Pass-happy Mililani looks to add balance

Rod York would love nothing more than to see visiting teams arrive in Mililani with their minds solely on Jarin Morikawa.

The senior signal-caller was prolific last year, averaging 260 yards per game through the air as the Trojans became, for better or worse, a "pure" passing offense. But Mililani’s offensive focus won’t be so one-dimensional this fall if York has his way.

"We’ll run the ball a lot more so we can help out our passing game," the third-year head coach said.

Mililani went 4-6 last year, including 3-5 in the rugged Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West. Among the losses were a 40-33 shootout against Leilehua and a 25-20 playoff defeat against Farrington.

York and his staff made a vital switch in the trenches, moving Joey Anglemire from left tackle to guard.

"At Mililani, we don’t get the (big) linemen. We get the skilled linemen. So we have to hold up the front or it’s going to collapse like it has in the past," said York, a former UH defensive lineman.

So, with a somewhat revamped offensive line, the Trojans earned a No. 10 spot in the Star-Advertiser Football Top 10 Countdown. That’s what coaches and media think, at least, not only of Morikawa and Anglemire, but of a formidable defensive unit.

"The defense is our strength. It’s the most talented group we’ve had in a long while," said York, who began at Mililani as an assistant coach six years ago.

Mene Paresa, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound senior, will line up all over the interior, from nose guard to defensive end.

"He’ll probably play linebacker at the next level," York said, adding that Paresa has a scholarship offer from Weber State.

Rex Manu, a 6-2, 260-pound sophomore, is ready to wear brown and gold after transferring from Punahou last year.

"He’s young, but he can move. He’s like a senior. He’ll be our next blue-chipper," York said, noting Manu’s 3.9 grade-point average. "None of his classes are easy."

While Manu draws comparisons to a young Ma‘a Tanuvasa — in York’s view — the third anchor of the D-line is another 6-2, 240-pound stopper, Dakota Turner. He is one of seven returning starters on defense and has offers from San Diego State and Army.

The versatility of the line gives the Trojans flexibility. Linebacker Kelii Padello will line up as a defensive end this season, putting his speed to maximum use on the edge.

"The mentality of our defense and our team, they’re pretty tight with each other," York said. "We don’t usually get here until midseason. They get here and go straight to work. They get on each other and keep working."

York pointed to the Red West slate, arguably the stronger of the OIA’s two Division I regions.

"The road definitely goes through Leilehua. This is supposed to be a rebuilding year for them, but they’ve got a lot of kids who transferred in," York said.

Those incoming players include two key players from last year’s Mililani squad. The Trojans are focused on the now, though, and they get to do it on a brand-new synthetic turf field.

"It’s beautiful. The mud, we don’t have to deal with it anymore," York said.

That lack of slick sludge should do wonders for Morikawa, even with offensive coordinator Tim Chang now gone to SMU. The graduation of all-state wide receiver Deshawn Duncan-Benson and second-team receiver Kaimi Wilson leaves big gaps.

Finding that right mix of run plays with an unproven committee of running backs is the top priority.

"We couldn’t get a first down against Farrington in the rain. The ball was too wet," York said, recalling last year’s season-ending loss.

To ensure more balance, York will call the plays.

"We’ll take whatever the defense gives us," he said.

Mililani will find out what it has soon enough with scrimmages against Waialua on Friday and Kahuku on Saturday — both at John Kauinana Stadium. The Trojans will meet Moanalua (Aug. 10) and Pac-Five (Aug. 17) in nonconference games.