With big-name players on both sides of the ball, Saint Louis is saddled up and ready to make a stronger thrust toward a Division I state championship this fall.

When the Crusaders’ gallant attempt to snatch the Interscholastic League of Honolulu championship from Punahou failed a year ago, there was an odd sense of disbelief. They fell a touchdown short of forcing another game for the league title against the then-defending state champion Buffanblu.

This year, Saint Louis — with legendary coach Cal Lee ready to begin his second year in his third stint at the helm — starts off as the No. 2 team in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Preseason Top 10. The Crusaders are one spot ahead of Punahou, so the poll’s media voters are expecting a battle royale in a league that also includes No. 5 Kamehameha and No. 10 ‘Iolani.

Three players, perhaps, illustrate Saint Louis’ upgrade in an area where it was vulnerable a year ago — defense. All are transfers. Senior Jordan Iosefa, who was with Saint Louis last season but did not play because of his transfer from Waipahu, is a USC commit who will anchor a strong group of linebackers. Fellow linebacker Isaac Slade-Matautia missed a year, too, after coming over from Kaiser with a short stop at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, and he already has offers to Arizona, Nebraska and Washington despite his status as a junior.

The other is cornerback Luca Vartic from Konawaena, who carries with him three D-I college offers.

“We have some great linebackers and a great team defense,” Iosefa said. “And I think Jayce Smalley (a junior) is honestly one of the top linebackers in the state. We also have a very good second-team defense. We will do as much as possible to help bring back the (champion)’ship, bring back the banner.”

Tanielu Evaimalo, a rugged defensive end, is back for his senior season with the Crusaders, who have not won a state crown since 2010.

Lee, who won 14 Oahu Prep Bowls and one state title for Saint Louis in his 1982 to 2001 run, is getting more acquainted with his new crop of players this time around.

“Last year, I was just getting to know the personnel,” he said. “It’s a big thing to help familiarize yourself on what we do good and what we need to work on. You know who can block, who can tackle, who can catch.

“We (as coaches) will take credit for (having a vulnerable defense last season). We definitely have to do a better job defensively. You don’t win if you can’t stop people from scoring.”

A lesser worry is offense, where Saint Louis has quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (2,571 yards, 33 TDs) back as a junior. He has 15 D-I college offers. Senior Drew Kobayashi, a Cal commit (664 yards, 9 TDs), will be a main target. Look for senior tight end Tristan Nichols, a Maui High transfer, and junior running back Jahred Silofau to be big offensive contributors.

Saint Louis is coming off scrimmages against Kapolei and Kailua, but its next test will be huge. On Saturday, the Crusaders visit Mililani for a blockbuster of a scrimmage. After that, they don’t play again until they host Las Vegas power Liberty on Aug. 29 at Aloha Stadium.

One thing to remember about Saint Louis heading into the season: Defense is the linchpin. The Crusaders gave up 63 twice, 55 and 47 points in various games last season. That’s what they’re trying to avoid.

Leave it to two offensive guys to bring it back to where they need the improvement.

“We have monsters at linebacker,” Kobayashi, the wide receiver, said. “I think they’re going to step up big.”

And from assistant Vince Passas, the head of Hawaii’s largest de facto quarterback factory: “We have a whole lot better defense than last year.”