While their counterparts get one more tuneup, the two-time defending Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I champion Saint Louis Crusaders will enjoy a bye before their season opener Sept. 13

"It's the best thing that could've happened to us," Saint Louis first-year coach John Hao said. "It gives us more time to prepare for the next game."

Saint Louis' division rivals will get their final tuneup on the Mainland. Kamehameha (2-1 in nonleague) will play Davis of Kaysville, Utah, today at Weber State's Stewart Stadium, while Punahou (2-0) will play Saturday against Central Kitsap at Qwest Field in Seattle.

"I'm sure we'll have a great time playing at Qwest Field and representing Hawai'i," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "But we have to remember the priority is our league. We have to keep that balance."

At least the Warriors will have a bye when they return. The Buffanblu will open with the Crusaders, who have won their last four meetings.

The Crusaders are 22-2 the past two seasons, their only losses coming in the state title game. The were 7-0 in each of the last two regular seasons. But this season figures to be different.

The Buffanblu are armed with two returning quarterbacks. Cayman Shutter was to take the reins solely this season with Kimo Makaula starting at receiver. But a shoulder injury over the weekend might sideline Shutter for the ILH opener. Fortunately for Punahou, Makaula had ample time at QB so it isn't as if he needs breaking in.

Quarterbacks aside, this might be Punahou's most talented squad in years. The Buffanblu feature the top linebacker recruit in the country in Manti Te'o and highly recruited running back Dalton Hilliard.

Kamehameha, under second-year coach David Stant, has played well in nonleague, dominating perennial contender Kahuku (35-0) and beating Kapolei (26-18) before losing to California's St. John Bosco (23-14).

The Warriors return running back Brandon Dumlao, the team's rushing leader last season, and receivers Pi'i Minns and Maika Mataele. Running back Ryan Ho has been impressive, amassing 434 yards in three games.

"We've responded pretty well," Stant said.

The Crusaders lost two-time state Offensive Player of the Year Micah Mamiya, but still put up 72 points combined against O'ahu Interscholastic Association contenders Mililani and Farrington with Jeremy Higgins at quarterback. Since he retained some of last year's assistants, including offensive coordinator Vince Passas, the transition wasn't that difficult for Hao and his players.

"At least what I'm running now is a part of last year," Hao said.

KAMEHAMEHA WARRIORS

1903 to present (575-299-42).

Staff: Coach David Stant, second season (4-4-1). Offensive coordinator Kelii Akana. Defensive coordinator James Nakamura.

2007: 3-4 ILH, 4-4-1 overall.

Players to watch: CB Chaz Bajet (5-8, 170, Jr.), WR Pi'i Minns (6-3, 165, Sr.), QB Edmund Kamano Jr. (5-9, 155, Sr.), WR Maika Mataele (5-11, 170, Sr.), DB Michael Tokunaga (6-0, 170, Sr.), DB Tony Tokunaga (5-11, 165, Sr.), RB Brandon Dumlao (5-10, 180, Sr.), LB Conrad Scheidt (6-2, 220, Sr.), RB Ryan Ho (5-7, 155, Jr.), DE Kaohu McCabe (5-11, 230, Sr.).

PUNAHOU BUFFANBLU

1903 to present (540-347-34).

Staff: Coach/defensive coordinator Kale Ane, 10th season (56-38). Offensive coordinator Darryl Kan.

2007: 5-2 ILH, 7-2 overall.

Players to watch: DB Nicholas Kido (6-1, 185, Sr.), RB Dalton Hilliard (6-0, 190, Sr.), AP Manti Te'o (6-2, 233, Sr.), S Sean McFadden (6-1, 190, Jr.), WR Robert Toma (5-10, 170, Sr.), Rov. Jeremy Ioane (5-11, 188, Jr.), DB Jordan Honjiyo (5-8, 160, Jr.), WR Michael Suiter (6-1, 180, So.), WR/QB Kimo Makaula (6-3, 225, Sr.), DB Mina Gould (5-11, 178, Sr.), G Kaleoaloha Pene (6-1, 225, Sr.), G Keenan-Celtic Fa'atea (5-11, 252, So.), C Kasey Romero (6-0, 225, Jr.), T Thurston Kino (6-3, 255, Jr.), DL Jackson Cook (6-2, 220, Sr.), DL Sione Mataele (6-1, 205, Sr.), T Kaiwi Crabb (6-5, 244, Jr.), WR Mark Silverstein (6-3, 185, Sr.), DL Timothy Lum (6-0, 202, Sr.).

SAINT LOUIS CRUSADERS

1920 to present (610-231-38).

Staff: Coach John Hao, first season. Offensive coordinator Vince Passas. Defensive coordinator Agenhart Ellis.

2007: 7-0, ILH Division I champion, 11-1 overall.

Players to watch: SB Lucas Gonsalves (5-9, 165, Sr.), WR Billy Stutzmann (6-1, 160, Sr.), WR/P/K Trevor Mau (5-11, 165, Sr.), LB Joe Lacaden (5-11, 190, Sr.), QB Jeremy Higgins (6-0, 175, Jr.), S Marcus Umu (5-11, 190, Jr.), DL Moses Samia (6-1, 190, Jr.), T Tytan Timoteo (6-1, 293, Sr.), C Mana Greig (5-11, 285, Sr.), DL Kali Fifita (5-11, 215, Sr.), DL Adam White (5-10, 255, Sr.).