They met in Arizona months ago, but it wasn't until yesterday that they finally tied the knot.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann announced that the Hawaii All-Star Football Classic is official, marking the return of a Hawaii vs. Mainland high school exhibition on Dec. 12 at Aloha Stadium.

The Hawaii/Polynesia team will also be fortified by players who have ties to the islands, including some University of Hawaii recruits.

Hawaii/Polynesia's roster already includes Punahou linebacker Manti Te'o, Hilo offensive lineman Jordan Loeffler, Baldwin defensive end Mana Rosa (Oregon State) and Waimea defensive lineman Siasau Matagiese.

UH recruits in the lineup include Gahr (Calif.) quarterback Corey Nielson and Fagaitu (American Samoa) quarterback/safety Joey Iosefa.

Also playing for Hawaii/Polynesia are Timpview (Utah) standouts Levi Te'o and Xavier Su'a-Filo. Samoana's James Savea and Leone's Afasene Tasi will make the trip from American Samoa.

“;This is the best of the best of Hawaii and Samoa,”; Hannemann said.

The Mainland squad features some of the nation's top players, including wide receiver Randall Carroll (USC), quarterback Bryn Renner (North Carolina) and offensive lineman Chris Watt (Notre Dame).

West Springfield (West Virginia) coach Bill Renner, father of Bryn, will coach the Mainland team.

The event is a doubleheader. The opening game, set for 5 p.m., is the 18th annual HUB Senior Bowl Goodwill Classic between the West and East. The Hawaii/Polynesia-Mainland game will follow.

“;The time is right for this game,”; said Rich McGuinness, who initiated contact with Hannemann and HHSAA executive director Keith Amemiya several months ago. McGuinness and Hannemann met during a tournament in Arizona, where the mayor was one of the coaches of the Team Aloha girls basketball team.

“;I've never seen such enthusiasm and excitement from the political structure down to the grass roots. In a heartbeat, they jumped at it. These guys made it happen,”; said McGuinness, who is the chief of Sportslink, which has operated the U.S. Army All-American game in San Antonio for a decade. The game drew 38,000 fans last season. He expects 30 to 40 players from the U.S. Army All-American game to play in the Hawaii/Polynesia-Mainland contest.

“;A lot of athletes are dying to play in a game like this,”; McGuinness said, noting that there are at least 20 players set to play for the Mainland squad. Another 10 or so are also available.

“;There are a lot of four- and five-star athletes to choose from,”; he added. “;Talent in Hawaii has been improving every year. Pound for pound, this is one of the best in the country,”; he said.

A slumping economy hasn't deterred McGuinness.

“;Once you're here, the costs go down because of the support,”; he said.

Some cost issues are up in the air—transportation is the biggest task. Boarding, however, won't be a worry; the Sheraton Waikiki has already offered its support, McGuinness said.

Herb Kaopua of HUB (Hawaii Union Builders Foundation) and Dwight Toyama, speaking on behalf of the Oahu Interscholastic Association and Interscholastic League of Honolulu, were on hand to voice their support.

Concerns about potential injuries to future college players was addressed. Amemiya said that only two players have turned down invitations—one because of his team's playoff games, and the other due to injury.

“;It's a win-win proposition,”; Amemiya said.

Finding players for the Hawaii/Polynesia team won't be hard. More than 100 have been nominated for consideration, McGuinness said.

The alliance between Sportslink, the HHSAA and the mayor may open the door to other possibilities. Future exhibitions for soccer and baseball will be explored, Amemiya said.