Trojans have the horses for a title run

No matter how the Mililani football team fares this year, its seniors will have an indelible memory of what was perhaps a life-changing day.

And the season hasn’t started yet.

It was during the team’s campus sleepover camp. One night, the seniors were fooling around a bit too much, so the next morning, coach Rod York canceled a team run and brought all the seniors to the Trojans logo at midfield.

"He sat us down and gave us a life lesson," All-State right tackle Jordan Agasiva said. "He shared with us what it means to be leaders and how our actions impact the whole team, how each and every one of us is a leader, how we were disrespecting the program and how it’s our team and not his team. It was unbelievable and made me cry and all the guys were crying. After that meeting we are stronger than ever."

Wide receiver Kainoa Wilson, like Agasiva, will always remember that day.

"He really got to our hearts," said Wilson, who scored two touchdowns in a scrimmage against rival Leilehua last week. "It was all about leaders stepping up and that it’s bigger than football. The seniors didn’t realize how important this season is for our school and our community and we didn’t really know that we are going to have such a big target on our backs and that the expectations are really, really high. He changed us in that moment."

Add this new fervent bond to the state Division I runner-up Trojans, who are stacked with talent all over the field, and it’s pretty clear why they are considered a strong contender to return to the state title game.

"It’s not just about showing up," York said during Friday’s practice. "It’s about showing up and giving your heart and soul and having pride and not just wearing the jersey, but having a great attitude.

"When we lost to Punahou (in the state final), one of the proudest moments was being with the guys after the game. They were OK with it. As a coach, mentor and teacher, I’m proud that they were still feeling good about themselves –disappointed but not defeated."

Mililani clawed back in that game with two late trick-play touchdowns by Wilson, but lost 28-22.

"When I came here (in 2011), it was to build Mililani into a football community, and that means there has to be communication with the people at the Pop Warner level and all the way up," the coach added.

York gives lots of credit in building the program to his assistants, including Silila Malepeai, a former Oregon offensive lineman who went 58-0 in his high school days at Saint Louis under Cal Lee, and Trask Iosefa, a former Punahou and San Diego State star.

Agasiva, a co-captain, is a 6-foot-4 280-pounder with power and lots of athleticism.

"He will literally block for eight seconds, and sometimes that is a borderline personal foul because he goes until the whistle blows," York said.

Derrick Fetui-Suapaia and Andru Tovi are among the other leaders on the Trojans’ O-line.

Quarterback McKenzie Milton is back for his junior season after a stellar first year on the varsity. He completed 17 of 20 passes against Leilehua and his form has improved, thanks to tutoring by Joel Lane, the former Saint Louis star.

"He is such a humble kid and very coachable, even when you get in his ear or get in his face," York said. "He’s popular among his friends and easy to get along with."

The receiver position is loaded. Aside from Wilson, Mililani can spread the ball around any number of ways. Among the other targets for Milton are Kalakaua Timoteo, Bronson Ramos, Roman Tovi and Luani Matagiese.

Another first-team All-State player, running back Vavae Malepeai (the assistant coach’s nephew), did not play against Leilehua. He is an elusive, strong runner and big-play threat.

Defensively, the Trojans are in good shape with first-team All-State defensive lineman Rex Manu, a co-captain, leading the charge.

Mililani will also get big boosts on the defensive side of the ball from linebackers Sergio Urena, Jaren Zadlo and M.J. Tanuvasa, defensive lineman Mana Padello, cornerback Ty Purcell-Apana and safety Tielu Mamea.

Mamea subbed in and stepped up with a big game in the 2013 OIA title win over Farrington; Padello is the brother of last year’s state defensive player of the year Kelii Padello; Zadlo is switching to linebacker from safety; and Tanuvasa is the son of former NFL player Ma’a Tanuvasa, who is on York’s staff.

York said Urena was nearly cut as a ninth-grader and has worked his way up, starting on the defensive line in the state-title game as a junior.

The Trojans get a huge test at home Saturday night against ILH power Saint Louis.

"The sky’s the limit," Wilson said. "I honestly believe we can get back to the state-title game if we stay humble and play our hearts out. Everyone is buying in."

For Agasiva, it’s a matter of redemption.

"We want to get back to the states and win it," he said. "This is our senior year. We ain’t leaving without a fight."