There was a time when early August meant bear crawls, two-a-days and no school until Labor Day.

Not anymore. A litany of interesting matchups on the football field kick off the season today. Here’s a quick look.

Friday’s games

West Anchorage (Alaska) vs. No. 2 Punahou: The Buffanblu, like West, are perennial contenders for a state title. West has a history of coming to the islands, playing against Konawaena in the 1990s when the Wildcats were a powerhouse. Punahou lost a truckload of talent to graduation, but quarterback Larry "Tui" Tuileta (above) and Stanford-bound linebacker Isaac Savaiinaea are among the talented returnees.

The Eagles, coached by Tim Davis, were 5-5 last year, but are ranked No. 3 in Alaska by MaxPreps. Marcel Dion led the state with 58 receptions for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. Quarterback Conor Feckly passed for 2,541 yards and 25 touchdowns. West permitted 27.5 points per game last year.

Service (Alaska) at No. 7 Leilehua: The visiting Cougars are Alaska’s defending champion, currently No. 2 in the MaxPreps rankings. They were impressive last season in a 34-all tie with host Leilehua, leading throughout before fatigue hit the small roster late in the game. Quarterback Viliamu Aukusitino is back to lead a group of ironmen that went 10-0-1 last fall.

The Mules are in transition after losing mega-talent to graduation. New faces are all over the field, but coach Nolan Tokuda has returned from a one-year hiatus. Transfer Keoni Piceno has a chance to make an impact at wide receiver immediately.

Castle at No. 3 Kamehameha: The sunset view from Kunuiakea Stadium, perched atop Kapalama Heights, is matched by few sites on Oahu. Castle, which will go without a home field this season, will get to see more than just scenery. The Warriors are deep and hungry, fueled offensively by the two-headed quarterback of Nephi Stevens and Makoa Camanse-Stevens.

Kaiser at No. 9 Campbell: The Sabers lost two starters (transfers), but keep marching forward. Quarterback Justin Tago-Su‘e is back to run coach Amosa Amosa’s run-and-shoot offense, and linebacker Solomon Leano is among the best in the islands.

Rich Miano makes his debut as coach of the visiting Cougars. Standout Fitou Fisiiahi (foot) may not be ready just yet, but the Cougs are already deeper (46 players) than last year with more size.

Kapolei at Pearl City: This matchup is a good test on both sidelines. Kapolei has a new offensive coordinator with what could well be a clone of Oregon’s spread attack. The Chargers have a new coach in alum David Hallums, who has laid a new foundation. Not everyone in purple has returned from last year, whether they transferred or simply would not abide by Hallums’ code. But they still have explosive receiver Daicorri Briscoe, who could top all pass catchers.

Kealakehe at Kailua: The Waveriders’ dynasty in the BIIF is still upright, though crumbling just a bit. A handful of outgoing transfers hasn’t helped. The Surfriders have returning quarterback Kahaku Iaea and running back Jarrin Young behind what should be one of the best offensive lines in the state.

Anuenue at KS-Hawaii: Na Koa have two stout running back/linebacker types in Kainalu Kaleo and Anuenue Tui. KS-Hawaii was a surprise last season, challenging for the BIIF’s D-II title under Dan Lyons, who is the swimming coach.

Kaimuki at Aiea: The Bulldogs will need time to jell with a new quarterback and the loss of several offensive linemen to graduation. Aiea returns several stalwart defenders, including Ualesi Sale, arguably the best defensive lineman in the state.

Saturday’s games

Pac-Five vs. Waipahu: The first of two games in the Father Bray Classic at Aloha Stadium is an intriguing matchup. The Wolfpack lost a key running back (transferred to Waianae) and will continue to rely on its defense — and all-state end Titus Failauga.

The Marauders took a hit, as well, from graduation, but linebacker/running back Wesley Nagaseu returns with a renewed focus and desire after the death of his father.

Konawaena vs. No. 8 ‘Iolani: The Raiders reload this season after winning yet another D-II state crown. Quarterback Reece Foy has command of an intricate no-huddle offense that is admired — and copied — by a good number of coaches statewide.

Konawaena lost stud defender Mike Andrade (UH), but has plenty of returnees back from last year’s state-tourney squad. Plus, the Wildcats got speedy John Kamoku in the backfield. He was a sparkplug for Kealakehe in last year’s high-scoring loss to Leilehua.

No. 4 Farrington vs. Waianae: The Governors will keep things simple and use smashmouth football featuring running back Tyler Taumua and the bludgeoning attack of the "Bamboolas" up front. That will be met by Waianae’s front wall, led by elite stopper Kennedy Tulimasealii.

"I wouldn’t change anything if I was their coach," Waianae defensive coordinator Jason Hussey said.

Waianae, with quarterback Kekoa Kaluhiokalani back, has offered more balance in recent seasons. They will miss shifty playmaker Jaylen Mitchell, however. He transferred to the mainland.

Moanalua at No. 10 Mililani: Na Menehune are stonewallers up front with Clemson-bound Scott Pagano, but will be challenged by the arm of Mililani slinger Jarin Morikawa. The Trojans and their revised offensive (ball control) strategy will get a good test.

Kalani at Kapaa: The Falcons continue to improve and build with coach Greg Taguchi and his veteran staff (Ron Lee, Cal Lee), but it won’t be easy against the defending KIF champs. Kapaa has one of the state’s top returning offensive linemen in Maka Ah Loo, and a run-first attack that can be deceptively effective through the air thanks to longtime coach Kelii Morgado.

Damien vs. Kalaheo: The Monarchs aren’t deep or experienced, but will make up for those disadvantages with brains and tenacity if coach Eddie Klaneski has his way. Kalaheo’s first-year head coach, Darrell Poole, brings plenty of familiarity to the varsity program after leading the JV squad for several years. The Mustangs may be one of the biggest teams in the OIA White.

Waialua at Kauai: The Bulldogs hit the road against a proud Red Raiders program that was knocked from the top last year for the first time in years.

Games between Roosevelt and King Kekaulike, and Honokaa and Kamehameha-Maui have been canceled. Roosevelt cited a lack of academically eligible players. Honokaa didn’t have enough players who had completed their physicals.