Mililani’s offense ready for Kahuku

By Billy Hull
Honolulu Star Bulletin

It’s a good thing No. 8 Mililani played its final game at John Kauinana Stadium on Friday night.

The scoreboard probably needs a break.

A prolific offense and a struggling defense have made for some crazy games, and that trend continued for Mililani in the first round of the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red playoffs.

Trent McKinney threw four touchdown passes in the first half and Mililani scored 40-plus points for the second straight game in a 47-35 victory over Kaimuki.

A week earlier, Mililani (7-2) scored 41 points, but it wasn’t enough in a 54-41 loss to Waianae. In back-to-back games to close their home schedule, the Trojans have scored 88 points, but given up 89.

“These kids always make it interesting, but they always pull together,” Mililani coach Darnell Arceneaux said. “When it’s time to get down and dirty, these kids get down and dirty and the fans who buy a ticket get their money’s worth.”

Mililani’s success on offense has come with the maturation of McKinney, a dual-threat junior who can make plays with his arm and his feet.

He carved up the Bulldogs (2-7) for 174 yards in the air and another 96 on the ground, averaging 12 yards every time he tucked the ball away and ran.