By Jacob Chang
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With the Oahu Interscholastic Association (OIA) title under their belt and an undefeated season in the OIA, varsity football made their first appearance at the state championship after having the most successful season in MHS history. The Trojans faced off against Punahou’s Buff ‘n Blue on Nov. 23 at Aloha Stadium. Although they lost with a final score of 28-22, the Trojans gave Punahou a run for their money with a last minute comeback during the fourth quarter.
“We went against a tough team so they exposed some of our weaknesses but it was still exciting and at the end of the day we still had a shot to win it but we just came up a little short,” said Head Coach Roderick York.
After intense battling during the first half, Punahou led the game but Mililani scored a last-minute touchdown and two-point conversion, which brought the score to 21-8. Entering fourth quarter, the Buff ‘n Blue immediately scored a touchdown, bringing the score to 28-8. Soon after, Mililani began to make a comeback with a touchdown pass by Slotback Junior Kainoa Wilson to Wide Receiver Junior Bronson Ramos. A few minutes later, Wilson and Ramos pulled off the same play, scoring another touchdown. With the score at 28-22 and three minutes and 53 seconds left on the clock, Mililani fought off Punahou’s offense and took over the ball. In the last two minutes of the game, the Trojans drove up the field but an interception by Punahou’s Defensive Back Senior Joseph Augafa sealed the game’s score.
Despite the results, the Trojans brought everything they had to the field and were grateful for the opportunity to compete in the championship. “We didn’t win the game, so it didn’t feel too good but it was a great experience, especially (knowing) that (we) got to play through the whole season,” said Running Back Sophomore Vavae Malepeai, “There’s nothing better than making history.” Defensive End Senior Kelii Padello added, “We just played our hearts out. (We) did as much as possible and came out and lost.”
Although the Trojans lost the championship, the season as a whole was a learning experience and an opportunity to come together as a team. “It’s an awesome feeling to have a brotherhood with other classmates that you really don’t know,” said Padello, “Throughout the whole season we got to know each other (and) came out (as) a whole family and life friends.”
As the season progressed, the Trojans kept practicing and worked hard to make improvements. “Every week we got better, stronger, faster and (most) important is that we came together as a team (and) bonded,” said Malepeai. York added, “Anyone who watches football would see that the team improved each game including that championship game. And as a coach all you can ask for is that we get better.”
With normally only 2,000 people attending games, playing in the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) championship with an audience of nearly 20,000 was a big difference for both the coaches and players. “The best thing we got out of the game was the fan support,” expressed York, “(And) even though we lost, the fans (and) parents, (around) 500 to 700 people, lined up Meheula Parkway and cheered us on when we came back.” Malepeai added, “No matter what, (the fans) were always behind us. Win, lose, tie, they’re always there for support so it makes you play that much better.”
With this game marking the first time Mililani has ever played in the HHSAA championships for football, players and coaches thank the Mililani community for their support throughout the season. “We’re honored to represent Mililani and (I) as a head coach and a teacher send a special shoutout to the teachers, counselors, administrators (and) security,” said York, “Mililani High School is number one in my book.”
Even without the state title, Mililani still played an outstanding and historic season for MHS. With a promising offense led by Quarterback Sophomore McKenzie Milton and Malepeai, the Trojans have a bright future ahead of them.
