If the Saint Louis cheering section looks a little larger and sounds a bit louder Thursday night at Aloha Stadium, there will be a good reason.

The Crusaders will play Punahou in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division I regular-season finale at 6 p.m.

Saint Louis (6-3 overall, 3-3 ILH D1), mathematically eliminated, is expected to get some morale support from idle Kamehameha (7-3, 6-1). Punahou (8-2, 5-1) needs to beat the Crusaders to force a playoff next week against the Warriors. There hasn't been a playoff since 2005, when Punahou beat Saint Louis, 14-0.

In their first meeting, Punahou dominated Saint Louis, 35-0. The defending ILH and state champion Crusaders are out of contention, but have enough incentive. Aside from avenging the loss earlier in the season, a win gives Saint Louis a winning record in league.

The difference between Punahou and Saint Louis is defense. The Crusaders lead the ILH with 2,123 yards in offense. But their defense hasn't contributed to any scoring this season. Punahou's defense has scored six TDs; Kamehameha a league-leading eight. In their last meeting, Punahou QB Larry Tuileta passed for 161 yards and two TDs. Saint Louis QB Kawai Mook-Garcia passed for 166 yards, but had no TDs and was intercepted twice.

Kamehameha forced this situation with its 17-10 win against Punahou two weeks ago.

In Division II, Iolani closes out the regular season by hosting Damien at 3:15 p.m. Friday. The Raiders have already clinched the DII title and a state tournament berth.

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