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That end-of-the-season hurdle is always a tough one for Mililani, but — like a 10-foot putt — coach Rod York always thinks it’s makeable.
One thing is certain. It will be a long, arduous process if the Trojans want to get back to the Open Division title game. They have one of the toughest schedules in the nation.
In Samoa since last week to scrimmage some top teams there, Mililani did not put any patsies on the calendar. In their 10 regular-season games, the Trojans play three teams that finished in the top 100 of the MaxPreps computer rankings a year ago. Seven opponents were in the top 625. Two of them — St. John Bosco of Bellflower, Calif., at No. 3 and Hawaii’s own Saint Louis at No. 11 — are ranked in that website’s preseason Xcellent 25.
”They’re really well coached,” said Campbell coach Darren Johnson about Mililani, which was voted in at No. 4 in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s preseason Top 10. “Coach Rod is a good person and he brings out good football and discipline. People want to play for Rod.”
And the Trojans are always reloading and aiming to go one better than the 38-17 championship game loss to Saint Louis in November.
Gone is quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who became the state’s all-time leading passer a year ago. Junior Brendyn Agbayani takes over fully prepared to write his own story in the footsteps of Gabriel and McKenzie Milton before him.
The Trojans got an offensive boost with transfers Malosi Sam, who started at running back on the rival Crusaders’ title team in 2018, and receivers Jarin and Nakoa Kalama from Campbell.
“The Kalamas were studs in the summer passing league,” Kahuku coach Sterling Carvalho said.
Mystik Sampaga and Raysen Motoyama, two rugged slotbacks, are back, and Sergio Muasau and Mikey Agasiva will be among the offensive line leaders.
Defensive end Shane Kady and linebacker Mark Pasternak are some of the defensive motors on a unit that also includes defensive backs Asher Pilanca and Fatu Iosefa and linebacker Muelu Iosefa.
“They play hard-nosed football,” Kahuku’s Carvalho said about the Trojans. “They fly both on offense and defense. Their speed causes the most problems. They’re quick off the line defensively and were really effective at that last year. We have to account for that this year. On offense, they run great, precise routes.”
York and his team are gearing up for their season opener Aug. 9 at Campbell, a team the Trojans beat 24-2 in the state Open semifinals a year ago.
The Mililani squad returns Wednesday from Samoa.
“It’s been a great, awesome trip so far,” York texted recently. “An eye-opener.”
MILILANI TROJANS
>> Head coach: Rod York, 10th season, 86-24 (.782)
>> Last year: 10-3, 5-0 OIA Open
>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections returning: Shane Kady (second-team DL); Sergio Muasau (third-team OL); Asher Pilanca (third-team Util)
>> Honolulu Star-Advertiser All-State selections lost to graduation: Dillon Gabriel (first-team QB); Darius Muasau (first-team LB); Ryan Chang (second-team WR); Mykah Tuiolemotu (second-team DL); Reichel Vegas (third-team RET)
Schedule
Date / Opponent, Time
8/9 @Campbell, 7:30 p.m.
8/16 Kahuku, 7:30 p.m.
8/24 @Farrington, 6:30 p.m.
8/30 Liberty (Nev.), 7 p.m.
9/7 @Waianae, 6:30 p.m.
9/14 Kamehameha,* 4:45 p.m.
9/21 St. John Bosco (Calif.), 7 p.m.
9/27 Saint Louis,* 7:45 p.m.
10/5 Kapolei, 6:30 p.m.
10/11 Punahou,* 7:45 p.m.
— @Aloha Stadium
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