Armed with the most efficient Division I passer from last season, Saint Louis takes its explosive offense on the road to Wai'anae to kickoff the high school football season in a non-league game tonight.

Kickoff is 5 p.m. for the junior varsity game with the varsity to follow at Wai'anae's Raymond Torii Field.

The Crusaders return quarterback Jeremy Higgins — though second among Division I QBs with 2,717 passing yards behind Leilehua's Andrew Manley's 3,642 — the leader in passing efficiency last season at 178.6. The senior was a second-team all-state selection as a junior.

Besides being an efficient passer, he was highly mobile, a characteristic that might be put to good use this season, as the Crusaders lost their starting offensive linemen to graduation, including all-state picks Mana Greg and Tytan Timoteo.

"Our deep threats won't be much help if we don't have much time (to throw long)," Saint Louis coach John Hao said.

Moreover, the Seariders have the kind of defense that poses a good test for the young Crusaders offensive line. Back is Eleu Wilson (6 feet 1, 315 pounds), who will be joined by Chavez Kauwalu (5-9, 170) and Kalei Hensley (6-1, 235). Also expected to apply pressure is Division I prospect Handsome Tanielu (6-3, 280), whose primary spot is on the offensive line.

Likewise, the Crusaders defense will provide a good test for the Seariders. Saint Louis returns defensive lineman Moses Samia and second-team all-state defensive back Marcus Umu, also a Division I prospect.

"A very good test," Wai'anae coach Dan Matsumoto said of Saint Louis. "We're probably playing the best right now."

Other nice matchups tonight include Farrington at Campbell. The Sabers requested a move up to the Red after spending last season in the White. They switched with Pearl City, which went winless in the Red West last season.

'Aiea visits Roosevelt, marking the debut of Rough Riders' coach Pat Silva, who took over for Lester Parrilla. Radford travels to Leilehua for the annual Spirit of Freedom Bowl, a matchup of schools with military ties.

In a last-minute change, Kalaheo is playing at King Kekaulike on Maui at 7 tonight. The Mustangs had been scheduled to play Kohala, which backed out of the game two weeks ago.

Tomorrow is the annual Father Bray Classic at Aloha Stadium. Kaimuki will play Pac-Five at 4:45 p.m. with host 'Iolani taking on Kaiser at 7:30 p.m. Kaiser coach Patrick Samsonas is an 'Iolani alumnus who played for and coached under Raiders' coach Wendell Look.

Kealakehe will play defending OIA Red champion Kahuku at 6 p.m. at Castle. Kahuku's field is unavailable because new lights are being installed. The work is expected to take about three weeks, Kahuku athletic director Joe Whitford said.