Kanani Souza has returned to Kamehameha after taking a year off to be a graduate assistant for the Oregon State football program last season.

Souza said yesterday he is back in his capacity as assistant athletic director and football coach of the Warrior varsity, which he guided to a Division I state title in 2004.

"The game is still blocking and tackling, but never stays the same," Souza said. "Fortunately, I got to see some things offensively and defensively, got some new ideas."

Doss Tannehill, who coached the varsity in the interim, will remain on Souza's staff.

"Doss will be with me one way or another," Souza said. "He did a nice job."

The Warriors finished in a three-way tie for first in the Interscholastic League of Ho-nolulu Division I, but were eliminated by Saint Louis in a first-round playoff.

Souza was allowed up to a year off without losing his positions at Kamehameha.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.