1977 prep football all-star teams

Punahou made its first appearance in the Prep Bowl in 1977, losing 27-6 to Waianae. The Seariders ended Kamehameha’s three-year run as Prep Bowl champions and won for the first time since taking the inaugural Prep Bowl in 1973.

The Star-Bulletin made its first All-State team in 1977, anointing Punahou’s Mark Tuinei as its first lineman of the year winner. Tuinei edged St. Louis junior Wayne Apuna for the award, but both were unanimous selections to the All-State first team.

Waianae’s James Holt was the back of the year and Punahou’s Doug Bennett beat out Pearl City’s Joe Francis and Kaiser’s Ron Lee for the coach of the year award.

Kaiser’s Bill Sealy, who finished one catch shy of the OIA receptions record for a season with 31 catches, was the only receiver the Star-Bulletin put on its first team.

The Bulletin had only one player from the Neighbor Islands on its team — Hilo linebacker Curtis Azevedo.

The Advertiser was all about Waianae as the Seariders swept its top awards with Holt the offensive player of the year, defensive back Nathan Fletcher winning the defensive player of the year award and Larry Ginoza the coach of the year.

The Advertiser chose its All-State team after the Prep Bowl while the Bulletin released its squad on Thanksgiving Day ahead of the big game.

Punahou quarterback Darryl Gabriel made both All-State teams. Holt, Punahou’s Francis Sequeira and Waipahu’s Andrew Moody were the three running backs picked for both teams.

For a listing of all prep football all-star teams over the years that have been posted, click here.

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