In traditional high school stereotypes, the "band geek" and "jock" often are polar opposites.

But at Damien Memorial School, such stereotypes do not exist, because the band geek and jock could be the same person.

Eight members of the Monarchs' marching band also play varsity football, and they will try to help Damien win the Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division II championship Saturday against 'Iolani. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Kaiser Stadium.

But two days earlier, the football players/musicians have another big night to look forward to, with the University of Hawai'i's Rainbow Invitational Band Festival at Aloha Stadium.

"In both (events), we want to put it all out on the line," said senior Jowen Alapai, who plays offensive line in football and tuba in the band. "When we're out there on the field, we want to show how hard we've worked."

Band director Kent Sato and football coach Dean Nakagawa have allowed the eight musical Monarchs full opportunities to do the double-duty, even on game days when the Damien band performs at halftime.

The players shed their helmets and pick up their instruments as teammates head to the locker room, not missing a step or a note as the band plays on.

"We try not to look at the scoreboard," said junior defensive lineman Micah Aina, who plays the xylophone. "Sometimes (playing music at the half) throws off the 'game feeling.' "

Alapai admitted that switching gears so suddenly — from controlled violence to peaceful harmony — sometimes "gets you out of the (football) mood."

But Nakagawa said his players have handled the multi-tasking well, adding that their position coaches usually can get them up to speed as far as any halftime adjustments they missed by not being in the locker room.

And, Nakagawa said, he understands the band sometimes needs them as much as he does.

"We always talk about their priorities," Nakagawa said. "So we tell them, 'If the band needs you, you better be there.' "

Sato said he never had any football players in 10 years at Pearl City, where he directed one of the state's most renowned high school bands.

"I've been at other schools, too, and things (between football and band) were not as congenial," Sato said.

Nakagawa, a former 'Iolani and UH cornerback, said he does not see much of a conflict between the two.

"The end goals are common," he said. "In both, when it's game time, you gotta perform and be in tune. To me, they complement each other."

Nakagawa, in his fifth season at Damien, said he has always encouraged his players to take part in other sports or extracurricular activities.

"We're a small school, so nobody can 'hog' any kids and keep them for himself," Nakagawa said. "The main thing is we want them to be good guys, and to know that they are part of something bigger than themselves."

Monarch football players are well-represented in Damien's student government.

Three starters — offensive lineman Sione Tau, center Timo Ulima and defensive end Lesao Maikai'i-Iakopo — serve as senior class co-presidents.

Senior linebacker Kenneth Rossi Jr. is student body vice-president and carries a 4.0 grade point average.

Aina is the junior class president.

One of last year's football players, receiver Scott Kilowski, was a trumpet soloist who landed a full band scholarship to Hawai'i Pacific University.

Sato said all of his current football-playing band members are serious about music.

"They do a great job," Sato said. "Fortunately, the two programs are flexible with each other and the kids do their best, they're committed to both. There are no slackers among them."

Aina said Sato, who came to Damien this past summer, has raised the band's standards.

"He's really into philosophy and musical education," Aina said. "And he's really into detail. He can pick up a wrong note from anywhere."

Aina said things sometimes get hectic after school, when many Monarchs go straight from one activity to the next.

"(Band) is just like football, we have to practice every day," Aina said. "Then sometimes I've got other responsibilities to take care of, too, like student government. But it all works out."

Some football players even are members of the chess club or math team.

Alapai, who also was a first-team ILH baseball all-star last season, said sometimes "it's hard to keep up with the homework part; we have to work hard."

But he said the extra effort comes with rewards.

"The coaches want us to be well-rounded people, and I want to experience a lot of things and get the most out of it," Alapai said. "I got to meet new friends, and this has been the best four years of my life."

Alapai, who weighs 330 pounds, said he does not see himself as a jock or a band geek.

"Here, there isn't a difference," he said. "We're all brothers, we're all equal. We're unified."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.