Posted: October 15, 2011 - 8:03am

StudentVoices - Football

Morikawa, Trojans continue to power on

Jarin Morikawa put in a efficient half of work, passing for 294 and 4 scores against Castle. Scott Nishi | SL

Mililani starting quarterback Jarin Morikawa didn't disappoint in the first round of the OIA Varsity Football Red Conference Championship Playoffs. The 37-7 win against the Castle Knights extended the Trojans' time in the tournament for at least one more week.

After a loss against Leilehua in their last game, Morikawa was ready to make a comeback. "I'm glad we got to bounce back after the loss last week (against Leilehua). I hope we carry the momentum in next week's game against Farrington," said Morikawa, continuing, "We prepared hard all week, watching film and working on our routes and at the end of the day it was a good result," he said.

The junior QB completed 15 of 21 passes with no interceptions.

Morikawa was also responsible for a surge of points when he made four touchdown passes in just the first half. In the first quarter, Morikawa got the ball over to Kaimi Wilson, resulting in a 74 yard touchdown. "(Kaimi) ran a great route, beat the safety over the top. The o-line gave me plenty of time and I just put it up for them and he made a great score," Morikawa said.

However, the numbers that Morikawa put on the scoreboard masked an event he has recently been faced with: the death of his grandfather just two weeks ago. "He's mentally focused, able to block things out and concentrate on what he needs to do," said Mililani Head Coach Rod York.

Despite the obstacle, Morikawa continues to power through. "I think they were peaking at the right time. You know the quarterback Morikawa and his receivers did an excellent job of being very crisp and sharp out there," said Castle Head Coach Nelson Maeda.

The Trojans will play their next game against Farrington, the top seed in the OIA Red East Division.

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