Rout helps Saint Louis
move back up to No. 3

The ability of an elephant to remember is legendary.

There are no elephants on the Star-Bulletin Football Top 10 voting panel. In fact, the seven voters might be in need of some gingko biloba.

Saint Louis, which dropped to No. 4 in last week's poll after a loss to Iolani, moved back to No. 3 in the new rankings released today. The Crusaders dominated Punahou in a 42-0 win Friday to move ahead of Kamehameha.

Kahuku garnered all seven first-place votes to remain No. 1. The Red Raiders (7-1, 6-0 Oahu Interscholastic Association Red East) had a bye over the weekend. They battle Aiea in an OIA quarterfinal this weekend.

Second-ranked Mililani (8-0, 6-0 OIA Red West) had a bye and will face Kailua in another quarterfinal matchup.

Kamehameha, which led by just six points at halftime before defeating Damien 35-7, is in the midst of a key week. The Warriors battle Saint Louis on Saturday with first place in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu at stake.

Saint Louis, with backup quarterback Cameron Higgins showing significant improvement in his second start, has won the last 18 ILH titles. Higgins, a combination of good passing and scrambling skills, has filled in for Stanley Nihipali.

Nihipali is likely out for the season with a separated shoulder suffered in the loss to Iolani.

Kamehameha and Lahainaluna, which was tied with Saint Louis at No. 4 last week, each dropped one spot to round out the top 5.

The Raiders, who ran well against Pac-Five in a 44-20 win, remained at No. 6. Michael Hirokawa ran for 189 yards on 21 carries for Iolani, which played without quarterback Kiran Kepo'o (ankle).

Baldwin, Castle, Leilehua and Hilo round out the Top 10.