As usual, the road to the O'ahu Interscholastic Association Eastern Division football title likely will run through defending state champion Kahuku.

And this season, there actually are less questions surrounding the Red Raiders since head coach Reggie Torres and his staff now have one year under their belts and the players have had a full offseason of knowing what to expect.

"We're way ahead from where we were (at this time) last year," said Torres, who took over the program in April 2006 when Siuaki Livai stepped down after 10 seasons at the helm. "Last year we went through all that change, but this year (the players) have had the same (coaches) all the way through."

And as usual, Kahuku has some first-rate talent to work with.

Leading the way are two returning Advertiser All-State selections, offensive lineman Benji Kemoeatu and defensive back Shiloah Te'o. The Red Raiders also return running back Junior Mata'afa, who made The Advertiser's All-State second team.

"He was one of the hardest workers in the offseason," Torres said. "He's bigger, faster and in better shape; he wants to be better. Junior will be the focal point of our offense; we want to get him the ball in different ways."

Mata'afa will run behind an offensive line that averages about 300 pounds.

But Torres added Kahuku has the potential to also throw the ball more this year, especially with multi-talented junior quarterback Jray Galeai.

"We're excited to see what he can do," Torres said.

Defensively, the Red Raiders have their usual great athletes, including a strong linebacking corps led by Paipai Falemalu and Kulia Pickard.

Among the contenders chasing Kahuku, one team that could surprise is Kalaheo, which has looked impressive in a 2-0 start. The Mustangs run an efficient veer offense led by quarterback Cody vonAppen, and they have a game-breaking return man in Bruce Andrews.

Farrington is big and athletic as usual, but the Governors also had about 20 players on the academic eligibility bubble. Defensive back Jimmy Robinson made two interceptions and scored a touchdown in Saturday's 14-14 tie with Damien.

Castle rebounded nicely from a season-opening 43-6 loss at Mililani, playing Kamehameha tough in a 21-12 loss last week. Defensive lineman Solomon Koehler is one of the state's top college prospects.

Read Wes Nakama's blog on prep sports at http://blogs.honoluluadvertiser.com.

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.