Crowell, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound senior, is among the top passers in the state with 1,475 yards. But it always wasn't so smooth for Crowell, a starting quarterback for the varsity since his sophomore year. Learning to handle adversity took some time.

"When I messed up I would get real down," Crowell said in a telephone interview. "It would take me a whole series to get over it."

Kaua'i's sixth-year coach Keli'i Morgado said Crowell has realized he doesn't have to carry the load.

"He's really got a good grasp of his emotions," Morgado said. "He tended to allow good and bad plays to affect his emotions ... now he's fallen into a comfortable area. Now he knows he's just one of 11."

Crowell isn't only about football. He had been involved in non-sports activities in school. This year, he was elected senior class vice president. He also has a 3.5 grade point average and wants to major in management in college.

Over the summer, Crowell might have had his ticket punched for college after taking part in the Hula Bowl football camp on Maui. Besides doing passing and footwork drills, he got to play some seven-on-seven, like in the summer pass leagues. His performance impressed Colorado offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson and assistant head coach Brian Cabral, a Saint Louis alumnus, Morgado said.

Colorado wasn't the only one impressed. Pac-Three coach Jim Klaczak was on hand and liked what he saw in Crowell.

"He's definitely the key to that offense," Klaczak said. "He throws the ball pretty well (and he's) very mobile. He presents a lot of problems because he spreads the field very well."

The Red Raiders made their state debut last year in Division I. But this year, the entire KIF was designated Division II. Crowell doesn't seem to mind. After all, the Red Raiders opened last year's tournament against eventual state champion Kahuku, which won, 41-3.

"It's good knowing that you're not going in as the underdog," he said.

In fact, there are a number of reasons the Red Raiders feel good. The game was originally scheduled to be held at Hanapepe Ball Park because of scheduled renovations at Vidinha. But Morgado said work orders fell behind and the county wasn't ready to start on Vidinha, where the Red Raiders and Kapa'a play their home games.

"Being at home is exciting, having our home field and home crowds," Morgado said.

Meanwhile, the Titans are just happy to have their season extended.

"They're so excited," Klaczak said. "It's like a reward, so everybody's gung-ho. We'll have a large contingent going over to Kaua'i. We've set goals and we've reached part of (them)."

The Red Raiders have passed the ball more in the past three years in a league that has historically been linked to rushing. Crowell likes throwing to receiver Kevin Cadiente (30 receptions for 522 yards, 8 TDs). Klaczak said Kaua'i is nearly a mirror image of Baldwin, which also throws the ball with much frequency.

Running back Brian Rodriguez rushed for 96 yards against Punahou in the preseason.

"We have to keep their offense off the field," Klaczak said. "Our running game is pretty good, but if we can put them in a position to have to catch up, that would eliminate some stuff we have to worry about on defense."

Morgado said Pac-Three has a size advantage. The Titans have a 6-4, 225-pound tight end in Korri Kamaka, who also plays linebacker.

"He's a great blocker, but he's also made some great catches," Klaczak said.

But the Titans primarily run with a trio of running backs in Andrew Pacheco, Chris Faulkner and Toloa Latu. Receiver John Powley has been the primary receiver.

"When they need to throw, they go to double slots," Crowell said. "They have a fast receiver (Powley) we need to be concerned about. They're a lot bigger than we are."