In the past 20 football seasons, the preseason favorite in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu usually has been 18-time champion Saint Louis. Kamehameha or Punahou may have been tabbed as serious contenders in different years, and once in a while Iolani might have been mentioned.

But never all four at once.

That is the case this year, with all six coaches seeing the title up for grabs as the regular season opens Saturday.

"In the past, we might have said it was wide open when it really wasn't," Punahou coach Kale Ane said. "This year, it really is."

Defending champion Kamehameha returns a fast, hard-hitting defense, but is trudging along with almost an entirely new offensive unit.

Saint Louis, which won 18 straight ILH titles between 1986 and 2003, returns only three starters each on offense and defense but has made huge strides in recent weeks.

Punahou, which has been building toward a title run for the past two years, is looking to finally cash in this season.

And Iolani, with starters back at almost every key skill position, probably has the best team speed of anybody and may again throw a monkey wrench into the Division I race despite its Division II status.

"You pretty much have to look at all four teams equally," Saint Louis coach Delbert Tengan said. "And you cannot count out Damien, either, because they're big and physical."

The only team that might be a year away from contending is Pac-Five, and only because the Wolfpack are extremely young with only 11 seniors and 42 sophomores.

The strength of the ILH can be seen in its 15-5 overall nonleague record so far.

That is against competition that includes two Utah defending state champions, another team that was ranked in California's Top 10 and the No. 5-ranked team in Washington state.

"I think that shows how strong our league is," Tengan said. "It's going to be great for the fans."

The rough nonleague schedule has taken its toll on Kamehameha, which is nursing several injuries after playing Kahuku, Mililani, Edison (Huntington Beach, Calif.) and Leilehua.

The biggest loss was to starting running back Ryan Montez, who is out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

"We're pretty beat up," coach Doss Tannehill said.

The Warriors (3-1) have several capable backs to step in for Montez, and receiver Aaron Nichols is a constant threat. But the unit's inexperience has shown in nonleague action.

"We're still looking for consistency in what we do," Tannehill said.

Kamehameha's outstanding defense has helped by forcing turnovers and punts.

Saint Louis (2-1) looked vulnerable in its season-opening 30-20 loss to Wai'anae, but the Crusaders rebounded in a big way and are coming off a stunning 54-28 victory over Utah's defending 5A state champion, Davis (Kaysville).

"It's been a gradual process, not just with the players but with the coaches figuring out who fits in the best," Tengan said. "We've definitely improved since the Wai'anae game."

Quarterback Cameron Higgins has shown some of the most improvement, throwing for 304 yards against Davis.

Punahou (3-0) has a veteran team that is jelling well, led by quarterback Brett Kan, receiver Miah Ostrowski and a defense that bends but does not break. The Buffanblu shut out Utah's No. 1-ranked team, Timpview (Provo), 10-0, last week.

Iolani (3-1) looked dominant in its first three games against O'ahu opponents, then fell just short against Capital (Olympia, Wash.), 30-27, last week.

Senior quarterback Kiran Kepo'o is a three-year starter who threw for more than 2,500 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

Damien has a strong running game led by Kealoha Pilares, who rushed for 273 yards in a loss to 'Aiea two weeks ago. The Monarchs have two other major college prospects in linebacker Michael Sipili and defensive lineman Mana Mikaele.

Pac-Five has 73 players — the most in the program's 31-year history. Quarterback Bryson Beirne and defensive lineman Russell Fisher are among the few returning starters.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.