Six times this season, there will be a crucial Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I football game.

In other words, any time Kamehameha, Punahou and Saint Louis play each other it will be considered a big game.

The two-time Division I champion Crusaders (2-0 overall) begin defense of their titles against 2005 champion Punahou (3-0) in the feature game 7:45 p.m. tomorrow at Aloha Stadium.

The Buffanblu are ranked first in The Advertiser Top 10, while the Crusaders are third. Idle Kamehameha is fourth. To Saint Louis first-year coach John Hao, there's not much difference between his team and the Buffanblu.

"Both have speed, strength and quickness," Hao said. "It's going to come down to the one that makes the least mistakes who will be the winner."

One difference is the Buffanblu had one extra nonleague game. Punahou just returned from a trip to Washington, where it beat Central Kitsap, 42-19, Saturday night. The Crusaders had a bye.

"Experience is the best thing for kids, so that's where we're lacking," Hao said of playing one fewer nonleague game. "But we've been practicing heavy with scrimmages."

Punahou coach Kale Ane said it's tough to discern the difference of the one extra game, but concurred with Hao.

"Any time you can gain more experience without getting too many guys hurt, you're OK," Ane said.

The two look similar on paper. Both have returning starting quarterbacks. Saint Louis' Jeremy Higgins is averaging 9.6 yards per pass attempt (the largest factor in the passing efficiency formula) and Kimo Makaula is averaging 10.3.

Makaula was the projected backup to Cayman Shutter, who injured his right (throwing) shoulder against Castle Aug. 29. Makaula, who verbally committed to Hawai'i to play defensive end, was a projected receiver this season. Since he shared time at QB with Shutter last season, it isn't as if the Buffanblu are breaking in a new player.

Meanwhile, Ane said Shutter's status is day-to-day. He might be available Saturday, Ane said.

"We're trying not to rush things," Ane said.

The Buffanblu have one of the highly regarded running backs in the country in Dalton Hilliard (7.5 yards per carry). The Crusaders will counter with Austin Wakinekona (7.5 yards per rush), who is coming off reconstructive knee surgery, Hao said.

"He's well ahead of his recovery period," Hao said.

If Shutter is out, Punahou loses Makaula at receiver. But it isn't as if there will be a shortage. Robert Toma and Galen Arakawa were first and third in receptions on the team last year. Hilliard was second.

The Crusaders also have returning starting receivers in Lucas Gonsalves and Billy Stutzmann, who verbally committed to UH.

Both teams also bring fine defenses to the fray. The Crusaders are led by linebacker Joe Lacaden, the Buffanblu by one of the nation's top recruits, linebacker Manti Te'o.

Saint Louis has dominated the series (83-48-5 since 1920). It has won the last four meetings the past two seasons. Punahou last beat Saint Louis in 2005, when it swept the season series and then won a playoff for the ILH title. But Saint Louis is 24-3 since the second round of the 1995 season.

Pac-Five (2-2 overall, 1-0 ILH) vs. Damien (3-1, 0-1) — 5 p.m. tomorrow at Aloha Stadium.

What can Wolfpack QB PJ Minaya possibly do for an encore after passing for a record 513 yards last week?

Damien QB Anthony Tuitele also is capable of a big day after passing for 151 yards against 'Iolani.Word of Life (2-2, 0-1) at No. 9 'Iolani (3-1, 1-0) — 3:15 p.m. today.

Who said smashball is the only way to wear down a team?

The Firebrands were worn out by the Wolfpack's 50 pass plays last week. Will the Raiders' no-huddle offense do the same?

Undermanned, WOLA still packs a punch. Its razzle-dazzle of misdirection plays aren't the keys to its successful runs. The Firebrands execute their blocks well.

Kapolei (2-2, 1-1) at No. 2 Leilehua (3-0, 1-0) — 7:30 tonight.

The defending Division I state champion Mules have a nine-game win streak dating to last year's playoffs.

The Mules are coming off a bye, while the Hurricanes settled themselves with a win against Nanakuli last week.

The same cast of characters head Leilehua's offense: QB Andrew Manley (687 yards passing), RB Rico Newman (243 yards) and receiver Edieson Dumlao (257 yards). All stats have been accumulated over three games.

The Hurricanes will face a defense that has allowed 234 yards per game and just four TDs the past three games. QB Noah Pascua is among a trio of Hurricanes ball carriers with more than 160 yards rushing.

No. 5 Farrington (3-1, 2-0) vs. McKinley (1-2, 1-0) — 7 p.m. tomorrow at Roosevelt (on OC 16).

Despite going winless last season, the Tigers played the Govs to a 7-7 tie.

But Farrington has an interesting talent in RB Apelu So'alo, who has 345 yards rushing and four field goals.