The unprecedented playoff became necessary when defending state champion Kamehameha, Saint Louis and Punahou all finished with 5-2 records in ILH play after Saturday games, and when the Hawaii High School Athletic Association did not grant a first-round bye to an ILH team. First-round byes in the state tournament, which begins Nov. 18, were granted to Baldwin (11-0), the only unbeaten team in the state, and the Oahu Interscholastic Association champion.

Four days after their game on Saturday in which Saint Louis beat Kamehameha, 17-7, the teams will play again 7 p.m. Wednesday at Aloha Stadium.

The winner plays Punahou 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, for the ILH title. The three teams drew cards to determine who would play and who would draw a bye. The ILH winner will play Saturday, Nov. 19, against the OIA runner-up.

This means, if Kamehameha or Saint Louis advances to the state tournament, it will have had to play three games in 11 days.

Both ILH playoff games will employ eight-minute quarters as opposed to the usual 12 minutes.