The Kamehameha Schools football team knocked off Punahou, the No. 1-ranked team in The Advertiser's statewide Top 10 poll of coaches and media, with a resounding 20-7 victory last night.

But there were no Gatorade showers, no exuberant dog piles on the Aloha Stadium turf shortly afterward.

The Warriors, ranked No. 3, know better.

"We gotta stay humble," defensive lineman Sonny Recca said. "We're not celebrating yet."

In this roller coaster of an Interscholastic League of Honolulu season, even in late October there still is much football left to be played before a champion is determined. Kamehameha (7-2 overall, 4-1 ILH) took sole possession of first place with last night's win, but still must defeat Pac-Five next week and Saint Louis the week after before hoisting the trophy.

"We've still got a lot of work to do," Warriors coach Doss Tannehill said. "This thing is going to go down to the end."

Kamehameha did take a major step, however, by overpowering the Buffanblu last night. As usual, the Warriors' defense led the way by limiting Punahou to 110 total yards — all through the air — and holding the Buffanblu scoreless for three quarters.

Kamehameha's offense did its part by pounding out 172 rushing yards and its special teams also contributed, especially on Aaron Nichols' 49-yard punt return for a touchdown that made it 20-0 with 9:47 remaining in the half.

"They came out strong and made it hard for us," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "It's hard to come back from that far behind against a good team like Kamehameha."

The Warriors struggled last week against Damien, needing a fourth-quarter rally from a 14-7 deficit to win, 21-14. But last night, they burst out of the gates and scored on their first possession, a nine-play, 60-yard drive culminating in Bryson Vivas' 1-yard plunge.

The extra-point attempt failed, but Kamehameha then converted an interception by Mana Lolotai on the ensuing possession into another Vivas touchdown run, this one covering 5 yards.

Just like that, the Buffanblu were down 13-0, and according to the Warriors, it was no accident.

"This was the best week of practice we've had all season," Vivas said. "Tonight, everybody pulled through."

The defense was particularly impressive, shutting down Punahou's ground game (13 carries, 0 yards) and limiting explosive receiver Miah Ostrowski to four catches for 33 yards. Ostrowski is the state's leading receiver.

"We knew we had to limit that guy," Tannehill said. "Every time he gets the ball, you hold your breath."

Recca said the defensive effort required help from everybody.

"In the locker room, we said we need to play as a team, not as individuals," Recca said. "You have to give credit to everybody — the tackles, the ends, the linebackers and the (defensive backs)."

After the victory, Vivas was reminded that Kamehameha still needs to beat No. 7 Saint Louis (5-3, 3-2) before clinching the championship.

"First Pac-Five," he said, taking nothing for granted. "Then Saint Louis."

PUNAHOU (6-2, 3-2) 0 0 0 7 — 7

KAMEHAMEHA (7-2, 4-1) 13 7 0 0 — 20

KS — Bryson Vivas 1 run (kick failed)

KS — Vivas 5 run (Kamakana Osorio kick)

KS — Aaron Nichols 49 punt return (Osorio kick)

Pun — River Kim 16 pass from Brett Kan (Kim kick)

RUSHING — Pun: Kainoa Carlson 5-3, Colin Viloria 6-6, Kan 1-(minus-16), Miah Ostrowski 1-7. KS: Jeremiah Dela Pe–a 22-75, Kaleo Perez 2-0, Shane Lum 1-2, Vivas 19-75, Justin Saniatan 2-12, Nichols 2-8, Ryan Montez 1-0.

PASSING — Pun: Kan 14-37-1—110. KS: Kahaku Ka'ai 3-8-1—62.

RECEIVING — Pun: Ostrowski 4-33, Kim 6-53, Viloria 1-1, Zac Yamagishi 1-8, Carlson 1-12, Matt Solomona 1-3. KS: Nichols 2-54, Saniatan 1-8.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.