The Saint Louis Crusaders have come a long way since the return of coach Cal Lee.

They just haven’t caught the No. 1-ranked Mililani Trojans yet. The defending state champions got a brilliant performance from quarterback McKenzie Milton, who threw five touchdown passes in a 41-21 scrimmage win over the No. 2 Crusaders on Saturday night at John Kauinana Stadium.

A robust turnout of about 1,500 fans, nearly half from Saint Louis, saw Mililani in midseason form. Milton distributed the ball impeccably with 19-for-22 passing, 327 yards and just one pick while playing a little more than half the contest. He found his deep-threat target, Kalakaua Timoteo, for early TDs of 8 and 5 yards. Milton also located his new teammate, former Crusaders slotback Ricardo Sallas III, for two more scoring strikes on quick slants of 24 and 69 yards.

Milton was especially efficient in the second half, going 8-for-8 with three TDs and 196 yards.

"Second half, he called the plays," Trojans coach Rod York said. "Last week, it was all this Brett Favre scrambling, but when he’s executing, we’re at our best and using our dangerous threats."

Milton’s counterpart, Tua Tagovailoa, finished 14-for-24 for 256 yards, two TDs and no picks. Tagovailoa clearly missed his anchor up front, big Nate Herbig, who is out with an injury to a ligament in his foot. The Crusaders self-destructed with numerous holding penalties against Mililani’s speedy defensive front, led by defensive end Kaimana Padello.

Tagovailoa was sacked three times, but kept plays alive with his feet. The junior, who has 15 college scholarship offers, rushed nine times for 61 yards.

Saint Louis played without several key contributors, including wide receiver Drew Kobayashi (leg) and safety Isaiah Tufaga (tibia).

"I make sure my boys know their assignments and encourage them the best I can," said Herbig, who could be out as long as two months.

"There’s no excuse. Mililani is a good football team," Lee said. "We’ve got two weeks to get ready."

The starters for both teams played three series to start each half, yielding to reserves after that. For Mililani, a busy preseason with five scrimmages — nearly all in a game-style format — have been a blessing.

"We grew up from the last two weeks," York said. "I’m proud of the guys. We’ve been preaching execution. Do your job."

One aspect that doesn’t please York is tackling.

"We probably lead the nation in missed tackles. We’re not wrapping, but I expect us to work a lot on that," he said.

Mililani won the JV scrimmage against Saint Louis, 32-8.