Neighbor Island football takes its biggest step to date tonight when Kaua'i (9-0) faces King Kekaulike (7-3-1) for the First Hawaiian Bank Division II State Championship at Aloha Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.

The winner will become the first Neighbor Island school to win a football state title. Both teams already have made history by setting up the first all-Neighbor Island final.

It came within a few feet of not happening, but a 21-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass from King Kekaulike quarterback Shelton Bangasan to Randen Abafo on the game's final play lifted Na Ali'i to a 38-37 semifinal victory over 'Iolani last Friday at Maui's War Memorial Stadium.

"The way that play happened, it was like a movie," King Kekaulike coach J.W. Kenton said. "Even on the bus ride back to campus, the players were quiet. I think they were still in shock, because normally they make a lot of noise (after a win)."

Desperation plays notwithstanding, Na Ali'i proved they belong in the title game. They rushed for a whopping 425 yards against 'Iolani, led by fullback Michael Douglas (27 carries, 193 yards) and tailback Shannon Kamakaokalani (19-145).

"The thing that makes it tough for us is they have two very different running styles," Kaua'i coach Keli'i Morgado said. "(Kamakaokalani) is extremely elusive, and he can change direction on a dime. He's very dangerous, because he's fast and yet he's patient, waiting for his blockers. And that fullback (Douglas) proved he's no slouch, too."

Morgado said he knew King Kekaulike was a strong team even before last week, noting Na Ali'i's near-victories over Maui Interscholastic League champ Baldwin (a last-second 25-22 loss) and perennial MIL contender Lahainaluna (a 14-14 tie).

"That's three proven teams (including 'Iolani) they've played well against," Morgado said. "That's a statement in itself. We told our guys that whoever we face in this tournament, they're going to be a championship-type team. You don't get here by being fragile; every team is going to fight until the last second."

Kaua'i also is coming off an impressive showing, defeating O'ahu Interscholastic Association White Conference champion Waipahu, 17-6, in wet conditions at Vidinha Stadium in Lihu'e. Justyn Jumawan-Perreira returned two interceptions for touchdowns, and quarterback Andrew Renaud completed 19 passes for 133 yards using six different receivers.

"Kaua'i is real disciplined, and even in the bad weather they showed they can throw the ball," Kenton said. "We've got to control their passing game, otherwise it'll be a long night for us."

The Red Raiders also expect to have an advantage in fan support, since many fans have planned to fly over to join the large number of Kaua'i alumni now living on O'ahu.

"Our fans were great — even in the rain (last Friday), nobody left the stadium," Morgado said. "A lot of people are making the trip (to O'ahu), even people who don't have kids on the team."

King Kekaulike is a new school by comparison, with less alumni. But Kenton said Na Ali'i want to bring home the title for all of Maui, not just up-country.

"I think all the Neighbor Island teams are hungry for a state championship," Kenton said.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.