It's still September, but tonight will feel like November for many Hawai'i high school football fans itching for a championship-type atmosphere.

Punahou, ranked No. 1 in The Advertiser's statewide Top 10 poll of coaches and media, takes on No. 2 Saint Louis in a crucial Interscholastic League of Ho-nolulu showdown. Both teams are 4-0 overall, 1-0 in the ILH, and coming off a victory over the other league power, No. 3 Kamehameha (4-2, 0-2).

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The O'ahu Interscholastic Association also has a championship-type game on tap as Red Conference juggernauts Farrington (4-1, 3-0 OIA Red East) and Kahuku (3-2, 2-1) square off at Mililani Stadium. The teams are tied for No. 4 in The Advertiser poll.

Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m., and the game will be televised live statewide on OC-16.

Here is a closer look at each game, plus tomorrow's matchup of OIA White Conference contenders Kaiser (3-2, 3-1) and Pearl City (4-0-1, 3-0-1):

PUNAHOU VS. SAINT LOUIS

Last week: Punahou defeated Kamehameha, 14-13; Saint Louis was idle

Notable: This rivalry dates to 1920; Saint Louis leads 79-47-5, but last year Punahou became the first team to defeat the Crusaders three times in one season. The last victory was for the ILH championship, the Buffanblu's first since 1977. ... Punahou's All-State receiver, Miah Ostrowski, returned from a sprained ankle last week and caught three passes for 41 yards. ... Both teams have been impressive on defense. Saint Louis shut out Leilehua and recorded seven sacks against Kamehameha, including three by lineman Scott Smith, and limited the Warriors' powerful running attack to 25 yards. Punahou held Kamehameha to 68 yards rushing. Sophomore linebacker Manti Te'o was a constant presence, blocking a punt (which directly led to a touchdown), causing a fumble, recording one sack and generally causing havoc with his explosive hitting and speedy pursuit. ... Punahou sophomore running back Dalton Hilliard showed quickness and grit against Kamehameha, picking up 16 yards on a key third-and-15 play late in the game to help preserve the victory. ... Saint Louis quarterback Micah Mamiya had a breakthrough performance against the Warriors, completing 14-of-28 passes for 194 yards and also scoring on an 11-yard touchdown run.

FARRINGTON VS. KAHUKU

Last week: Farrington defeated Kalaheo, 35-17; Kahuku lost to McKinley, 14-13

Notable: As in the ILH showdown, defense is expected to be the focus of this matchup. Kahuku is allowing only 12.8 points per game; Farrington has posted two shutouts and is surrendering just 8.2 ppg. Kahuku defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu and Farrington linebacker Sam-Earl Fehoko are two of four Hawai'i high school seniors under consideration to play in the 2007 U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Jan. 6 in San Antonio's Alamodome. The game features the nation's best high school seniors, and will be broadcast live on NBC. Kahuku strong safety Shiloah Te'o and Farrington defensive lineman Andrew Noga are two other hard-hitting playmakers. ... Farrington's starting quarterback, Elijah Filifili, missed the past two games with a broken finger and will sit out tonight's game, but Maeli Siliga moved over from receiver and has done a solid job filling in. The Governors' ground attack, led by running backs Hercules Sula and Josh Fernandez, also has picked up much of the offensive burden left by Filifili's absence. Sula rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries last week and has scored seven touchdowns. ... Kahuku also has a formidable rushing attack, led by tailback Lehi Aumua (471 yards, five TDs).

PEARL CITY AT KAISER

Last week: Pearl City defeated Waipahu, 13-6; Kaiser defeated Waialua, 42-21

Notable: The combined overall record of Pearl City's opponents entering last week's game was 3-15-1, but the Chargers proved they are legitimate contenders by knocking off Waipahu (3-2, 3-1). Antoin Dewalt rushed for 132 yards on 17 carries to lead Pearl City's offense. He's scored five touchdowns. ... Kaiser running back Isaac Saffery, a three-year starter, ranks third in the state with 608 yards and seven touchdowns. He rushed for 202 yards and three touchdowns on 39 carries last week.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.