Who knew that for Punahou School, producing an astronaut, a president and an internet mogul would be far easier than winning something beyond the Interscholastic League of Honolulu title in football?

Who imagined that the school Sports Illustrated named No. 1 in the nation in high school sports could win state championships in more than 20 other disciplines before getting down to grinding out one on the gridiron?

Yet after having somebody in space (Charles Lacy Veach), shortly, someone (Barack Obama) in the White House, and an internet pioneer (Steve Case), the Buffanblu have now done the really hard part, winning their first title beyond the private school league in football.

After 35 years of trying for a Prep Bowl (1973-'98) or state title (1999-'2007), the First Hawaiian Bank State Football Division I Tournament Championship has come to Punahou with a resounding 38-7 victory over defending state champion Leilehua last night.

After a couple generations of struggle and a near-miss three years ago in the 2005 loss to Kahuku, Punahou made its breakthrough a smashing and runaway success.

It was as if the Buffanblu had put all that pent-up energy to work on one remarkable night, finally bridging their glory days at the old Honolulu Stadium and Aloha Stadium, with one long Halawa task. Not even an apparent touchdown disallowed by the officials could faze the Buffanblu.

An Aloha Stadium crowd of about 25,571, including a sizeable segment of Buffanblu faithful who shook the makai stands with each score and punishing hit, saw Punahou seize a 14-0 first-quarter lead it never relinquished and then put it away with a 17-0 second-half performance.

So dominant, so suffocating was the Punahou defense that even with five turnovers it never allowed the Mules more than the briefest of hope in this one. Pro Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, standing behind the south end zone, could be seen nodding in recognition of the big hits and huge plays. Butkus earlier in the day had awarded the inaugural namesake award to Punahou linebacker Manti Te'o. He, then, joined the oohing and awing crowd in recognition of the exploits of Te'o & Co., who forced six turnovers.

After pulling off the amazing to win their first state title last year and calling on quarterback Andrew Manley to again guide them to the finals this year, the Mules would find no miracle comebacks on this night much as the Wahiawa faithful beseeched them for one more memory.

For Punahou's time had finally come.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.