The University of Hawai'i football team is not the only one hosting a Southern California powerhouse this weekend.

Kamehameha, the defending Division I state champion, takes on perennial contender Edison (Huntington Beach) tonight. Kickoff is set for 7 at Kunuiakea Stadium.

Edison's all-time winning percentage of .677 ranks sixth among the 75 schools in Orange County, behind such regional powers as Mater Dei (Santa Ana), Los Alamitos and Santa Margarita (Rancho Santa Margarita).

The Chargers compete in the California Interscholastic Federation's Southern Section Division I (highest level), reaching the championship game against Long Beach Poly in 2001.

"They're a solid program," Kamehameha coach Doss Tannehill said. "We'll have our hands full."

Edison went 6-5 last season and returns four players who were named preseason All-Orange County by Cal-Hi Sports, a popular state magazine.

The four are quarterback Brian Schrock, offensive lineman Romney Fuga, wide receiver/defensive back Hunter White and linebacker David Baldwin.

"They throw the ball a lot," Tannehill said. "Their quarterback threw for over 2,000 yards last year."

Kamehameha, meanwhile, finally got its offense untracked last week in a 26-6 victory over Mililani. The Warriors were held to 18 yards of total offense in a 16-0 loss to Kahuku on Aug. 20, but rebounded with 295 yards and three touchdowns against the Trojans.

Kamehameha also scored on a blocked punt return.

"Overall, we played better," Tannehill said. "We worked on special teams, and on offense — we had no where to go but up."

Defensively, the Warriors return several key starters and held Kahuku to 153 yards, including just 91 on the ground. Mililani also has several standout running backs, but was limited to 59 yards on the ground.

Edison is making its seventh trip to Hawai'i in the past 20 years, having won five times. On their previous trip in 2002, the Chargers came in ranked No. 13 in California but were upset by Iolani, 34-20.

Edison also played Punahou in 1982, St. Anthony in 1986, Iolani in 1990, Damien in 1993 and Punahou again in 1999.

This is the second straight week a Hawai'i team is facing an Orange County power. Santa Margarita blanked Kealakehe, 26-0, last Friday.

OTHER NON-LEAGUE

Also this weekend, three California teams will visit the Garden Isle. West Hills (Santee) plays Kaua'i at 5:30 tonight at Vidinha Stadium, then Valley Center plays Waimea at 7:30 at Hanapepe Stadium.

Tomorrow, Bonita Vista (Chula Vista) plays Kapa'a at 7:30 p.m. at Vidinha Stadium.

In other non-league play, the Interscholastic League of Honolulu and O'ahu Interscholastic Association continue their "crossover" schedule with five games. In a doubleheader today at Aloha Stadium, Castle (1-1) plays Iolani (2-0) at 4:30 p.m., followed by Farrington (0-2) against Saint Louis (0-1) at 7:30.

Tomorrow, Punahou (1-0) plays at Kailua (0-2), Damien (1-1) plays Kaimuki (1-1) at Kaiser and Pac-Five (2-0) plays McKinley (1-1) at Roosevelt. All three games are set for 7 p.m.

MILILANI, WAI'ANAE CLASH

In a crucial OIA Red Conference opener, Mililani (1-1) hosts Wai'anae (2-0) at 7 tonight for early control in the Western Division. The game will be televised live statewide on OC-16.

Wai'anae is coming off a 30-20 upset of Saint Louis, the Seariders' first victory over the Crusaders since 1975.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.