Saint Louis School might have lost the state football championship game, but it hasn't lost its spirit of giving.

For the second consecutive year, the Crusaders' football teams — intermediate, JV and varsity — are providing food and basic necessities for the Homeless Veterans of Kalaeloa. For the past seven years, the team has donated items to select groups, such as the Hawaii Foodbank and Institute for Human Services.

"It's good for us to give to people who are less fortunate," senior offensive lineman Tui Tuiasosopo said. "We are fortunate to be able to go to private school, so we should be able to give back."

The players will formally deliver the goods to a representative of the homeless veterans' group Sunday at the team's annual football luncheon at Fort Shafter.

"It feels good to be a part of the team that's helping out the community," junior offensive lineman Ha'aheo Kaohi said. "It helps you be a better person throughout life, instead of just thinking about yourself."

The donations aren't just limited to canned goods and non-perishable items. There are other basic necessities such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, shavers and soap, as well as laundry detergent.

The Crusaders said giving is easy because they know they are recipients of an institution that is able to provide them what they need to prepare themselves academically and athletically.

"A lot of people donate to us," senior running back Keani Nishigaya said. "The alumni give back. This just shows how we can help out."

GOODWILL SENIOR BOWL

Speaking of public service, Tuiasosopo is among six Crusaders seniors who will play for the East team in the 17th Goodwill Senior Bowl tonight at Aloha Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

The game, which features senior football players from the Interscholastic League of Honolulu and O'ahu Interscholastic Association, is sponsored by the Hawai'i Union Builders Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships and funds educational activities that need financial assistance.

Tickets have one base price of $5 each.

The East has players from the O'ahu public high schools from the Honolulu and Windward districts, as well as Saint Louis, Pac-Five and 'Iolani.

Among the East squad is Saint Louis quarterback Micah Mamiya, the 2006 Advertiser Offensive Player of the Year, and Castle defensive lineman Solomon Koehler, the top recruit in the state, according to rivals .com. Also on the team are members of Division II state champion 'Iolani, such as linebacker Christian Siania, guard Cody Kamakana and receiver Ronnie Hirokawa.

The West has players from the public schools from the Leeward and Central districts, as well as from Damien, Kamehameha and Punahou.

The West team includes players from recently crowned state Division I champion Leilehua, such as linebackers Robert Siavii and Art Laurel, receiver Allan Macam, offensive lineman Chris Atualevao and defensive lineman Kaumu Delos Santos.

The teams had been working out for the past two weeks at various sites, including Aloha Stadium. However, none was able to practice Wednesday when most schools were closed because of the inclement weather.

The East head coach is Pac-Five's Kip Botelho, who will be assisted by coaches Randall Okimoto (Farrington), Gary Rosolowich (Kailua), Pat Samsonas (Kaiser), Glenn Oshiro (Kalani), Bobby Grey (McKinley) and Jacob Yoro (Saint Louis defensive coordinator).

The West head coach is 'Aiea's Wendell Say. He will be assisted by coaches Tumoana Kennessey (Campbell), David Stant (Kamehameha) and Fred Salanoa (Radford), as well as Bryant Ginoza (Wai'anae offensive coordinator) and Jason Hussey (Wai'anae defensive coordinator).

The West won last year's contest, 34-0, at Kamehameha's Kunuiakea Stadium. But over the years, the players usually speak of the friendships they have made rather than the final score of the game.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.