O'ahu Interscholastic Association champion Kahuku, the 2000 and 2001 champions, will play Kaua'i Interscholastic Federation champion Kaua'i in the 5 p.m. opener.

"We're just anxious to play," Crusaders first-year coach Darnell Arceneaux said. "It's another long layoff, but I'm glad we didn't have to play another game with Kamehameha for the championship because they're good."

Saint Louis (7-1) had its only loss against the Warriors in the first round, 16-13, on Sept. 13, two weeks after its preseason win against Kaiser. Arceneaux said earlier that it was hard for his team to develop early in the season because of the long breaks between games. After the loss, the Crusaders had another bye, but then went on to win six in a row in winning their 18th consecutive ILH title.

Meanwhile, the Trojans (9-2) really could have used the rest the Crusaders had. Linebacker Mikhail Mabry is questionable with a hamstring pull sustained from the loss to Kailua in the OIA semifinals. Also lost is offensive lineman Sene Ma'afala, who had his appendix removed just before the Kailua game, coach James Millwood said.

But the game goes on.

The Crusaders have been clicking on offense of late. Quarterback Keali'i Perbera has been on target, completing 58 percent of his passes. Receivers Shaun Kauleinamoku and 6-foot-5 Desmond Hanohano have combined for 13 of the team's 17 TD catches. Perbera has thrown just two interceptions in 137 attempts; in fact Crusaders' QBs have only four interceptions this season in 188 attempts.

Running back B.J. Batts, the Advertiser's Offensive Player of the Year in 2002, balances the Crusaders' passing attack with his 6.0 yards per carry average. He has seven rushing touchdowns.

"We have to try not to give up the big play," Millwood said. "They've got fast receivers. We have to try to contain them, make the tackle in the open field. They're good at getting one-on-one situations."

Arceneaux said what the Trojans lack in size, they make up with athletic ability and speed.

"They don't have the biggest guys, but they're very athletic, as far as defensive linemen go," he said. "The linebackers run real well and the secondary does a good job of disguising their coverage. That puts their guys in a good position to succeed."

The Trojans' offense has been pretty much balanced behind quarterback Maka Kahoano, who has passed for 1,195 yards and 12 touchdowns. He spreads the ball among receivers Andrew Tokumi (320 yards), Darren Smith (326) and Jon Santos (254) and running back Aran Bisho (230).

Once defenses catch their attention, the Trojans have as many different running backs — each averaging more than 5 yards per rush — in Bisho (290 yards), brothers Carlo (564) and Peter (327) Raneses and Jordan Apduhan (467).

The last time the two teams met was in preseason of 2000. The Crusaders won, 36-10.