The Kahuku (HI) varsity football team will face St. Louis (Honolulu, HI) in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. at Kahuku. This matchup is part of the 2024 First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Football State Championships (Hawaii) – Division I-OPEN tournament.

St. Louis vs Kahuku High School Football Game Info:

What: Hawaii High School Football
Who: St. Louis vs Kahuku
When: Friday, November 29, 2024
Time: 7:00pm.
Bracket: 2024 First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Football State Championships (Hawaii) – Division I-OPEN
Live stream: Watch here

Game Preview: St. Louis vs Kahuku

The stage is set for a thrilling playoff clash as the St. Louis (Honolulu, HI) and Kahuku (HI) varsity football teams square off in a neutral playoff game today at 7 p.m. at Kahuku. This matchup is a key part of the 2024 First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Football State Championships (Hawaii) – Division I-OPEN tournament, with both teams coming into the game with impressive records and high expectations.

Season Overview

St. Louis (8-3 overall, 5-1 in league play) has had a strong season, showcasing a dominant offense with an average of 31 points per game. The team’s scoring spread is impressive, especially in the first half, where they’ve averaged 49 points across the first two quarters of play. They’ve been especially tough at home, finishing 4-0 in that category. The Crusaders have shown they can bounce back from tough losses, as evidenced by their ability to recover from a non-conference defeat earlier in the season.

Kahuku (9-4 overall, 5-2 in league play), ranked No. 41 nationally, has had a solid season, with a balance of both wins and losses on the road (5-2). They average 22.5 points per game, with the majority of their scoring coming in the latter stages of the game. Kahuku’s offense may not be as explosive as St. Louis’, but their ability to close out games with an average of 7.3 points in the final quarter speaks to their resilience and ability to handle pressure situations.

Head-to-Head Battle

The two teams have already met once this season, in an August matchup that saw Kahuku edge out St. Louis with a 14-13 victory. The game was a defensive struggle, with both teams finding scoring difficult, but Kahuku held on to secure the win by a single point. This first meeting gives both teams a point of reference, with Kahuku looking to maintain momentum, while St. Louis will be eager to avenge the loss in this high-stakes playoff setting.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, with notable matchups against Mililani, Farrington, and Campbell. St. Louis holds a 2-1 record against common foes, while Kahuku has a 4-2 record in those same games, demonstrating their consistency against shared competition. Notably, both teams beat Farrington and Campbell, though St. Louis’ loss to Mililani on August 17 was a setback they’ll look to learn from as they prepare for today’s showdown.

Key Factors to Watch

• Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Resilience: St. Louis has a potent offense, averaging 31 points per game, but Kahuku has the ability to limit scoring, particularly in close games. Their win over St. Louis earlier in the season shows they are capable of stifling high-powered offenses.
• Playoff Experience: Both teams have played under the intense spotlight of Hawaii’s football scene, but with Kahuku having a more storied history of success in the playoffs, they may have an edge in handling the pressure of a high-stakes game.
• Final Quarter Performance: Kahuku’s strong finish to games, where they average 7.3 points in the final quarter, could prove critical. If the game is close heading into the fourth quarter, Kahuku’s ability to finish strong may give them the advantage.

The Path Ahead

The winner of today’s game will continue their journey in the 2024 First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Football State Championships, with both teams aiming for the ultimate prize in Hawaii’s high school football scene. St. Louis has the talent to rebound from their early season loss to Kahuku, but they will need to execute their game plan flawlessly. For Kahuku, maintaining their defensive discipline and taking advantage of their ability to close out games will be key to advancing.

Conclusion

This neutral playoff game is set to be a thrilling contest between two of Hawaii’s top football programs. With both teams coming in with strong records, a shared history, and a desire to prove themselves on the big stage, this game promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the season. Fans can expect a hard-fought battle as St. Louis looks to avenge their earlier loss, while Kahuku aims to keep their playoff dreams alive.