The Interscholastic League of Honolulu welcomes the newest varsity football team in the state this season in Word of Life Academy.

But don't expect the Firebrands to be pushovers. Not after going 2-1 in nonleague play.

"The kids are just laying their hearts out," athletic director/coach Joe Onosai said. "We've won more games than people thought we would."

Appropriately, WOLA will make its league debut against the previously newest football program in the ILH, Pac-Five. The two play the 7:45 p.m. feature game tomorrow at Aloha Stadium.

Until last season, WOLA sophomores through seniors played with Pac-Five, a combine for players from the small ILH schools. The Wolfpack are feeling the loss.

"It affects us," Pac-Five coach Kip Botelho said. "We had some studs from there over the years. We'll lose some players, but we just have to focus on what we've got."

The Firebrands, who won the intermediate championship last season, have 35 on the roster and Onosai expects to suit 32 for the opener. They've been trying to keep games short by running the ball. They have passed four times compared to 169 rushing tries in three games.

"Teams have been lining up 10 in the box," Onosai said with a laugh.

The addition of WOLA has increased the Division II's schedule from seven to nine games. It's sort of a double-edged sword in a division that is always concerned about depth.

"We don't mind playing a lot of games," Botelho said. "But that's two more weeks you have to stay healthy. But (the players) would rather play a game than practice when there's no game (because of a bye)."

Each Division II team plays each other twice and once against each Division I team.

Defending Division II state champion 'Iolani has won six of the seven ILH Division II titles since the league started classification in 2001. The Raiders went 2-1 in nonleague, their only blemish was to defending Division I state champion Leilehua. While the Raiders are hampered by depth, they usually have athletes that make a difference. Junior quarterback Jarrett Arakawa got reps last weekend, allowing 'Iolani to free third-year starting QB Kela Marciel to play receiver. 'Iolani coach Wendell Look said he just wanted to explore options.

The Raiders open tomorrow's doubleheader against Damien at 5 p.m.

Hurt by the loss of transfers to public schools, the Monarchs also have players who can be difference-makers, particularly quarterback Anthony Tuitele.

Wally Aina returns to coaching the Monarchs on an interim basis. He coached them from 1985 to 1995. His son, defensive co-coordinator Punahou Aina, will take over next season.

DAMIEN MONARCHS

1965 to present (138-328-13).

Staff: Coach Wally Aina, 12th season, first since 1995 (46-83-4). Offensive coordinator Akoni Ah Yat. Defensive coordinators Punahou Aina and Rudy Alejo.

2007: 2-5 ILH, 3-6-1 overall.

Players to watch: RB Kawika Anders (5-11, 175, Sr.), DE Kameren Amaral (6-2, 225, Sr.), LB Jeremiah Matautia (5-11, 215, Sr.), LB Andrew Morgan (5-11, 215, Jr.), QB Anthony Tuitele (6-0, 190, Sr.), DB Kamu Valmoja (5-8, 155, Sr.), WR Makana Ka'anoi (6-1, 185, Jr.), SB Josh Asuncion (5-7, 135, Sr.), RB Brenan Furtado (5-7, 160, Jr.), WR Austin Dawson (5-11, 180, Jr.), OL Jordan Aina (5-10, 235, Sr.), OL Nick Shigeta (6-0, 240, Sr.), OL Vaetuitonga Takai (6-2, 270, Sr.), DL Isaac Ulukita (6-2, 235, Sr.).

'IOLANI RAIDERS

1936 to present (383-318-29).

Staff: Coach/offensive coordinator Wendell Look, 18th season (112-85-3). Defensive coordinator Matt Tan.

2007: 3-4 ILH Division II champion, 6-6 overall, State Division II champion.

Players to watch: RB Kellen Imada (5-8, 160, Sr.), DB/K Andrew Skalman (5-9, 140, Jr.), QB/WR/P/DB Kela Marciel (5-11, 170, Sr.), DB Breland Almadova (6-1, 180, Sr.), LB/K Carl Gibson (5-11, 200, Sr.), T Joridan Sele (5-11, 205, Sr.), DL Kaena Moose (6-0, 255, Jr.), DL Sealii Epenesa (6-2, 300, Jr.).

PAC-FIVE WOLFPACK

1974 to present (139-245-9).

Staff: Coach/offensive coordinator Kip Botelho, fifth season (10-31-1). Defensive coordinator Sililo Pale.

2007: 1-6 ILH, 2-8 overall.

Players to watch: DL Caleb Alipio (5-7, 186, Sr.), DL Noe'au Copp (6-0, 220, Sr.), LB Kaimi Kanehailua (6-1, 205, Jr.), WR Darin Kamealoha (5-10, 150, Jr.), WR London Amorin (5-10, 160, Jr.) LB John Kagehiro (5-8, 175, Jr.), DL George Cambra (6-3, 200, Sr.).

WORD OF LIFE FIREBRANDS

First season.

Staff: Coach/offensive coordinator Joe Onosai, first season, second overall (2-6-1). Defensive coordinator Ed Edra.

2007: ILH Intermediate champs.

Players to watch: LB Kendall Ching, RB Ryan Alvarado, RB Max Mower, LB Brad Foster, LB Gabe Miller.