With a third-string quarterback starting for No. 4 Punahou, top-ranked Saint Louis could’ve eased up on Saturday night.

Instead, the Crusaders brought full-throttle pressure on Hugh Brady, getting three first-half sacks by sophomore linebacker Jordan Botelho in a 40-20 homecoming-night win at Aloha Stadium.

“I love him,” Saint Louis coach Cal Lee said. “I love him because he listens — a person who listens and does what you tell him — he’s eager to learn, a lot of enthusiasm, he loves the game. You’ve got to love him.”

Saint Louis (7-0, 4-0 ILH) clinched the first-round title and an automatic spot in the ILH Division I championship game. Punahou (5-2, 2-2) entered the game just one win behind Saint Louis and could have created a tie for first place, but regular starting QB Stephen Barber (elbow) played just a few snaps during the second quarter, taking two sacks, before leaving with a sore neck. Backup Nui Adolpho played just one snap before Punahou’s talented third-stringer, sophomore Brady, returned.

Botelho had plenty of experience facing Brady when both were JV players last year.

“We watch video, the whole game,” Botelho said. “He’s a good athlete, but containing the QB is our responsibility.”

Saint Louis was consistent, as usual, with Chevan Cordeiro behind an effective offensive line. Cordeiro finished 18-for-30 for 228 yards with two TDs and one interception.

“To bring home the ‘W’ on senior night, homecoming, it feels good for our Crusader alums and everybody supporting us,” said Cordeiro, who also rushed for 57 yards, including two first-half TDs to help his team open a 24-0 lead at the break.

“That first half, we played good defense, holding a team like Punahou scoreless,” Lee added. “Second half, we made some mistakes, but we came out with the ‘W,’ and that’s the most important thing. There’s a lot to be thankful for, especially for our seniors.”

Saint Louis will have a bye week as Punahou plays Kamehameha in the semifinal of the ILH second-round tournament next week.

Brady finished with 205 passing yards and two TDs.

Punahou’s game-opening series ended when Botelho forced a fumble by running back Maninoa Tufono, recovered by Kamo‘i Latu. Saint Louis drove 45 yards in three plays, scoring on Cordeiro’s 33-yard scramble up the middle of the field.

After a three-and-out by Punahou, Saint Louis tacked on a 33-yard field goal by Jacob Tobias with 4:27 left in the first quarter.