Twenty-two minutes on Maui shifted the momentum of a game and the narrative for a season for Mililani.

After losing in the quarterfinals of the OIA playoffs, the Trojans surrendered 28 unanswered points to Baldwin to fall behind by two touchdowns early in the third quarter of a Division I state tournament matchup at War Memorial Stadium last November in Wailuku.

Faced with a season-ending flight back home, the Trojans regrouped and responded by scoring the next 35 points to roll to a 49-28 win. They followed with commanding victories over Leilehua and ‘Iolani to capture the D-I state title in the first year of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association’s three-tier format.

Last year’s destination now represents a step toward new goals for a Mililani team stocked with 16 returning starters and ranked fourth in the Star-Advertiser preseason poll.

“I think that carries over to this (year), because we all know the struggle we had last year so we’re trying to push more,” said senior running back/linebacker Jalen Olomua.

“Everyone’s pushing each other. Everyone’s holding each other accountable.”

With youth in key roles in a 9-3 season last year, the Trojans’ depth chart remains relatively youthful though now bolstered by experience.

“Our wideouts last year were sophomores, our quarterback was a sophomore, we had two freshmen on the line, but now hopefully it pays off,” said eighth-year head coach Rod York.

Junior quarterback Dillon Gabriel made his varsity debut as a freshman and claimed the starting job a year ago. The left-hander averaged 221.3 yards per game while throwing 28 touchdown passes last season and continues to develop with the guidance of his father and Trojans quarterback coach, former University of Hawaii standout Garrett Gabriel.

“He’s just there for me. When I’m up he’ll keep me level headed. … When I’m down he’ll keep my confidence up,” the younger Gabriel said, “Just with him doing that, it made me a better quarterback.”

Olomua, a second-team All-State pick as a linebacker last season, led the Trojans ground attack with 649 yards and 12 touchdowns and will again contribute as a physical two-way threat along with Darius Muasau (520 yards, three TDs), another power running back/linebacker.

York is quick with the refrain that “it all starts up front” with the return of all five starters to the offensive line — seniors Scottie Agasiva, Rio Claytor and Noah Williams and sophomores Sergio Muasau and Jacob Tuatagaloa.

“We just have to make sure that they take leadership, not just of the O-line but of the whole team now,” York said. “We have more leaders this year and that’s always great to have in the locker room.”

Receiver Andrew Valladares graduated after earning All-State honors with 955 yards and 11 touchdowns, but seniors Nayir Muhammad and Kaysen Higa and junior Cy Kuboyama-Hayashi are among the playmakers on the perimeter.

Tasi Malepeai and Mykah Tuiolemotu return as anchors of the defensive front backed by Olomua and Muasau with Asher Pilanca and Veniah Melesiah back at the corner spots in the secondary.

“It’s all about our confidence, it’s all about executing, learning to play together,” York said of building on last year’s experience. “We’re trying to make sure our kids keep the game simple.”

>> Head coach: Rod York, eighth season, 66-19

>> Last year: 9-3 (5-2 OIA Red); lost to Waianae 36-33 in the OIA D-I quarterfinals, beat Leilehua 63-42 in an OIA consolation game, beat Baldwin 49-28 in the state D-I (second tier) first round, beat Leilehua 51-35 in the state D-I semifinals, beat ‘Iolani 31-20 in the state D-I state championship game.

>> Key offensive returnees: Noah Williams, Sr., C, 6-0, 285; Scottie Agasiva, Sr., OL, 6-0, 300; Dillon Gabriel, Jr., QB, 6-0, 175.

>> Key defensive returnees: Darius Muasau, Jr., LB, 6-0, 220; Micah Tuiolemotu Jr., DL, 6-0, 240; Venaiah Meleisea, Sr., DB, 6-0, 180; Asher Pilanca, Jr., DB, 6-0, 180; Tasi Malepeai, Sr., DL, 6-0, 220.

>> Trojans with Division I FBS college offers: Scottie Agasiva, OL; Dillon Gabriel, QB