Over the next three weeks, the fate of the three Interscholastic League of Honolulu football Division I teams will be determined.

The drama begins tonight when No. 2 and defending champion Saint Louis plays No. 6 Kamehameha 7:45 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.

There is more at stake for the Warriors (7-3 overall, 4-2 ILH), who lost 28-20 to the Crusaders (7-1, 5-1) the first time around. Kamehameha will be eliminated from contention with a loss.

Moreover, Kamehameha not only needs to win to stay alive, but win again next week against Punahou to force, at best, a tie for first with either Saint Louis or Punahou, which has a bye this week.

While a Saint Louis loss doesn't hurt as much as it would Kamehameha, it would put pressure on the Crusaders when they play the Buffanblu on Nov. 12.

But one step at a time.

The Crusaders rallied from a 20-14 deficit late in the third quarter to beat the Warriors the last time. It was a game that could have gone either way. But the Warriors kept the Crusaders' late scoring drives going with encroachment penalties. Saint Louis benefitted from six first downs via penalties.

"We can't make the mental mistakes that we made," Kamehameha coach David Stant said.

The Warriors also will have to defend the pass better, as Saint Louis quarterback Jeremy Higgins passed for 334 yards and four TDs in the last game. Slotback Lucas Gonsalves was a favorite target that night, hauling in a game-high nine passes for 143 yards. But Gonsalves broke his collarbone in a 35-30 loss to 'Iolani Oct. 4.

Stant doesn't think Gonsalves' absence will make a difference. "They have a lot of weapons over there," he said.

Kaden Kamoe and Evan Fujihara have filled in for Gonsalves, Saint Louis coach John Hao said. They have combined for four catches for 45 yards, all by Kamoe.

But this just wouldn't be a normal Saint Louis-Kamehameha game without a few surprises.

Hao hinted that Gonsalves might be ready. He wouldn't go as far saying he would start.

"Lucas will play soon," Hao said. "I'm not saying when, but he has put on pads."

Hao credited Dr. Calvin Oishi and physical therapist Pat Ariki for the "miracle" recovery.

The Warriors have weapons of their own. Running back Ryan Ho rambled for 119 yards and two TDs in the first meeting against the Saints. Quarterback Edmund Kamano Jr. was sacked four times, but finished with 26 yards rushing.

Both teams are coming off the Division II portion of their schedules. Both reduced playing time for their starters to keep them healthy for Division I play. Yes, teams do look ahead when applicable.

For the Warriors, they must believe in themselves, Stant said.

"It's just confidence," he said. "Saint Louis has that brand name. Sometimes the 'name' beats us before we get on the field."

Although it's not as critical a game for the Crusaders, Hao still wants his team to play like it is.

"Any loss is do or die for us," Hao said. "I know we have a slim chance if we lose, but I don't want to bring that up with the kids."

PAC-FIVE VS. DAMIEN

Since No. 9 'Iolani has clinched the Division II title, second place is on the line for the Wolfpack (3-7, 2-5) and Monarchs (5-5, 2-5), the 5 p.m. opening act before the D1 game.

There's never a dull moment in DII, as the games tend to be high-scoring. Damien beat Pac-Five, 45-33, the first time.

'IOLANI VS. WORD OF LIFE

The Raiders (7-3, 5-2) play the Firebrands (2-8, 0-7) 3:15 p.m. tomorrow at 'Iolani.

It's still important for 'Iolani to keep winning to attain a better league record than its D1 counterpart. That would force a playoff for the overall league title.