Chase for the Championship
Iolani, Mililani contend for Division I crown


 



On Friday night, the student faces off against the mentor.

A pair of Iolani graduates: Rod York (1991) of Mililani and Wendell Look (1978) of Iolani lead their respective teams in the First Hawaiian Bank/Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division I Football State Championships at Hawaiian Tel FCU Field at Aloha Stadium.

Mililani last won a Division I title back in 2014 after beating Punahou, 53-45. Although it's no secret the Trojans wanted to play in the Open Division, reaching the Division I final this season could be a good building block for a young team.

"It's a new team and new year. We don't have the same players, we have different players. I'm proud of the guys because they're growing and every experience we take upon, we continue to get better. We're here on the final week and we're looking to finish on Friday night," said York.

Iolani, who won eight Division II state championships, are seeking their first Division I title. The Raiders were co-champions the 1980 Oahu Prep Bowl.

"I think it's means more for me for the kids. What they had to go through the past two years. They set their goals on what they want to accomplish and again we're fortunate to have this opportunity and I think they made the most of the opportunity," said Look.

Mililani beat Maui Interscholastic League champion Baldwin, 49-28 and Oahu Interscholastic Association West rival Leilehua, 51-35 to get to the title game. The Trojans have been on a tear in the state tournament averaging 50.0 points, 521.0 yards of net offense.

"We're worried about ourselves. We're going to execute on what we're going to do and take what they give us. We're treating it like any other game, but we know what's at stake," said York.

Quarterback Dillon Gabriel has thrown for 624 yards and eight touchdowns in both state tournament games. Gabriel threw four TDs against Baldwin in the opening round and accounted for five total scores (four pass, one rush) against the Mules in the semifinals.

"Our team is young and we want to keep it simple and not out coach or outplay ourselves," said York.

Andrew Valledares, one of Gabriel's favorite targets, leads the team in the receiving. He caught three TD passes in a win over Baldwin and caught five passes for 58 yards against Leilehua.

Going through the air helps move the ball downfield, but the Trojans do a good job with mixing in the run. Jalen Olomua, who leads the team in rushing, factored in for three scores against the Bears and a score against the Mules. Gabriel executes the read option effectively and scored seven TDs this season.

"I see a very explosive offense. They do what they do well. Gabriel has a good command of what Rod wants to do on offense. On defense, they are aggressive and come after you and they have good athletes," said Look.

Iolani, the lone Interscholastic League of Honolulu team, defeated Moanalua, 17-14 and the OIA's top seed Campbell, 35-12.

"I don't know if ‘peaking' is the right word. We have been playing well and steady all year on offense and defense," said Look.

After going winless in the ILH Division I for the past two season and being given an automatic bid into this year's Division I tournament, the Raiders are out to prove they belong.


"I think it says a lot about them, especially the senior group, to go through two seasons and not win a league game and not get discouraged and having the right attitude coming out every week. We came out winless and to keep that motivation says a lot about the kids," said Look.

Tai-John Mizutani passed for 431 yards and four TDs without throwing an interception in two state tournament games.

"I think he's one of the best out there. He throws on our field in the off season with Joel Lane, and Dillon. Now we get to go against each other. We know how good he is. He's accurate and smart with the ball," said York, on Mizutani.

When Iolani has success with the passing game, the run game opens up. KJ Pascua has rushed for 216 yards and three scores.

Defensively, the Raiders forced six Campbell turnovers and the offense managed to score 28 points off of four turnovers.

Kickoff will follow 25 minutes after the conclusion of the Division II championship game between Kapaa and Lahainaluna.



Reach Brandon Ching at [email protected].




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