Nolan Tokuda has had his share of success in his eleven years as head coach of the Leilehua football, including a pair of appearances in the Division I state final. The Mules won it all back in 2007, but Tokuda can't help but feel some responsibility about their current three-year state tournament drought.

"I guess I'm to blame; The last time we went to the state tournament, (interim) coach (Mark) Kurisu was the head coach," said Tokuda, alluding to the 2011 season when he took a hiatus due to the birth of his child. "Ever since I returned we didn't get there, but there is a bitter taste in our mouth."

That doesn't mean the program hasn't been successful, by any means, Tokuda warns.

"We want to get there, but because of that our goals have changed," Tokuda said "After last year we decided our goal was just to build better men, which wouldn't be just because a byproduct, but we want to make sure that we help these guys become good citizens and one day they're going to become good fathers and good sons."

Make no mistake, however, the Mules want to win in 2015 and claim of the Oahu Interscholastic Associaton's three coveted berths in states.

"We're definitely hungry," said junior safety Charles "Moku" Watson. "We're out here every day grinding."

If Leilehua makes a run into the postseason, defense will have to play a big part of the equation and Watson — who already has a scholarship offer on the table from the University of Hawaii — will likely lead the way.

Watson, who stands 6-feet-1 1/2 inches tall and weights 175 pounds, will anchor the secondary from his free safety position and according to Tokuda, will see an increased role on offense and special teams.

"He can play corner, safety, wide receiver and he's the type of guy that just wants to help his team out," Tokuda said. "He's going to go out there and do his best every day, so that's exciting. At the same time, he's got a lot of room for growth as well."

It's a role that Watson is looking forward to this fall.

"I'm looking forward to playing both ways," Watson said. "Playing some receiver and hopefully getting some touchdowns and playing (defensive back) and kick returner, too."

Another defensive standout being looked to lead this squad is senior linebacker Devin Griffith (formerly Gray).

"He's a good vocal leader on defense," Watson said of Griffith. "I think he's definitely going to anchor things."

Tokuda holds Griffith in high regard as well.

"His motor, his intelligence makes him special," Tokuda said. "He brings a 4.6 GPA in the classroom, he brings that knowledge — he's kind of like a quarterback or coach on the field — and he's the guy that calls the defense from coach Kurisu and will make the checks and corrections out there, so it's just great having that intensity and a guy that's going to bring it from snap to finish."

As has been the case with so many other seasons, the Mules will be an undersized defense, relying on speed and discipline.

"We've got a lot of new young guys on the d-line, but I'm really excited to see what our defense brings," said Watson, a Second Team OIA Red all-star last season. "I think we're going to shut some teams down and definitely put some points on the board on defense."

The Mules have a shortage of big bodies on both the offensive and defensive lines and will likely have returning starters Sifa Hufanga and Netane Muti going both ways.

The offense continues to be a work in progress with a first-year starter at quarterback in junior Kaleoaloha Piceno.

"He's one of those sponges; He always wants to get better," Tokuda said of Piceno, who is 5-7 and 148. "His decision making has gotten a little bit better, he's a little bit more athletic, so being able to run the ball with the quarterback is going to be one of the things that we're going to present this year, along with our passing game."

Piceno, whose older brothers Keoni and Ikaika both played football at Leilehua, is saying all the right things for now.

"I think that if I push myself I can get my teammates there and to get my teammates better I think that I need to get better myself first and I think that we're going to go far this year," Piceno said.

Just how far the Mules get will be the question, but Griffith, for one, has his sights set on a return trip to the state tournament.

"I'm looking forward to getting to states, making a run to the state championship; that's the ultimate goal this year," Griffith said.

- Kalani Takase