SPRING-ing into FB season: Kaimuki Bulldogs

NINTH IN A SERIES

Next: Kalaheo Mustangs

KAIMUKI BULLDOGS

>> 2015 record and finish: 7-5 (6-2 OIA D-II); defeated Nanakuli 27-22 in the OIA D-II semifinals; lost 28-6 to Radford in the OIA D-II final; lost 7-0 to Lahainaluna in the first round of the D-II state tournament
>> Number of returning starters: 10 (5 offense, 5 defense)
>> Number of returning seniors: 12
>> Number of starters lost to graduation: 13
>> Number of seniors lost to graduation: 16
>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections lost to graduation: None
>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections returning: Billy Masima (third-team U)
>> OIA D-II All-Stars lost to graduation: John-Wendell Nisa (first-team OL), Andrew Neves (second-team WR), Tyler Pologa (second-team OL), James Gentile (second-team LB)
>> OIA D-II All-Stars returning: Billy Masima (first-team RB and first-team DL)
>> Among 2016 key offensive returnees: Torey Faimealelei (WR/SB, Jr.) Ieke Seei-Cleveland (WR/SB, Jr.), Andries Toussaint (WR, Sr.), Joyfull Elieisar (OL, Sr.), Charles Puuohau-Akana (OL, Sr.), Billy Masima (RB, Sr.)
>> Among 2016 key defensive returnees: Jahssaiah Maiava (LB, So.), Bailey Uehara (DB, Sr.), Daniel Nguyen (DB, Sr.), Saburban Castillo (DB, Jr.), Hyle Viela (DL, Sr.)
>> Bulldogs with D-I FBS college offers: None
>> All-time state championships: None
>> All-time OIA championships: 2 (both D-II — 2007, 2010)
>> 2016 conference: OIA D-II

Head coach DAVID TAUTOFI on the Bulldogs’ outlook for 2016:

“We were not really expecting (the success) we had last year. We still have a lot of work to be done and can only get better. For me, personally, we’re still rebuilding to where we are supposed to be and want to be. We’ve used the offseason time to figure some things out and tweak some things.One of our best players (OIA first-team defensive lineman and running back Billy Masima) hurt his knee earlier in the year. He’s in the process of healing up and we’re not sure when we’ll get back.

“Last year, we made it to the OIA final by beating a tough Nanakuli team that had blown us out earlier in the year. We had a miracle kick return. We lost to a real tough Redford team in the final and still made states. We struggled at the quarterback position and that was really a factor. That kind of exposed Billy and he could only do so much. They drew up defensive schemes against him.

“The attitude overall has been pretty amazing. At this time last spring, I was still (coaching) in Las Vegas. Kaimuki had 17 kids at the most. This spring, 74 have shown up. Word gets around like wildfire. You can’t sell success short. The kids are starting to feel like something new is happening and it’s something they can believe in. A lot of it has to do with relationships coaches build with the kids. Even in the offseason and in life in general, it’s still being built. Word gets around like wildfire.

“We definitely want to be better both ways and want to builid on stats from last season. We want to be a lot better in practice, tighten up what we’ve done in practice. The expectations are bigger, and with such a great response, my job is to make practice as uncomfortable as possible so the kids can respond in games.

“In week 4, Faith Lutheran from Las Vegas is flying up to play us. They’re in the same division as (national No. 1) Bishop Gorman (which will host Kahuku on Sept. 17). It’s a little bit of a reunion. I was coaching at Calvary Chapel over there with three coaches who are now with Faith Lutheran. That Bishop Gorman power is starting to shift to Faith Lutheran. Dana White of UFC just enrolled his kids there and he’s a big supporter and a big help to that school. I’m grateful to be able to start something with them. We want to win and we’re expecting to play our best. Plus for us either way, we’ll see how we measure up.”

2016 Kaimuki football schedule
Check here for the latest schedule updates: http://bit.ly/2958rWe
>> Aug. 4: St. Francis (scrimmage only)
>> Aug. 13: vs. Waialua, at Kaiser Stadium
>> Aug. 20: vs. Kalani, at Kaiser Stadium
>> Aug. 27: vs. Roosevelt, at Kaiser Stadium
>> Sept. 3: Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas), at Oahu site TBD
>> Sept. 9/10: Bye
>> Sept. 17: vs. Kalaheo, at Kailua High field
>> Sept. 23: McKinley, at Kaiser Stadium
>> Sept. 30: vs. Waipahu, at Mililani High field
>> Oct. 7: at Pearl City

2016 Kaimuki varsity football staff
>> Head coach and defensive line: David Tautofi (7-5, second season)
>> Offensive coordinator: Joe Charles
>> Defensive coordinator: Daniel Tautofi
>> Assistant: William Maiava
>> Assistant: Jeremy Chong
>> Assistant: Tito Tuitama
>> Assistant: Matt Loa
>> Assistant: Arthur Isa
>> Assistant: Reid Yoshikawa
>> Assistant: Justin Faimealelei
>> Assistant: Moses Ringwood