When top-ranked Punahou plays No. 4 Farrington in tonight's semifinal of the First Hawaiian Bank Division I State Football Tournament, it will be another chapter in the evolution of Hawai'i high school football.

Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Aloha Stadium for the matchup that figures to rekindle memories of when both played in the old Interscholastic League of Honolulu. The schools met six times in 32 years for the annual Thanksgiving Day doubleheader, the last in 1969, also the final year the Honolulu pubic schools played in the league.

Punahou coach and alumnus Kale Ane ('71) played in the 1968 and 1969 doubleheaders against the Governors, albeit as the warm-up act for the top two teams of the league.

"Playing Farrington brings back a lot of memories of the old ILH," Ane said. "It was a lot of fun. A great tradition, a great rivalry. Great players on both sides, so a lot of good memories."

Farrington coach and alumnus Randall Okimoto ('92) helped lead the '90 Governors to the old O'ahu Prep Bowl, sometimes described as the "mythical" state championship. (The Govs lost to Saint Louis.)

Tonight, the two schools will battle it out for a date in next week's state championship against the winner of the Leilehua-Kahuku semifinal.

Punahou is trying to make its first return since 2005, when it lost a heart-breaker to Kahuku in the title game. Like Punahou, this is only the second semifinal for Farrington. The Governors have never reached the title game in four previous tournament appearances.

The ILH champion Buffanblu (11-1) come in well-rested from an opening-round bye. They used the time to mend injuries and catch up on school work, Ane said.

The Governors (9-3) advanced to the semifinals with a 30-13 win against Big Island champion Kealakehe last weekend.

PASSING GRADES

Punahou has incredible skilled players on offense that it will use without hesitation. That means a busy night for receivers Robert Toma and Kimo Makaula, as well as slashers (as in receiver/running back/name-your-position) Manti Te'o and Dalton Hilliard. Quarterback Cayman Shutter will get the quartet involved early and often. The tough part for Farrington is it may know the pass is coming, but it might be another thing to defend it.

"Usually the passing teams we see are double-slot or spread teams," Farrington coach Randall Okimoto said. "Punahou will come out in little bit more different sets. They will shift and motion. It's going to be a challenge to cover (the receivers) and get the right reads."

Shutter is the most efficient passer among the state's Division I QBs. He's pretty accurate (65 percent completion average), doesn't give up the ball (three interceptions) and most important, gets the most mileage from each attempt (9.2 yards). He gets good protection from his line. When the pressure's on, he gets rid of the ball quickly.

Okimoto said the Governors will have to pick their spots to blitz.

"But he's like (Leilehua QB Andrew) Manley," Okimoto said. "It's hard to get to him when he's in the shotgun."

Toma can burn coverages deep or on short routes with his run after catches.

There's also the 6-foot-3 Makaula, who is a mismatch for short defensive backs.

And if they aren't enough trouble, the Govs still have to deal with Hillard and Te'o, who line up as backs or as receivers.

The Govs' secondary is anchored by safeties James Smith and Albert Lewellen. They provide help for corners Alvin Fa'amausili and Aaron Iramina. Vaughn Tomas is the extra DB in Farrington's nickel package.

GOOD RUNNING BACKS

Through the years — even back in the old ILH — the Governors always had good leg work from their running backs.

Apelu So'oalo is a different two-way threat from Punahou's Te'o, the nation's top linebacker recruit. So'oalo is a workhorse rusher with 198 carries for 1,118 yards and 11 TDs. He's also booted seven field goals.

But over the years, Farrington has developed its passing game. While QB Dayton Kealoha might not be as proficient (41 percent completion average and 5.5 yards per attempt) as Shutter, the threat of success through the air is there. He has 13 TDs to one interception. Drake Miller and Ani Isumu have a combined 48 catches for 707 yards and 10 TDs.

"They have a big offensive line, good athletic running back, a quarterback that's mobile and can throw the ball deep," Ane said.

Punahou has outstanding outside linebackers in Te'o, the top LB recruit in America, and Jeremy Ioane. Both are quick to the ball, whether it's in the air or on the ground.

Ane is anticipating a team with something to prove.

"They have nothing to lose, so they'll be coming out loose and throwing the kitchen sink at us," Ane said.