hits on defenseless players, in particular during its game against Saint Louis two weeks ago
"The safety of the players is always the most important thing," Cosbie said Sunday. He declined comment on the criticism.
Another neutral observer watching Saturday felt Punahou players could’ve been called for targeting.
"We all feel very protective of our players, so we are biased," Ane said. "Hopefully, in the big picture, we all want the same thing. Compete hard, but protect the players."
Ane said the officials have a tough job, because if a player is ejected he is also out for the following game.
Mistakes are inevitable, so all ejections should be reviewed to determine if the additional one-game penalty is warranted. But technology is not consistently available for in-depth review.
Regardless, high school officials need to follow the lead of the NFL and college ranks and lean to whatever keeps players out of wheelchairs and hospitals. Coaches must continue to work toward this as well. Everyone knows it’s not easy, given the physical and emotional nature of the game, but there’s no choice.
"Winning is important," Ane said. "Safety is critical."
