Photo galley: Mililani v. Leilehua
Mililani coach Rod York insists it’s hard winning game after game against the OIA Red West.
His defense is making it look pretty easy, though.
Mililani held Leilehua to 145 total yards and did not allow a point by the Mules’ offense, sacking quarterback Justin Jenks six times in a 21-9 victory on Saturday night in the quarterfinals of the OIA Red playoffs at John Kauinana Stadium.
Mililani (8-1), ranked No. 2 in the state, improved to 7-0 against teams from the Red West, outscoring its opponents 260-87.
The Trojans will step outside their division for the first time since mid-August when they play Kahuku on Thursday night in one of two semifinal games at Aloha Stadium.
"They didn’t score on our defense, man, and we’ll take the win," York said. "It is so hard — we’re undefeated in the Red West — even when we’re winning by big points, trust me, it isn’t easy. We’ll take the win."
Sophomore Vavae Malepeai recorded his sixth 100-yard rushing game of the season, finishing with 154 yards and two touchdowns.
After scoring on their first two drives, the Trojans were held to just one score the rest of the game, but got by thanks to their defense, which forced three turnovers.
"I think we got a little too ahead of ourselves," Malepeai said. "Our defense showed up great, props to the defense, that’s the best defense I’ve ever seen."
Leilehua (6-4) failed to reach the state tournament for the second straight season after advancing to states five straight times from 2007 to 2011.
Quarterback Justin Jenks was held to 84 yards on 9-for-18 passing with two interceptions. The Mules did not score on offense after rolling up 120 points in their last two games.
"(Leilhua) has an amazing offense, a lot of formations and schemes, but we were hungry and wanted it," said defensive end Kelii Padello, who had two sacks. "We knew (Jenks) can scramble; he’s really fast, really agile, so we had to play as an entire unit."
Leilehua’s nine points came on a safety and a fumble return for a touchdown by Sione Haunga to cut the Mililani lead to 21-9 in the third quarter.
All three of Leilehua’s drives in the fourth quarter ended with the offense on the field. Senior Kaimana Wilson sacked Jenks on a fourth-down play to finish one drive and intercepted a pass with a minute remaining to clinch the game.
"I bumped into (the receiver) and (the ball) ended up in my hands," Wilson said. "We had some turnovers on offense, but our defense stepped it up."
Mililani threw a variety of different looks at Leilehua on its opening drive. Four Trojans had a carry of at least 10 yards as Mililani rumbled down the field, scoring in 11 plays.
Malepeai took a handoff to the 1-yard line but fumbled trying to stretch for the end zone.
Jacob Afele saved the day by jumping on top of the loose ball to give the Trojans the early lead.
At John Kauinana Stadium
| Leilehua (6-4) |
0 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
— |
9 |
| Mililani (8-1) |
14 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
— |
21 |
Mil–Jacob Afele fumble recovery in end zone (Marc Matas kick)
Mil–Vavae Malepeai 35 run (Matas kick)
Lei–Safety, Mckenzie Milton steps out of end zone
Mil–Malepeai 5 run (Matas kick)
Lei–Sione Haunga 64 fumble return (John Enos kick)
RUSHING–Leilehua: Neverson 12-60, Ikaika Piceno 12-38, Mack Eberhardt 1-(minus 1), Justin Jenks 8-(minus 44). Mililani: Malepeai 25-154, Milton 13-47, Kainoa Wilson 2-16, Bronsen Ader 1-13, team 2-(minus 4)
PASSING–Leilehua: Jenks 9-18-2-84, Eberhardt 1-3-0-8, Neverson 0-1-0-0. Mililani: Robert Faleafine 1-2-0-42, Milton 5-11-0-37.
RECEIVING–Leilehua: Austinn Nagao 3-1, Dustin Ancheta-Maeda 2-48, Piceno 2-13, Tristin Kamaka 1-11, Haunga 1-10, Mike Chapman 1-9. Mililani: Bronson Ramos 3-12, Milton 1-42, Ryan Reedy 1-8, Kalakaua Timoteo 1-7.
