Punahou knows planning and preparation well after capturing the state football championship a year ago.

The top-ranked Buffanblu (5-0, 5-0 ILH) close regular-season play against No. 4 Kamehameha (5-1, 4-1 league) on Friday night at Aloha Stadium. A win by Punahou clinches first place and a first-round bye in the ILH D-I playoffs. A win by Kamehameha would leave the three D-I teams (including Saint Louis) in a first-place tie. A coin toss would determine next week’s playoff matchups.

As much as they’ve patiently sat on the sidelines this fall, that’s what the Buffanblu are rooting for — the first-round bye. It’s been the constant theme: hurry up and wait. After offseason training, summer pass league and a preseason schedule with just one game — canceled by Hurricane Iselle — the normally busy Buffanblu found themselves in stand-by mode.

Even now, while other teams have put on the game uniforms seven, even eight times at this point, Punahou has played a meager five games. That’s the nature of a top-heavy ILH, a league that sliced out its double round-robin format two seasons ago. Instead of playing D-I powerhouses Kamehameha and Saint Louis twice, a playoff format was implemented.

For players, it meant this: The canceled preseason opener at Leilehua was slated for Aug. 8, so there was no game until the ILH opener against Saint Louis on Aug. 29. Punahou didn’t start classes until late August, so there was an opportunity to do things the old-school way, unlike OIA schools that opened classroom doors in early August.

"Football’s such a repetitive sport. We have everyday drills that are mind-numbing at time, but tackling, stuff like that, you have to do those things. We try to be creative, but the two-a-days and three-a-days were an opportunity to hammer down fundamentals," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "We didn’t go as hard as we used to. Kids are bigger, stronger, faster, so you have to be aware. The kids have been up to the task. They understand the way the season works and what they need to do to keep improving. As a staff, we’ve challenged them and prepared them as much as we can."

Still, the positive effects of extra reps in the weight room, and on the practice field can’t be denied. Punahou roared to a 55-7 win over Saint Louis. Since then, the Buffanblu have dominated: Damien (52-6), St. Francis (56-0), then a bye week followed by ‘Iolani (59-22) and Pac-Five (68-0). It could’ve been worse if not for the mercy rule and coach Ane’s compassion.

Rather than pile on, Ane has pulled his starters early and often. Otherwise, the astounding production of quarterback Ephraim Tuliloa, running back Wayne Taulapapa and wide receiver Kanawai Noa would be double — or more — of what it is now.

Nobody in a Buffanblu jersey has complained about all the down time, not with a No. 1 ranking and a perfect record. The other byproduct is that injuries are at a minimum. Stout defensive end Canton Kaumatule is as healthy as he’s been. Noa, who missed some game time and then played through a wrist injury in 2013, broke through the 3,000-yard milestone in last week’s win over Pac-Five.

But the engine that makes the offense go is Taulapapa. When the Buffanblu opted to balance the offense a few years ago, it meant transforming it from a four-wide attack with West Coast elements — the influence of then offensive coordinator Darryl Kan — into a hybrid of smashmouth football with option and run-and-shoot elements.

It was a big risk, but they’ve made it work. With less than half the number of touches he had last year, Taulapapa is fresher and hungrier. He has yet to carry the ball more than 15 times in a game.

At this point one year ago, Punahou had played seven games, including one on the mainland, and Taulapapa had racked up 112 carries for 756 yards and nine TDs. This year, the numbers are lighter, but no less impressive: 50 carries, 568 yards, 11.4 yards per attempt, 13 TDs. The elusive 5-foot-11, 185-pound junior also has seven catches for 63 yards.

First-year starter Tuliloa has been brilliant early in the season, especially on the deep pass to Noa. With Taulapapa drawing plenty of attention, Noa has seen a lot of single coverage. Tuliloa has completed 71 percent of his throws for 1,153 yards and 12 TDs with just one pick in four games. That’s a whopping 15 yards per pass attempt, 288.3 yards per game — though he rarely finishes one — and a passer rating of 246.04.

No quarterback in recent years has come close to a rating like that. Having the right system has been crucial. But then again, there hasn’t been a Buffanblu receiver like Noa since Robby Toma, and prior to him, Miah Ostrowski. In five games, Noa has 25 receptions for 705 yards and seven TDs despite limited playing time, and he has also returned a punt to the house.

It’s been six weeks since the Punahou offense last faced a D-I defense. Kamehameha’s approach in last week’s win over ‘Iolani was to trust its front seven. That led to sacks by Mika Taufa and Lokomaikai Recca, and interceptions by Dylan Kane and Mason Chow. It also kept the normally efficient Raiders from running the ball well in the second half.

Kamehameha is willing to bend, and having Kane, a highly recruited 6-3 speedster, in deep coverage is a big plus against Noa. For Punahou’s defense, this will be a test of discipline. Warriors QB Fatu Sua-Godinet is making all the right decisions, the read-option offense is clicking. The senior passed for 221 yards and two TDs without a pick, and ran for 176 yards — including a 59-yard TD run — against ‘Iolani. His legs and decisiveness in the pocket are the biggest difference from last year, when he was a first-time QB.

Sua-Godinet is also comfortable with his talented receiver corps. Kumoku Noa (18 catches, 247 yards, five TDs), Kaulana Werner (17-236, three) and Alika Kaha‘ulelio (15-289, one) are winning the one-on-one battles, especially with Sua-Godinet delivering on deep corner routes.

The development of running back Jordan Bayudan has been timely. With Kainoa Apelu down for the season (knee), Bayudan broke out with a 144-yard, one-TD effort against Saint Louis. He ran for 159 yards and three TDs against ‘Iolani and is in sync with his offensive line. In just five games, he has 469 rushing yards and 10 TDs.

Here’s a look at this weekend’s games, including OIA D-I playoff matchups.

FRIDAY’S MATCHUPS

St. Francis (2-5, 0-5 ILH) at Iolani (3-3, 2-3)

A win by the Raiders secures first place in ILH D-II and a favorable playoff matchup with … St. Francis. Favorable? The Saints are very young, but they have a balanced offense and an accurate QB in Kawika Ulufale. The sophomore has completed 60 percent of his passes.

Pac-Five (2-4, 1-4 ILH) vs. Damien (2-4, 1-4), Aloha Stadium

A win by either team, plus a loss by ‘Iolani, would result in a first-place tie. The Raiders are a solid favorite, though, which means this Wolfpack-Monarchs game could be just an appetizer leading into the main course — a rematch in next week’s D-II playoffs. It’ll be interesting to see if both teams approach this with full-tilt weaponry, or save some starters for the playoffs. Fans would prefer to see a duel between QBs Dallas Labanon of Damien and Kainoa Ferreira of Pac-Five. Labanon tied a career-high with four TD passes against Saint Louis last week. Ferreira (foot injury) sat out of last week’s game with Punahou, but has already thrown for 1,619 yards and 18 TDs as a sophomore.

"We need to win. We’re coming off four losses," coach Kip Botelho said. "We’re young and we need that confidence."

Moanalua (3-4, 3-4 OIA) at Kaiser (4-3, 4-3)

RB Jensen McDaniel (1,159 yards, 16 TDs from scrimmage) has been a godsend for the Cougars. After losing their best offensive and defensive weapons to graduation, McDaniel has asserted himself while first-time QB Kalawai‘a Judd learns his craft. Judd has settled in and has five TD strikes with just one pick in his last three games. That ground attack is vital for Kaiser against a Moanalua offense that loves to air it out. Kawika Keama-Jacobe has the green light in lieu of a running game. The senior has thrown for 1,954 yards, 16 TDs and 13 INTs. Jason Sharsh (36 catches, 632 yards, eight TDs) and a fleet of speedy WRs will face a physical Kaiser defense led by LB Parker Higgins and CB Justin Ikei.

Castle (2-5, 2-5 OIA) at Kapolei (3-4, 3-4)

It was a rough road to the postseason for the Hurricanes, who started the season 0-3. QB Alton Julius was hampered by a hip pointer last week as they eked out a 12-0 win over Aiea. The Knights have made big strides. In the last three weeks, they gave Waianae and Kaiser scares, and won handily over McKinley. QB Willie Ewaliko has found a comfort level during that stretch with five TD passes and just one pick.

Waipahu (1-6, 1-6 OIA) at No. 8 Campbell (5-2, 5-2)

No matter who the QB is, Campbell WR Jayce Bantolina is consistently terrific. The 6-2, 205-pound senior has 38 receptions for 589 yards and eight TDs. That includes nine grabs for 107 yards and two TDs in last week’s narrow loss to Farrington. Campbell has won five in a row against the Marauders.

Kalaheo (2-5, 2-5 OIA D-II) at Pearl City (6-1, 6-1)

He’s a dynamo, this multi-skilled RB in black and purple. Dominic Maneafaiga is a threat to every defense that loses sight of him. He’s rushed for 492 yards and six TDs, but it’s his versatility that is invaluable. He has 14 catches for 183 yards and four TDs, and has also returned a kickoff and a punt to the end zone.

Waialua (4-3, 4-3 OIA D-II) vs. Radford (5-3, 5-2), Aiea H.S. field

The Bulldogs haven’t been this close to a playoff berth since the Caleb Forte years. A win over Radford isn’t a guarantee of a berth; they still need Kalani to lose to Nanakuli. Waialua’s four wins have been squeakers: 10-7 over Kalaheo, 21-20 over Roosevelt, 20-14 over Kaimuki and 27-14 over Anuenue.

Kaimuki (2-5, 2-5 OIA D-II) at Roosevelt (2-5, 2-5)

It’s been a breakthrough year of sorts for the Rough Riders, who have been highly competitive despite their win-loss record. They’ve lost to Radford, Kalani and Waialua by an average of 4.3 points. Kaimuki’s Sean Noda has been an Ironman deluxe, a 5-5, 140-pound senior who has rushed for 659 yards and five TDs, played defense full-time, and returns kicks, too. Pound for pound, one of the most dynamic players in the state. He rushed for 205 yards and a TD in a win over Kalaheo last week.

SATURDAY’S MATCHUPS 

Aiea (2-5, 2-5 OIA) at Waianae (4-3, 4-3)

The Seariders have found their formula in the past four games with RB John Barbieto at the forefront. The senior has rushed for 361 yards and four TDs (57 carries). Waianae has won the past three meetings with Na Alii, all with Kekoa Kaluhiokalani at QB. Aiea last beat Waianae in 2010.

Nanakuli (7-0, 7-0 D-II) vs. Kalani (4-3, 4-3), Kaiser Stadium

The Golden Hawks have first place wrapped up. The Falcons need A) a win, or B) a Waialua loss (to Radford) for a playoff berth. Running back Ace Faumui has reached the 100-yard mark in four of his five starts, including 142 yards and a TD in a loss to Pearl City last week. Nanakuli’s defense had not allowed a 100-yard rusher until the past two games against Pearl City and Radford.

STANDINGS, STATISTICS

Compiled by Billy Hull, Star-Advertiser; statistics are for conference games only; see full statistical leaders at hawaiiprepworld.com

ILH

Division I

Division II

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing

Rushing

Receiving, by catches

FINAL OIA RED

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing

Rushing

Receiving, by catches

FINAL OIA BLUE

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing

Rushing

Receiving, by catches

OIA DIVISION II

STATISTICAL LEADERS

Passing

Rushing

Receiving, by catches