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Damien Monarchs

Co-coaches: Rudy Alejo, Dean Nakagawa
2004 record: 3-6-1 (1-5-1 league)
On paper: The Monarchs are 2-1 against nonconference teams.
As usual, they don't use a whole lot of trickery. In fact, they stick to basic, run-first football more than any team in the league.
Kealoha Pilares did a slight detour during the summer to wide receiver. However, he's back at running back and has torn off some impressive numbers already. The shifty senior ran for 242 yards and four scores on only 19 attempts against Kaimuki despite an illness.
He also ran for 273 yards in a 21-19 loss at Aiea.
Mike Sapili (LB, 6-1, 235), Lolomana Mikaele (DL, 6-2, 250) and Eddie Williams (OL, 6-0, 280) anchor the Monarchs up front.
The skinny: Damien is not deep, but there is ample size and strength in the trenches to provide running room for Pilares. Whether the Monarchs can keep defenses honest when they stack eight defenders in the box is another issue.
Coach says: "Kealoha has been pretty darned good in preseason," Nakagawa said. "We're sputtering with the passing game, but we're working hard with it. If we could be 50-50 (pass-run ratio), that would be ideal for us. But Kealoha isn't getting tired. He's is coming into his own."

Iolani Raiders

Coach: Wendell Look
2004 record: 9-3 (5-2 league)
On paper: Fourth-ranked Iolani went 3-1 against nonconference foes, and more importantly, key contributors are healthy.
Returning Star-Bulletin first-team all-state quarterback Kiran Kepoo is playing as well as expected. The senior left-hander has been nearly flawless in Look's run-and-shoot offense, racking up big numbers. His most impressive outing so far this fall may have been a 315-yard, 18-for-24 night against Castle. He played less than three quarters.
Running back Mike Hirokawa has again proven explosive and dangerous both as a ballcarrier and receiver.
Defensively, Jon Takamura leads a smart linebacker corps that is about as large as its defensive line.
The skinny: The Raiders lack size, as usual, but Look and his staff find ways to give Iolani opportunities to win. Kepoo is bigger than all of his offensive linemen, but rarely is sacked. Another left-handed ace, former Saint Louis quarterback Joel Lane, gives Kepoo an extra brain from the press box.

Kamehameha Warriors

Coach: Doss Tannehill
2004 record: 10-1-1 (6-1 league)
On paper: Kamehameha is 3-1 against nonconference competition and ranked No. 2 in the Top 10.
The lone defeat came against No. 1 Kahuku, 16-0, as the Warriors broke in several new players, including quarterback Kahaku Kaai.
Defense and special teams have been superlative so far. Linebackers Kapono Rawlins-Crivello and Mana Lolotai have been sidelined with injuries, but Gerritt Vincent has been sometimes spectacular as a defensive playmaker.
The skinny: The conservative Ace formation, double-tight-end offense has been sluggish at times, but that's to be expected with a new quarterback and some new linemen. Aaron Nichols is one of the state's best talents at wide receiver, but getting the ball to him has been a rare occasion.
Vincent is the team's best player, according to Tannehill, but he can't do it alone every week. If the unit is healthy, Kamehameha has a linebacker group that rivals Kahuku's.
Drew Ueno, a rover and place-kicker/punter, may be the best in the league. He scored on a 51-yard fake punt against Leilehua.
Losing starting running back Ryan Montez hurts, especially with kick returns. The speedy back suffered an ACL injury against Leilehua.
Coach says: "We're trying to put the offense together. I believe in the kids. They're really great and willing to work hard. I'm hopeful that it's just a function of time," Tannehill said.

Pac-Five Wolfpack

Coach: Kip Botelho
2004 record: 3-7-1 (0-6-1 league)
On paper: Once again, the Pack have won more than they've lost in nonconference play (2-1), but bear the brunt of playing in the state's toughest league. There are more than 40 sophomores on the roster.
Quarterback Bryson Beirne is among the more coveted college prospects in the state even though he's just a junior.
Royce Alvarado, a three-year starter, is Pac-Five's all-purpose back. Center Paul Kiat and guard Michael Hamada anchor the offensive line. Jordan Ho-Ching, who did not play last year, racked up 20 receptions in his last two games.
Defensive end Russel Fisher, a first-team ILH pick last year, returned from a summer-long groin injury. Defensive tackle Jeremiah Onosai has shown consistency as well. The D-line, all returning starters, is the team's strength.
The skinny: Wins over Waialua (17-7) and Pearl City (34-28) show that the Pack is competitive with other mid-sized programs. Protecting the strong-armed Beirne is a key to the Wolfpack's success.
Coach says: "We have more sophomores than we had number-wise on the whole team last year. We've got a lot of them on the field. We make a lot of mistakes, but that's expected. We just want them to play hard and get used to the intensity and speed of varsity."

Punahou Buffanblu

Coach: Kale Ane
2004 record: 5-5 (3-4 league)
On paper: Punahou is 3-0, all against nonconference competition, and ranked No. 3 in the Top 10.
The Buffanblu handled No. 10 Kapolei and won big at Kailua before surprising Timpview. An improved defensive unit has provided the difference. Jon Overton, (DE), Jay Angotti (S), Steve Dannaway (OLB), Keoki Hong (OLB) and Mike Egesdal (DT) are anchors.
The skinny: Kainoa Carlson, who played significantly as a sophomore last year, will step in for Nobriga. Quarterback Brett Kan used Nobriga as a receiver quite often this fall.
Miah Ostrowski, a junior wide receiver, is playing at an all-state level with 18 receptions for 331 yards in his last two games.
Even with all that offense, defense and special teams are what have lifted Punahou to another level this season.
Coach says: "He gave us a lot of flexibility to do a lot of things as a rover." Ane said of Higgins. "He was also on numerous special teams. It's tough to replace him."

Saint Louis Crusaders

Coach: Delbert Tengan
2004 record: 7-3 (5-2 league)
On paper: Saint Louis is 2-1, all against nonconference competition, and ranked No. 5 in the Top 10.
The Crusaders have imported pieces of Urban Meyer's high-low option attack with positive results. After a slow start, losing 30-20 at Waianae, the Crusaders have racked up humongous numbers.
The Cameron-to-Cameron connection between quarterback Higgins and wide receiver Bayne has been electric. Bayne caught touchdown passes of 71, 47 and 26 yards against Davis last week. If teams pay too much attention to Bayne, slotback Chase Alcott and wide receiver Kulia Aiona will get opportunities.
Cody Wells, who saw significant playing time last year, returns at running back. Even backup signal-caller Micah Mamiya figures into the picture as a runner when Tengan wants to control the clock.
The skinny: The offense is more than capable of reaching "tilt" levels against any defense. However, it is Saint Louis' defense that is raising the bar. Linebackers Jared Silva (5-10, 211) and Lincoln Barit (6-2, 218) anchor a formidable unit that has excelled at forcing turnovers.
Coach says: "Last week we faltered a little bit on defense after subbing liberally. I think we definitely have made strides since the Waianae game. We're going to face a potent offense in Punahou. This league is gonna come down to the little things, not turning the ball over."