"Competition-wise, I think we're the same as Hawai'i," said Timpview coach Louis Wong, a 1981 graduate of Castle High School. "I think we can compete with any school in Southern California — that's how I feel about Utah football."

And right now, Wong's team is the best Utah has to offer. The Thunderbirds are ranked No. 1 in the state, regardless of division.

"They run a very unique offense, the same one (coach) Urban Meyer ran at (University of) Utah," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "It'll be a big test for us."

Timpview brings a 3-0 record into Saturday's game, along with several Hawai'i ties besides Wong. Linebackers coach Gary Clark was an all-star quarterback at Leilehua in 1968 and later became head coach at 'Aiea and Leilehua.

Defensive backs coach Jason Walker also graduated from Leilehua (1994) and line coach Bobby Kauo is a McKinley alumnus (1956). Junior two-way lineman Famika Anae's father is Robert Anae, a former Kahuku resident who now is offensive coordinator at Brigham Young.

The Thunderbirds arrived Saturday and have mixed business with pleasure all week.

"We visited Pearl Harbor, and we took them surfing at Waikiki," Wong said. "They had such a great time."

Timpview players also spent Wednesday afternoon at the Aloha Stadium swap meet and were planning to do some snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. But Wong knows that come Saturday, they will need total focus on Punahou.

"It's an honor and we feel privileged to be playing in this game," Wong said. "Hawai'i teams used to be known for their running, but I've seen the change and now I know they can throw the ball really well."

Punahou (2-0) certainly falls into that category. Buffanblu quarterback Brett Kan already has completed 31 of 55 passes (.564) for 450 yards and seven touchdowns, with two interceptions. His primary target, Miah Ostrowski, has 16 catches for 214 yards and three TDs.

Punahou is ranked No. 4 in The Advertiser's statewide Top 10 poll of coaches and media.

"We don't get to play in these kind of games very often, so we're excited for the kids," Ane said. "Anytime we play outside of our league, we're curious to see how we match up."

Saint Louis' program has a lot of experience playing Mainland opponents, having faced the nation's No. 1-ranked team, De La Salle of Concord, Calif., in 2002. But the Crusaders (1-1) had their hands full two weeks ago against Leeward O'ahu foe Wai'anae, losing 30-20.

"Unfortunately, Davis reminds me of Wai'anae," said Saint Louis coach Delbert Tengan, who has watched the Darts on film. "On defense, they're real tough and swarm to the ball, and on offense can run inside and outside."

For the Darts, the game is a rare opportunity to showcase Davis' program outside their home state.

"In my 16 years at the school, this is the first time we've gone out of state to play football," said athletic director Jay Welk. "We feel privileged, because Saint Louis, Punahou and Kahuku have great reputations in Utah."

Davis coach Ryan Bishop said it's another chance to put Davis "on the map" regionally.

"This is a very good opportunity for us," he said.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.