"Every week is going to be a struggle," Kamehameha coach Kanani Souza said. "Even the Division II teams can play with anybody."

The "everyone's tough" song may have been sung before, but this time the coaches have extensive nonleague results to back up the claim.

The ILH won 14 of 19 nonleague games, including 11 of the 14 games in the inaugural "crossover" series with the O'ahu Interscholastic Association. Particularly noteworthy is the ILH's Division II teams — Damien, Iolani and Pac-Five — went a combined 8-2 against OIA Red (top tier) Conference opponents.

"To say they are Division II, I think that's a misnomer," Saint Louis coach Delbert Tengan said. "Every team in this league is going to be tough and competitive."

Of course, any talk of contenders must start with the Crusaders, whose title streak surpasses the ages of this year's seniors. Some doubt may have been cast with the Saints' 37-17 loss to Kahuku three weeks ago, but the ILH coaches aren't buying it.

"They're still the favorite," Punahou coach Kale Ane said.

As usual, Saint Louis will be led by a polished quarterback, solid receivers, a better-than-average running game and a strong defense.

Quarterback Stanley Nihipali has taken varsity snaps since his sophomore year, and receiver Shaun Kauleinamoku can find the open spots and make the catch.

Kevin Sullivan won a tight three-way race for the starting running back job.

Defensively, the Crusaders will be led by defensive back Tane Nahalea and got a boost with the return of defensive lineman Tyson Alualu, who sat out the Kahuku game with an injury.

Kamehameha is fighting off injuries but returns several talented players from last year's runner-up team, including quarterback Pono Kam, receiver Waika Spencer, running back Jayson Rego, offensive lineman Tyler Williams, linebacker Chaz Barit and cornerback Travis Uale.

Punahou finished last season as the league's hottest team and will again attack offensively with a short passing game, led by sophomore quarterback Brett Kan.

Iolani, with junior quarterback Kiran Kepo'o, running back Michael Hirokawa and a set of shifty receivers, has used its overall team speed to defeat Farrington, McKinley and Pearl City.

Damien, buoyed by a big, veteran offensive line, offers a strong running game that amassed 263 yards in a victory over Castle.

Pac-Five is recovering from numerous injuries and lost to Leilehua in the mud Saturday after impressive wins over McKinley, Kaimuki and 'Aiea.