Billy Masima and the Kaimuki offense got going against Pearl City to the tune of 341 total yards and 5 touchdowns in a win over Pearl City. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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Billy Masima and the Kaimuki offense got going against Pearl City to the tune of 341 total yards and 5 touchdowns in a win over Pearl City. Greg Yamamoto | SL

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Its been a season of transition for Kaimuki football in 2015, with David Tautofi taking the helm of the program after the departure of long-time head coach Clint Onigama.

And after a slow start to the season that found the Bulldogs losers of three games by a combined margin of 102 to 6, seeing the fruits of his players' labor culminate in a 33-19 win over perennial OIA Division II powerhouse Pearl City had to be quite satisfying.

Kaimuki had lost its previous two meetings against the Pearl City, including a 46-13 loss last year.

"It wasn't the cleanest game that we were hoping for but its a start and its a big team were able to overcome tonight," added Tautofi. "Anytime you can beat a quality team like Pearl City it feels good at the end."

A forfeit by Anuenue on August 22nd gave the Bulldogs its first win record-wise.

"I'm excited for the boys, its been a long time coming. A lot of work since I got here, technically its my first win (as head coach)," said Tautofi. "They earned it, they worked hard and you can tell by their effort."

Establishing the run game was a big key to the offensive success enjoyed by Kaimuki against Pearl City, and Billy Masima got the call early and often.

The 6-2, 215 pound junior came into the contest with just two carries for negative yardage, but exploded for 131 yards on 20 carries and two scores against the Chargers.

"We never really showcased Billy much until tonight," remarked Tautofi. "Its one of those things you're gonna take a risk on and either its going to work for you or it isnt and tonight it landed on our side."

The 189 rushing yards put up by the Buildogs as a team nearly doubled the season average on the ground. Keanu Pratt added 34 yards from the quarterback spot and Ivan Maio 51.

Success on the ground ultimately led to the Bulldogs finding openings in the vertical passing game, where Pratt was able to connect on touchdown strikes of 65 and 52 yards. Torey Faimealelei and Andrew Neves combined for 150 yards receiving.

Both Pratt and Masima were quick to credit the play of the offensive line for the success enjoyed by the Bulldogs.

"It all started with the (offensive) line," said Pratt. "The line kept fighting through all four quarters and we made big plays. They kept their blocks and that's how we were able to score."

Kaimuki gained just 39 yards against Radford and 199 against Nanakuli prior to the 341 yards of total offense gained against Pearl City.

Having already faced the two top teams record-wise in OIA Division II play in the Golden Hawks and the Rams, the victory over Pearl City looms large, as wins in the coming weeks over Waialua (3-2) and Kalani (3-2) could go a long way to help secure a playoff berth in an extremely bunched up Division II race.

"It helps us all around confidence wise," said Tautofi on the win. "It wasn't an easy transition for the boys realizing they were going to have a new coaching staff coming in. This win is going to help catapult us into our game next week against Kalani. Its an awesome way to start off the weekend."