CJ Caraang | SL

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The Kaimuki Bulldogs experienced a resurgence in coach David Tautofi's first year at the helm.

After suffering three losing seasons, the Bulldogs made it to the Division II state tournament for the first time since 2010, finishing with a 7-5 overall record. With Nanakuli and Radford, the past two Oahu Interscholastic Association Division II champions, moving up to Division I in 2016, Kaimuki is ready to improve on last season's finish.

"The first year has definitely been quite an experience. It wasn't easy, it was tough, but at the same time it was a blessing," said Tautofi. "This year I think it's going to be a lot more smoother for me as a coach."

With the program's foundation and coaching philosophy set in year one, Tautofi and his staff will be able to focus on opening up the playbook and diversifying schemes.

"Last year wasn't actually so much X's and O's. We were basic as possible to keep it simple, more so focusing on coaching up character and confidence," said Tautofi. "This year because we feel that the foundation is more set and stable, we're actually able to hone in on taking it to the next level with the X's and O's."

If the Bulldogs are to replicate the level of success they enjoyed last year, they will have to do it without one of their key cogs in Billy Masima, an All-Hawaii Division II First Team Utility selection, who will miss the first half of the season with a knee injury.

Tautofi said team strength and commitment will be important to overcoming Masima's injury.

"One of the things I think we need to get back to is our strength. That's what we've been focusing on so far, weight room stuff and commitment. I think it's going to be crucial for us especially with the setback with Billy."

A leader that the team can rely on in Masima's absence is defensive back Daniel Nguyen, who Tautofi views as a "shutdown corner" for the team.

"I think the biggest thing that stands out the most is his maturity," Tautofi said on Nguyen. "This year he's definitely grown into a leader in the secondary. Not just a leader vocally, but a leader on how he prepares and even his work ethic. 

"He's always had the capability to cover receivers. That's something he's always had, but now he's putting it all together. It's going to be a special season for him so we're expecting a lot of big things from him this year."

Nguyen credits the leadership of the previous senior class, specifically offensive lineman John Wendell Nisa and linebacker James Gentile, for the team's growth.

"Last season had a lot of leaders that really just drilled to us what it really meant, all the hard work," said Nguyen. "Now this year we're carrying on what they taught us last year, just being more mature about the situation and knowing what's at stake. I just want us to gel as a team and come together because I know we can do it, go all the way to states and win it all."