Posted on: Friday, September 24, 2004

Crusaders, Warriors in early ILH showdown

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Like last year, the Interscholastic League of Honolulu is wasting no time to stage its biggest football matchup.

Eighteen-time defending champion Saint Louis (1-1 overall) opens its league season tomorrow against perennial power Kamehameha (3-0-1, 1-0 ILH), with kickoff set for about 7:30 p.m. at Aloha Stadium. The game follows a 4:45 matchup between Division II rivals Damien (2-2, 0-1) and Pac-Five 3-1, 0-0).

Saint Louis and Kamehameha faced each other in last year's ILH opener, with Kamehameha winning, 16-13.

But Saint Louis avenged that loss in the second round with a 52-19 victory over the Warriors to clinch the title.

Here is a closer look at the ILH doubleheader:

SAINT LOUIS vs. KAMEHAMEHA

Advertiser Top 10 ranking: Saint Louis No. 2, Kamehameha No. 3

Last week: Kamehameha defeated Punahou, 34-7; Saint Louis had a bye

Notable: The Crusaders are again favored to win the league, but they actually return only five players who started in last year's state championship game: guard Bronson Abrigo, slotback Shaun Kauleinamoku, defensive linemen Tyson Alualu and Elijah Iaea and defensive back Tane Nahalea. ... Alualu was injured and did not play in Saint Louis' 37-17 loss to Kahuku one month ago. ... Kamehameha receiver Waika Spencer has steadily recovered from a torn medial collateral ligament in his knee suffered in May. He sat out the Warriors' opener against Baldwin and played sparingly in their second game against Kailua. Spencer, a big (6 foot 3, 210 pounds) and fast target, is almost fully recovered and played extensively last week against Punahou. ... Kamehameha has beaten or tied Saint Louis in each of the past three ILH first rounds, winning 41-20 in 2002 and earning a 24-24 tie in 2001.

DAMIEN vs. PAC-FIVE

Last week: Damien lost to Iolani, 28-25; Pac-Five had a bye

Notable: Damien's Va'a Faualo returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown and had two tackles for a loss last week. ... Pac-Five had six starters out with injuries in its season opener against McKinley, got a couple of players back, then suffered more injuries against 'Aiea and Leilehua. Among the injured was receiver Gilbert Gonzales, who accounted for four touchdowns vs. McKinley.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2456.