The red and white Red Raiders flags are flying along Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku.

The big test — today’s football game at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas — has the townspeople humming with enthusiasm.

Perennially a top program in Hawaii and having made a mark nationally, Kahuku (5-0) is climbing new heights this season with a No. 17 ranking in the USA Today Super 25. The team’s opponent Saturday — the Gaels (3-0) — are No. 1 and have finished the last two seasons ranked at the top in the country.

Just as the Red Raiders’ offense makes an indelible impression on Hawaii rivals, the school is out to stamp its brand on the national consciousness.

What’s more, the town’s supporters are talking like this is already a win, even if the team doesn’t triumph on the field. The folks here know deep down that the Red Raiders — eight-time state champions since 2000 — are winners. That’s why red and white placards with the players’ jersey numbers have been stapled to telephone poles within a mile of campus. That’s why on Tuesday, the “Red Mile” was formed with supporters lining the highway from Kahuku to Hauula, waving banners and shouting encouragement to the team on the bus as it headed toward Honolulu Airport.

“I think it’ll be a good opportunity for our boys to go and play a team like this so high in status and such a different place than they’re used to,” said Sarah Fonoimoana, a senior cheerleader who took a moment before practice Thursday to show her school pride. “It’ll be a great learning experience for them and I know they’re going to have so much fun and I think that the town is so excited and our community is so happy for them, win or lose, no matter the outcome. I think that they’re going to do the best that they can. I think they’ll do pretty good. I don’t know what the outcome will be and I know that they don’t know that either, but I just know they’re going to leave their hearts on the field.”

Douglas Nawahine, a 1971 Kahuku graduate and a former nose guard on the football team, was eating lunch at Laie Shopping Center on Thursday, when he was asked if he had an interest in today’s game.

“My wife is going to the game,” he said. “She’s there for a reunion. I think they (the Red Raiders) will do well. I saw Bishop Gorman play last year. They are well organized. I don’t think Kahuku is going to win, but I know they’ll do well and put on a good show. Two touchdowns will be the difference. Bishop Gorman has more talent.”

Still, Nawahine, 62, describes himself as a “Red Raider for Life” or, in short, RR4L. “I get it (because) it’s for life,” he said.

Kahuku already has a national reach, but it could grow with a memorable showing today. Jade Cameron, another Kahuku senior cheerleader, knows people from the mainland who have heard about Kahuku football.

“Friends from New Jersey and Kansas, they tell me they want to come and check out Kahuku because they’ve heard about our football team,” she said. “I tell them it’s a small, little school and nothing special but that the people inside make it special.

“I think it’s really exciting that our boys get such an amazing opportunity to get to broaden their horizons and go play other teams at different skill levels than what they’re used to. And I know it’s a humbling experience to be asked to come do this. I know the whole community is so overjoyed and so excited for them that they get to go do this.”

Teammate Shania Dias, a junior, is one of two on the cheerleading squad who will get an opportunity to watch the game.

“I’m actually going,” said Dias, who could barely hold back a gigantic, emotional smile Thursday. “We’re leaving at 5 (Friday morning) and I’m super excited to watch the game. It’s the first time I’m going to the mainland. The whole community — some going up and some down here to support them — is showing love for the football team. As cheerleaders, we are their No. 1 supporters. I think our boys play with their hearts and they always play their best, so no matter what the outcome is, they’re always winners to us.”