For Saint Louis School defensive tackles Ryan Eastman and Geordon Hanohano, it's their turn to shine.

The two hope to lead the top-ranked Crusaders to their first First Hawaiian Bank Division I State Football Championship in half a decade when they play the No. 2 Leilehua Mules tomorrow at Aloha Stadium. Kickoff is 8 p.m.

As juniors, this dynamic duo quietly plugged the middle of the line of scrimmage in the shadow of their All-State bookend seniors Scott Smith and Solomona Aigamaua. As seniors, Eastman and Hanohano have taken over where their big brothers left off.

"They're the heart and soul of our defense," Crusaders' coach Delbert Tengan said. "Last year, Aigamaua and Smith, they were the leaders and stood out with their play. But these two guys complemented them real well. (Opponents) weren't able to run the ball inside, so they pushed it out toward Mona and Scotty, so those guys were able to make plays."

Eastman and Hanohano anchor a defense that only twice has allowed more than two touchdowns in a game. Their ability to keep offensive linemen busy has freed the linebackers to make most of the tackles.

Both are among the top 10 recruits in the state, according to www.rivals.com.

Hanohano, who is 6 feet 2 and 270 pounds, has received offers or interest from the likes of Hawai'i, California, Arizona and Washington.

Eastman, who is 6-0 and 260, has given New Mexico State a verbal commitment, but still gets inquiries from other Division I programs.

While their pursuit of ball carriers are the same, they are so different.

Hanohano literally grew up in the Saint Louis program, serving as a ball boy. This is his third season with the varsity. Tengan compares him to former NFL great Reggie White because of his combination of athleticism and power.

"It's good to see him grow and mature and be a vital cog in our defensive schemes," Tengan said. "I think he's really grown over the years, worked real hard in the weight room, played basketball to improve his mobility and his feet."

Eastman, in his second year on the varsity, is a different animal. He's called The Beast, though Tengan calls him the Tazmanian Devil.

"He's under-sized, but he keeps coming at you," Tengan said. "When you look at film, he's the first guy off the ball. He really keys the ball well."

His explosiveness off the snap makes up for what he lacks in height. Eastman frequently draws double-team blocks.

"He likes the double-team," said a smiling Hanohano. "He likes the feeling of being unstoppable."

Eastman usually lines up against a guard, but the center will usually slide over to assist. He's used to the, well, attention.

"Sometimes (it's frustrating), but if you keep working at it, keeping going hard every play, you're bound to make something happen," Eastman said.

He has. Despite the double teaming, he still gets his share of tackles and sacks. Tengan said he has even moved his linemen to free Eastman from double teams. But opponents still found ways to neutralize him.

"Sometimes when we put him outside, teams tend to run away from him," Tengan said.

Eastman and Hanohano will have to be at their best tomorrow against Leilehua. Although the Mules' starting quarterback Andrew Manley is a sophomore, he has played with the poise of a veteran since pressed into duty five games ago after being promoted from the JV. At 6 feet 2 and 180 pounds, the most similar quarterback the Crusaders have seen to date is Kamehameha's Michael Hoke (6-2, 200). Manley's play in postseason has earned the Crusaders' respect.

"He looks tough," Eastman said. "He looks like he can handle a hit."

The Crusaders came close last year, losing to Kahuku, 7-6, in the championship game. In fact, the Crusaders (11-0) enter tomorrow's game having won 22 of their last 23.

"It's a new season," Hanohano said. "We cannot dwell on the past and just finish what we started."

Eastman is ready for the challenge.

"We gotta do it this year," he said. "Leilehua's a good team. We just have to play Crusader football."

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.