There are questions, maybe even riddles, as Week 0 ends and scrimmages yield to preseason games.

While some teams like St. Francis are busy with scrimmage action (Kaimuki) and game play (Leilehua), others are content to get their reps at practice and save their competitive activity for today and Saturday.

There are headline grabbers like the unofficial Kalihi Bowl, Kamehameha at Farrington, which has the unique distinction of being the first varsity game in Skippa Diaz Stadium. There’s a natural rivalry between neighbors Kapolei and Campbell. On Saturday, defending state champion Saint Louis makes the trek to Waianae in an intriguing test for a number of first-time starters. There are also three interisland matchups this weekend. Here’s a look at Week 1.

Kamehameha at Farrington

The Warriors wasted no time jumping back into the fire, taking on defending OIA champion Kahuku in a scrimmage last week. Second-year head coach Albert “Abu” Ma‘afala has a talented returning quarterback in Thomas Yam, who had some superb plays through the air against Kahuku.

Finding that comfort zone should be easier for the Warriors, who were 3-6 overall and 2-5 in a rough ILH last season. Yam broke a single-game passing yardage mark in 2015, but the offense as a whole struggled sometimes last fall. Given enough time, Yam’s accuracy and arm strength are major skills, but the Warriors would prefer to give him a proper ground attack to start the day.

Kanoa Shannon rushed for a team-high 552 yards (with four touchdowns) in seven games as a sophomore last year. Yam passed for a modest 1,229 yards and seven TDs in nine contests, sometimes splitting time with Justice Young, who has since graduated.

Up front, Lokahi Pauole and Dayne Hall are key returnees to the line.

Defensively, eight starters return, which should be enough to offset the graduation of standout defensive linemen Nakoa Pauole and Andrew Aleki. Jonah Welch, a linebacker/defensive end, and defensive back Tiger Peterson lead the unit.

The Warriors will meet a Farrington team that has endured its share of key losses to graduation. Three-year standout Challen Fa‘amatau graduated, as did receiver threats Kingston Moses-Sanchez and Mosi Afe, and two quarterbacks, Justin Uahinui and Bishop Rapoza.

The Governors are coming off a scrimmage against ILH powerhouse Punahou, adding wrinkles to an offense that has become much more diverse in recent seasons. Patience will be required for a team that lost 16 starters to graduation.

The offensive unit is talented, but very young. Former JV quarterback Chris Afe (6-2, 240) will be tested if he earns the starting job, but his ability to pass and run will also put pressure on defenses. Defensively, Fo‘i Silo is Farrington’s key man in the trenches.

Farrington-Kamehameha is always special, but this varsity debut in Diaz Stadium isn’t lost on the coaches. Randall Okimoto played for Diaz in the 1990s before graduating from UH and later becoming a coach at his alma mater. Ma‘afala played at Kamehameha right on the cusp of Diaz’s era as the Govs’ coach.

“We’re very excited for Farrington to finally get a home field where they can represent their community with pride,” Ma‘afala said. “We’re excited to be part of this storied history with all the tradition this great rivalry comes with. We look forward to trying to make this one to remember.”

The teams last met in 2013, when Kamehameha won 38-3. Farrington won the previous matchup 26-21.

TODAY’S GAMES

Kapolei at Campbell

The drama never seems to quell for the Hurricanes, but it’s mostly been good for the past few months. When they lost offensive coordinator June Jones and then quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa early in the offseason, it was just a short time after their stunning upset win over Punahou at the state tournament.

Since then, the Hurricanes welcomed the arrival of Julius Buelow, who transferred from Damien, and linebacker/safety Dylan Toilolo of Saint Louis. Group them with new offensive coordinator Amosa Amosa — who was released by Campbell after last season — and the matchup between Leeward powerhouses becomes much more interesting.

Buelow, at 6-foot-7, 300 pounds, is one of the top OL prospects in the state with 11 scholarship offers. Toilolo’s move was much more recent, a stunner of a loss for Saint Louis. Toilolo, a Star-Advertiser All-State selection last fall, should fit in immediately at a program that has developed some of the state’s top defensive players under coach Darren Hernandez.

Another former Damien player, defensive end Kukea Emmsley, has become a hot target for college recruiters. Linebacker Rocky Savea, hampered by a knee injury last year, is back and appears to be at full strength. Former Radford standout Aaron Faumui spent last year in Utah, and also landed at Kapolei. He is expected to play on the offensive and defensive lines.

At Campbell, Darren Johnson is in his first season as head coach since memorable stints at Kailua and Kaimuki. He kept his competitive edge sharp over the years, coaching the 7v7 Hukilau Cafe squad and assisting for a time at Kahuku, his alma mater. Johnson served as Kapolei’s offensive coordinator in 2015.

Johnson has always been a stickler for strong play in the trenches, run first and pass second. But he likes a balanced offense and Campbell should continue to benefit from feeder programs like the Ewa Beach Sabers. Former Aiea assistant coach Mika Liilii is now Johnson’s defensive coordinator, which means the learning curve for the Sabers is steep, though expectations remain high.

Punahou vs. Moanalua, at Radford

Moanalua’s home field is unavailable, so the game will be at John Velasco Field. Na Menehune will miss the leadership and talent of quarterback Alaka‘i Yuen, who put up eye-popping numbers during his prep career.

The Buffanblu lost nine offensive starters, but Stephen Barber returns at quarterback, as do offensive linemen Alama Uluave and Duke Clemens. The system crafted by coach Kale Ane and his staff has evolved over the years, and having the experienced, talented Barber — who was offered a scholarship by Hawaii before his junior year — is a huge plus.

Maninoa Tufono, a multiple-sport standout, is primed for an active season at linebacker. With Hale Motuapuaka up front, Kaulana Makaula and Marist Liufau in the secondary and Trent Shiraki shoring up the LB corps, Punahou has experience and balance.

Waipahu at Nanakuli

Technically, this is a preseason game, though in recent seasons a Marauders-Golden Hawks matchup was often one of the best in OIA Division II. Waipahu, now in year two under Bryson Carvalho’s leadership, had a scintillating ’16 season, falling to Waialua 36-35 in the league finals.

Though stellar running back Alfred Failauga was superb as a freshman, the Marauders also have most of the receiver corps back, as well as quarterback Braden Amorozo.

Nanakuli’s promotion to D-I last year resulted in a winless season. This time around, Nanakuli returns seven starters on defense, including linebacker Chayce Morgan (6-2, 210) and lineman Randolph Yap. Interim coach Kili Watson, taking the reins from his brother, Keala, has a young team, but his program should benefit from the development of players from Nanakuli’s intermediate program.

Kalaheo at Kamehameha-Maui

The struggle to field enough numbers has been too real at some of the OIA’s D-II programs, but somehow the Kalaheo Mustangs manage to get by despite a small enrollment. Seven starters return, but in reality, the seven are two-way starters who also play special teams, iron-man style.

Coach Darrell Poole’s new influx of players were part of the JV team that reached the D-II finals last year. They’ll rely on returning offensive linemen Kahanu Gerona and Ethan Toguchi-Tani. Justus Neufeldt makes the move from running back to quarterback.

SATURDAY GAMES

Saint Louis at Waianae

The Seariders saw a senior-heavy squad go far last season, reaching the state-tourney (Open Division) semifinal round. Now they’re depending on a core of first-year starters and varsity players. All-State running back Rico Rosario returns, while the defense has All-State third-team defensive end Kana‘i Mauga. Waianae also has talented middle linebacker Toto Mailo for his third year as a starter.

The challenge will be real, even though Saint Louis lost the nation’s top quarterback (Tua Tagovailoa), who at last check won’t redshirt at Alabama. The mystery for Crusaders fans is how Chevan Cordeiro has progressed since being Tagovailoa’s backup last year. Cordeiro added more than 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason. He’s had enough time to learn from masters like offesnive coordinator Ron Lee and head coach Cal Lee.

Defense is where Cal Lee is adamant about fundamentals and teamwork. He’s got linebacker Noa Purcell and safety Isaiah Tufaga back, but the departure of Dylan Toilolo (to Kapolei) won’t be easy to replace at this late date.

Then there’s Tui Tuitele, who made a huge mark as a sophomore defensive tackle last season. Tufaga is a game-changer, while linebacker Isaiah Feary and defensive back Kai Kaneshiro bring valuable experience.

Cordeiro is ready for his opportunity, but losing Mike Minihan and Jacob-Drew Russell in the trenches leaves a question mark. Ron Leen has the utmost faith in Eliki Tanuvasa and Arasi Mose. Given enough time, Cordeiro will find targets like long, lanky Chris Sykes and shifty slot receivers Jonah Panoke and Tosh Kekahuna.

Lahainaluna at Pearl City

In ’16, the Lunas diligently marched to the throne of the MIL, then to their first D-II state championship — after all these years, all the discipline and teamwork and fundamentals, the crowning achievement for a community that holds tradition closely. It’s clear that the Lunas are far from content. Traveling to play an OIA D-II powerhouse is tough enough, but the Lunas will host Kamehameha next week, just five days before their MIL opener.

For Pearl City, there is enough hunger in the nine returning starters, including defensive force Zion Tupuola-Fetui, to stoke the fire for a title run. The 6-4, 250-pound junior has offers from Cal, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Oregon State, Vanderbilt, Washington and Washington State.

Damien at Castle

This mid-afternoon (3 p.m.) matchup marks the debut of John Hao as Knights head coach. For Damien, the defending ILH D-II champion, there is no question about preparation. Coach Eddie Klaneski’s team rose to the title and reached the state semifinal round before losing to top-seeded Kapaa 21-14. The Monarchs lost immense talent to graduation, and offensive lineman Julius Buelow departed to D-I Kapolei. Once again, adversity stands before the Monarchs. How will they respond?

Pac-Five vs. McKinley, Skippa Diaz Stadium

McKinley has Pat Silva as its new head coach. Under previous coach Sam Cantiberos, despite low numbers, the Tigers made strides and were competitive in some games last season. The losing streak is at 24 games; McKinley’s last win came on Oct. 11, 2013, 36-15 over Waipahu. The Tigers are counting heavily on several two-way players like Frank Steffany, Ezekiel Samuelu, Lauili Iosefa and Julio Antonio.

St. Francis at Leilehua

Life after Nolan Tokuda will take some getting used to. The longtime head coach is now the athletic director at Leilehua, and it remains to be seen if the often outsized and outnumbered Mules will still have the verve and creativity to compete for an OIA D-I title. With Mark Kurisu at the helm, the chances are good.

St. Francis contended for the ILH D-II title last season, and the emergence of several first-year starters could push the Saints to the top. Sophomore Jonah Aina Chavez has a raw arm strength and precision that hasn’t been seen in the program’s history. His ability to stand tall and rifle shots deep downfield was on display in a scrimmage against a tough Kaimuki squad on Wednesday.

His brother, sophomore Jonan “Bubba” Aina Chavez, joins a backfield that already had talent with versatile Wembley Mailei. Jonan, a tough between-the-tackles runner, showed his patience and explosion on a toss sweep, following a bulldozing horde of blockers around left end for a 40-yard TD.

One of those path clearers was a hulking sophomore, Faaope Laulu, who is 6-7, 330 pounds. By ILH rule, he was not eligible to play varsity football as a freshman. The Saints are putting Scotty McCloud to work as a ball-carrier by ground and by air.

The ability of the QB, Aina Chavez, to stretch defenses will be a game-changer this fall for Saints faithful. Defensively, Taka Lautaha returns to anchor a swarming defense. The 6-3, 245-pound defensive end/linebacker has a scholarship offer from Colorado State.

Waialua at Waiakea

On paper, a D-I program usually has the edge on a D-II program. That won’t be the case for the traveling Bulldogs, who have 11 returning starters from last season’s OIA D-II championship team. That group includes highly versatile Matthan Hatchie, who made huge plays on defense and special teams as a junior who rarely left the field. Tevesi Toia, coming off his first full season as a quarterback, returns with a core of three pass catchers with experience. Waiakea has stepped up in recent seasons and won the BIIF D-I title last season before falling to Campbell 48-0 in the D-I state tourney.