The West is on the rise in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference.

Out of a possible 20 berths for OIA teams during the first five state tournaments, the East had 16 of them. But last year, Leilehua and Mililani gave the West more representation than the East, represented by Kahuku, in the tournament, which went to a six-team format for the first time. The West believes the tide is turning.

"The West is stepping it up," Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said. "We're coming around now."

The Red West opens this weekend and isn't wasting time with a marquee matchup, as Wai'anae takes on defending West champion Mililani. Kickoff is 7 p.m. on Friday at Mililani. The game will be televised on OC16.

In other West contests Friday, Kapolei travels to Nanakuli and Leilehua hosts Pearl City.

The division's contenders — 'Aiea, Kapolei, Leilehua, Mililani and Wai'anae — combined for a 7-2 record in nonleague action the past two weeks. The wins include Wai'anae's 30-20 decision against perennial Interscholastic League of Honolulu power Saint Louis. The losses were against ILH contenders; Punahou beat Kapolei, 35-21, and defending state champion Kamehameha downed Mililani, 26-6.

"It's even tougher than last year," Mililani coach James Millwood said. "Leilehua, Kapolei, Wai'anae and 'Aiea are all stronger than last year."

The West boasts two quality quarterbacks in Leilehua junior Bryant Moniz (2,879 yards last season) and 'Aiea senior Kali Kuia (2,496 yards in two seasons).

There also are multi-talented players back with Leilehua all-state receiver Chustin Senas, Mililani running back Kekoa Perbera and Kapolei receiver Jon Santiago.

The Seariders appear to have improved from last year's 2-6 overall record — the second-worst season in the team's 46-year history — by rolling up 202 yards rushing against the Crusaders.

"We have the people to be successful," Seariders coach Dan Matsumoto said. "It's just a matter of getting everybody on the same page."

The Trojans are rebuilding their offensive line and breaking in new quarterbacks. A leg injury to offensive tackle Micah Kia does not help matters.

The Mules are coming off a magical season that saw them reach the state title game against Kamehameha, losing 28-7. The resurgence of the Mules sparked renewed pride in Wahiawa.

"The fan support is there because of last year," Mules coach Nolan Tokuda said. "More kids came out for JV and varsity, creating a more competitive atmosphere. That's been a bright spot. But we tell the kids not to believe all the hype. We have to keep reminding them that it was hard work that got us here. Now, we're the hunted. We're the prey. We always have to bring our 'A' game."

The Mules weren't the only West team with a strong turnout. Kapolei had to cut 30 players from its varsity roster that lists 78, Hernandez said. In their brief three-year varsity football history, the Hurricanes are 18-9.

Kapolei played Punahou tough, taking a 14-all game into the half. But second-half turnovers allowed the Buffanblu to pull away. Kapolei quarterback Brad Padayao passed for 270 yards and two TDs. The Santiago brothers — Aaron and Jon — combined for 147 yards receiving.

It's been a struggle for Nanakuli and Pearl City, as each is 0-2 in nonleague play.

"We're young and we have a lot of work to do," Chargers coach Watson Tanuvasa said.

"We have to make up our minds and decide if we want to play or just be participants," Golden Hawks coach Al Beaver said.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.