If you build it, they will come.

If you leave, return years later, then rebuild it, then what? So far, the return of Cal Lee to Saint Louis has been punctuated by the same verve and dedication that sparked the original run from 1983 to 2000. In this second stint, Lee has guided the Crusaders to three consecutive state titles. But it isn’t all smooth sailing.

With no game until Aug. 15, the staff has deliberately spent more time on fundamentals, and special teams are just starting to get reps. There is a new kicker. A new punter. Three potential starters transferred out to Mililani.

“Open Division, you have to keep up and improve,” Lee said. “It’s so competitive, you’ve got to adjust. That’s why you see some changes. They bring in new coaches. That’s what happens. You get better or you get left on the side. Every year, it’ll get more competitive.”

Saint Louis is 31-1 during this title run, including a current 26-game win streak. Last year, the Crusaders outscored opponents 333-90 in Open Division regular-season play, then defeated Punahou 45-21 in the ILH title game, and routed Kahuku 49-22 and Mililani 38-17 in the state tournament.

Yet, there are some pukas to fill. Gone is Star-Advertiser All-State defensive player of the year Faatui Tuitele, now a defensive tackle at Washington. Of the eight first-team selections, two second-teamers and three third-teamers from ’18, seven graduated and six return. Those numbers don’t change the day-to-day grind on campus. Lee and his staff teach day and night, at practice. In scrimmages. Film study. More practice.

Under his watch, Lee has led Saint Louis to 17 state and Prep Bowl titles. This year, there is depth like never before. Offensive coordinator Ron Lee, Cal’s brother, has 22 receivers at his disposal. There are teams in Hawaii that barely have that number on an entire roster.

Saint Louis is ranked No. 11 nationally by MaxPreps. Linebacker Jordan Botelho (22 scholarship offers) committed to Notre Dame in the offseason and is also rated in the MaxPreps Top 100 players list. With Nick Herbig (16 offers, Wisconsin), Saint Louis has two elite linebackers.

“They both had great years last year as juniors. Now it’s a matter of, they have this attitude that last year is last year and nothing’s going to come free,” Lee said. “Why not try and become even better? That’s the only way to look at it.”

Better yet for Crusaders fans, this second wave of success has brought immense depth of talent. Lee returned in 2015 and found his reserve levels on the defensive line very low. Today, both the D-line and O-line are stacked. They are athletic, large, coachable, smart.

Having those battleships sets up the rest of the schemes and adjustments by the speed merchants, the skill-position players. It brings opportunity en masse to the Crusaders linebackers. No longer are 4-3 defenses the norm, with three ’backers focused almost entirely on stopping the run.

That’s why players like Botelho thrive. His ability to navigate through complex blocking schemes is elite. With Saint Louis apparently recovering smoothly from the graduation of Tuitele and Gino Quinones (USC) — the Crusaders D-line dominated foes in three scrimmages — Botelho and cohorts like Herbig will continue to ravage opposing quarterbacks.

While Botelho and Herbig line up on the edge, Lawai Brown and Mason Tufaga clog the inside lanes.

“I think Lawai is really smart. Mason played a little bit last year and is working hard to start,” Lee said.

Tasi Tadio and Iona Purcell are making an impact.

“These sophomores are pushing the starters,” Lee noted.

Stanley Mckenzie is the lone returning starter up front.

“Stanley is a big load in the middle. They need a couple of people to block him,” Lee said.

The football/baseball standout hopes to play both sports when he arrives in Berkeley next summer to play for the Cal Bears. For now, Mckenzie is stoked, but not surprised, about the progress of his fellow D-linemen.

“Darrell Masaniai is on my left and Anthony Sagapolutele is on my right. They’re returnees, and it was a tight group last year. They understand their jobs. If everyone doesn’t do their assignments, the offense won’t move the ball,” Mckenzie said. “We’ll miss Tui and Gino, but we’re picking up where they left off.”

Sagapolutele has impressed Lee.

“Anthony has shown that he’s ready to go. He’s got a lot of energy. He’s got that quickness and he’s smart,” Lee said. “He’s not the size of Tui, but he’s got more quickness. I like his attitude. The players like him because he’s one of the vocal ones. Talks a lot, runs a lot, does everything full speed. I’m excited for him playing.”

All-State safety Kamo‘i Latu leads the secondary. His right hand was wrapped up during the scrimmages last Saturday, but he calls it “a scratch.”

Kaiser Cho is the strong safety. Cornerback Brian Cox is recovering from a groin injury as coaches search for a replacement to fill the shoes of All-State selection Korvin Feagins.

The offense returns just one starter up front, center Matagi DuPont (6-0 280). What the new starters lack in experience, they may make up for with talent and size. They line up Kalan Ellis (6-4, 330) at left tackle, Kahekili Catrett (6-5, 350) at left guard, Aeryk Hatico at right guard and Nalu Liftee at right tackle. In the rotation are Liftee, currently out with a hand injury, and sophomores Laakea Kapoi (6-3, 280), Jonah Nawainaea (6-3, 270) and Dakota Brown (6-3, 260).

“This group is young, but they have good feet, good size and great work ethic,” Ron Lee said. “That was kind of the big question mark, but for the past couple of weeks, they’re moving along nicely.”

At quarterback and wide receiver, Saint Louis has some of the best statewide. Jayden de Laura passed for 2,368 yards and 19 TDs with 10 picks as a junior. He also ran for 292 yards and 10 more TDs. He is being challenged by Connor Apo and sophomore A.J. Bianco.

Roman Wilson, who wowed recruiters at Nike’s The Opening showcase over the summer, returns as probably the fastest wide receiver statewide. He committed to Michigan. Matt Sykes was injured last season, but healed up and had a strong summer. He committed to UCLA.

Koali Nishigaya is largely regarded by coaches and teammates as a breakout candidate at slotback. Other pass catchers in the mix include Po‘okela Louis, Tama Rodrigues, Prince Solomon and freshman sensation Trech Kekahuna-Kalawe.

With Malosi Sam now at Mililani, the running back spot is wide open. Kainalu Tumpap has the inside track, while Kaohu Kamakawiwo‘ole (6-0, 224) will also get snaps.

The Crusader machine keeps churning.

“Last year’s group, things came pretty easy, but this group is hungry,” Ron Lee said. “We’re just worried about tomorrow’s practice. One day at a time.”

SAINT LOUIS CRUSADERS

>> Head coach: Cal Lee, sixth season (27th overall), 284-40-5 (.871)

>> Last year: 11-0, 7-0 ILH Open

>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections returning: Roman Wilson (first-team WR); Jordan Botelho (first-team LB); Nick Herbig (first-team LB); Kamo’i Latu (first-team DB); Jayden de Laura (second-team QB); Stanley Mckenzie (third-team DL)

>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections lost to graduation: Ben Scott (first-team OL); Arasi Mose (first-team OL); Faatui Tuitele (first-team DL); Korvin Feagins (first-team DB); Gino Quinones (second-team DL); Chance Beyer (third-team WR); Kila Kamakawiwo’ole (third-team LB); Junior Wily (third-team DB)

SCHEDULE

Date / Opponent, Time

8/15 @Kapolei, 7:30 p.m.

8/23 @Campbell, 7:30 p.m.

8/30 Bishop Gorman (Nev.),* 7 p.m.

9/6 Kamehameha,* 6 p.m.

9/14 Kahuku,* 7:30 p.m.

9/20 Punahou,* 7:30 p.m.

9/27 Mililani,* 7:45 p.m.

10/4 @Farrington, 7:30 p.m.

10/11 @Waianae, 7:30 p.m.

* — @ Aloha Stadium