But while the players and coaches focus on practice, their devoted parents and fans are also making plans for Friday night's game against second-seeded 'Iolani at Aloha Stadium. The game is scheduled for 5 p.m.

"You don't know what's going to happen, so tonight when I get home, I'll probably (make arrangements),'' said Darci Mahon, mother of Lunas defensive lineman Johnny Perez, to The Maui News following Saturday's 52-20 semifinal win over Kaimuki at War Memorial Stadium.

This championship game is special for Mahon for more than one reason — her son is one of several seniors anchoring the team this season, and she also attended Lahainaluna.

"I think this is the first time they've ever made it this far,'' she said. "We're very proud of him, proud of the whole team — they've come a long ways.''

Perez aspires to play college football and his stepfather, Bradda Camanse, couldn't be more excited with how this season has played out.

"I raised him since he was a baby,'' Camanse said. "I'm really happy for him.''

Mahon and Camanse are just two Lahainaluna supporters who have been with the team through its ups and downs this season. They said the opportunity to represent Maui and have a chance to bring home the title is the perfect reward for the team's hard work.

"It's well-deserved,'' Mahon said. "They work hard — I mean, there's never a day off, it seems like. Even on Thanksgiving, they practiced.''

The Lunas (9-1), champions of the Maui Interscholastic League, showed their might on both sides of the ball Saturday against O'ahu Interscholastic Association champion Kaimuki. Lahainaluna put up 372 total yards on offense while the defense held the Bulldogs' main rusher, Justin Paderes, to 29 yards on 12 carries.

It was a solid effort by all, according to Lahainaluna coach Bobby Watson, and a good win to take into this week's final against the Raiders (5-6) of the Interscholastic League of Honolulu.

"They worked hard all year and you know, we lost the game to Baldwin and hopefully this is a payoff for us,'' Watson said.