Forget fancy formations and overthinking strategy — just put your top athletes out there and get them the ball.

That appeared to be Punahou's offensive approach from the outset last Friday night, and the result was a stunning display of fireworks in a convincing 41-28 victory over Saint Louis for the Interscholastic League of Honolulu football championship.

The triggerman for that offense was senior quarterback Cayman Shutter, who completed 22 of 31 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns, without an interception.

Shutter was on target from the game's first play from scrimmage, connecting with receiver Robby Toma on a 79-yard pass play that gave the Buffanblu first-and-goal at the 1. Three plays later, Shutter and Toma connected again on a 6-yard out pattern for a touchdown, and Punahou led 7-0 less than three minutes into the game.

Shutter and Toma paired up on five more plays in the first half, including a 14-yard TD pass which helped the Buffanblu take a 21-7 lead into the locker room. By then, Shutter was 13 of 19 for 198 yards.

Shutter said offensive coordinator Darryl Kan made it a point to take advantage of Punahou's big playmakers like Toma, running backs Dalton Hilliard and Manti Te'o and tight end/receiver Kimo Makaula.

"Sometimes (Kan) draws up plays in the sand, but that's OK because we'll do whatever works," Shutter said. "He had a great game plan to get on Saint Louis early ... and he put our playmakers in a good position to make plays, like running more reverses."

Toma had a 42-yard run on one reverse, and he, Shutter and Makaula combined for a 13-yard hook-and-lateral play just before halftime.

Early in the third quarter, the Buffanblu immediately converted an interception by Sean McFadden into a 15-yard touchdown pass to help make it 28-7. Shutter's final completion was a 59-yard TD strike to Toma to make it 41-21 with 4:29 remaining in the game.

For the season, Shutter has completed 113 of 173 passes (65.3 percent) for 1,591 yards and 23 touchdowns, with only three interceptions, despite missing most of two games with injury. He has made a verbal commitment to play for New Mexico State University next season.

"I've known Cayman since he was in the eighth grade, and he's a stellar kid," Kan said. "(Friday) was a fun game for him ... I'm so proud."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.