MILILANI OFFENSE (EDGE)

The Trojans have scored 49 and 51 points in two state-tourney wins so far. Coach Rod York has seen the evolution of his program tied closely to its offensive creativity. The new generation of playmakers, including sophomore quarterback Dillon Gabriel, offers a different look from the amazing trio of McKenzie Milton, Vavae Malepeai and Kalakaua Timoteo, but the offense continues to roll.

Gabriel has been most effective when the Trojans establish a ground attack with RB/LBs Darius Muasau and Jalen Olomua. Gabriel’s skill at the read option keeps improving, and he has cashed in with seven TD runs on just 65 carries. Olomua has carried more of the load so far in the state tourney, but Mililani can turn to Muasau, too.

Defensive ends come crashing into the inside gaps largely because of an improved O-line and the gashing capabilities of Muasau, a 6-foot, 200-pound sophomore, and Olomua (6-0, 210), a junior.

Most offenses in the postseason have two or three weapons, but the Trojans also have a huge advantage in WR/RET Andrew Valladares, who is averaging more than 20 yards per reception and is capable of taking punt and kickoff returns to the house. The men of Troy have seen steady improvement from pass catchers Ryan Chang, Cy Kuboyama-Hayashi and Stanton Lee. Roman Tovi remains an X-factor when healthy.

MILILANI DEFENSE

Olomua shows flashes of brilliance as an inside ’backer. Senior defensive back Dustin Gapusan has been a big factor: seven tackles against Baldwin. Asher Pilanca, a freshman DB, had a team-high 10 tackles in the victory over Leilehua.

While the Trojans offense has been outstanding during tourney play, scoring 100 points in two games, the defense has allowed 63 points.

In a 49-28 comeback win over Baldwin, Bears RB Kamaki Gouveia rushed for 177 yards, but the Trojans shut the MIL champions out in the fourth quarter. Their ability to disguise and deceive with coverages was a key factor in allowing Baldwin to complete just six of its 22 pass attempts.

It was a flip-flopped scenario one week later against Leilehua in their third matchup this season. Leilehua passers combined for 324 yards, but Mililani limited its rivals to 30 rushing yards and came up with three takeaways.

Dante James-Fainga (eight tackles), Keawe Fox (seven) and Gapusan (seven) played major roles.

Mililani’s senior-laden defense started the season strong against Kaiser and Castle and pitched two shutouts before running into better offensive teams when the playoffs started. For all of Mililani’s success in recent years under Rod York, this was the first season since 2011 the defensive unit pitched multiple shutouts in a season.

MILILANI SPECIALISTS (EDGE)

Junior place-kicker Damien Santiago has been consistent for a solid Mililani special teams corps. Valladares sets the Trojans apart here with his returns, bursting into full-speed mode to punish slow-covering foes.

’IOLANI OFFENSE

The Raiders look every bit the part of an explosive four-wide attack, but at heart, they are a grinder of an offensive unit. They will be happy to move the ball 3, 4, 5 yards at a time with sturdy running back K.J. Pascua — the senior is 50 yards away from the 1,000-yard mark — when defenses spread out. When they pack the box, quarterback Tai-Jon Mizutani is effective at finding his open target. He is also wise enough to avoid throwing into danger, which is why he has a middling completion rate, but a low interception ratio — seven picks in 355 pass attempts — as well.

‘Iolani hasn’t been a consistent big-play team, not since the graduation of speedy Keoni-Kordell Makekau, and especially with a murderers’ row of foes in ILH Division I play. It works out fine, however, with a reliable crew of receivers led by Justin Genovia (78 receptions, 1,106 yards, seven TDs). Jonah Miyazawa, Brent Nagami and Rayden Kaneshiro are no-frills possession receivers in this methodical, resourceful offense.

‘IOLANI DEFENSE (EDGE)

The offense has been hot and cold in the state tourney (17 points against Moanalua, 35 on Campbell), but the defensive unit has been rock solid. The Raiders were reasonably solid against Moanalua’s dual-threat QB, Alaka‘i Yuen, who finished with 212 passing yards and 53 rushing yards. ‘Iolani will often play conservatively — Yuen was 25-for-34 — without bending too much.

Yuen’s patience was key to Moanalua sticking close in what ended up a 17-14 ‘Iolani victory. The Raiders then faced a balanced Campbell offense and came up with four interceptions against two Sabers QBs. The good news for Mililani might be that Campbell rushed for 124 yards (4.4 per carry), but that alone wasn’t enough. ‘Iolani led 35-0 at the half en route to a 35-12 win.

Helam Baldomero had 10 tackles, Hunter Kam and Cameron Chang racked up seven apiece, and Kaua Nishigaya added six takedowns against Campbell, a team that finished second in its division, beating Open Division semifinalist Waianae. Makana Laboy had two of the Raiders’ interceptions. Nishigaya and Kyler Mento each snagged a pick.

‘IOLANI SPECIALISTS

‘Iolani consistently has efficient execution in the kicking game, from pinpoint pooch kickoffs to reliable hands in the return scheme. Evan Minami offers a steady foot as place-kicker.