By Jacob Balatico
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On Nov. 21, MHS’ varsity football team topped off their 13-0 undefeated season with the title of state champions. With a final score of 53-45, MHS finally got their long-awaited revenge on the former state champions and last year’s opponent Punahou, and their first state football championship in school history.
“I was feeling overwhelmed because all of the hard work (paid) off,” said Quarterback Junior McKenzie Milton. Wide Receiver Junior Kalakaua Timoteo III added, “It was surreal. (An) indescribable feeling. Like Christmas morning and winning the lottery in the same day.”
Off to a strong start, by halftime Mililani led the game with a score of 46-31. Then in a turn of events, with an 80-yard drive by Punahou, the Buff ‘n Blue scored a touchdown, bringing the score to 46-38. With Mililani back on offense and Punahou nipping at their heels, Mililani scored another touchdown bringing the score to 53-38. Third quarter ended with another touchdown by Punahou, bringing the score to 53-45. Fourth quarter was a stalemate with both teams fighting for another touchdown but finding no opportunities. The play clock timed out before the game clock. With two seconds left and at Mililani’s gates, Punahou tried to score another touchdown but was stopped short and the game ended with Mililani’s historic victory.
Going up against the same opponents from last year, Mililani was excited for the game. “We loved it,” said Head Coach Rod York. “We were honored. To be the best you have to beat the best. We worked hard to get there. We played the best and it was definitely rewarding.”
The championship game, and all those before it, were preceded by off-season training and summer workouts, as well as regular practice days. “We practice every day,” said Timoteo. “We worked hard, prepared ourselves (physically and) mentally as well.” Putting that training to use, the Trojans had a strategy to help them against Punahou. “We always have a plan and then a contingency plan,” said York. “The game is like a chess match. Basically our game plan worked. Just throw the ball.” Timoteo added, “From day one our strategy was the same in every game: Execution.”
Besides training, the Trojans received motivation from the fans as well. York stated, “The crowd that night motivated us to keep going. Every time we scored there would be the roar behind of us and when you looked back you could see the Trojan crowd cheering. The crowd that night was a big motivator.” Timoteo said, “When the clock hit zero and I looked into the stands, hearing the roar from the crowd and feeling all their energy, then seeing all my teammates on the field knowing what we just accomplished, that’s a moment I’ll never forget.”
In the wake of their victory, the team has found time to thank those that helped them along the way. “(I’m thankful for) God, Coach York, Coach Joel, my parents and my team. I’m just thankful for all of them and (I) love them all,” Milton said.
The Trojans plan to start anew when Feb. 1 rolls around to begin off-season training once again, not necessarily with another championship in mind but to give it their all, no matter what.
