Honolulu Star-Advertiser Photo by Krystle Marcellus
When the OIA’s new divisions and schedule were announced over the summer, there was one glaring omission — No Mililani-Leilehua rivalry game unless the teams happen to meet in the playoffs.
Problem solved, sort of.
Coaches for both schools got together and decided to honor the rivalry and schedule a scrimmage Thursday, July 31 at Leilehua. There will be no admission charged, but there will be certainly be a full house. Mules coach Nolan Tokuda says it will be run just like a regular game with referees and full special teams.
It will not count in the standings since the season doesn’t begin until a week later when the Trojans host Saint Louis and the Mules entertain a visit from defending state champion Punahou. It may even be the best game of the series, as everyone is going to get to hit someone from the school down the road.
They have played each other every year since skipping it in 1997, and the Mules lead the all-time series 21-15 but the OIA champion Trojans swept both games last year.
That will be a busy night around the islands, with new coaches Jason Cauley of Moanalua and Kahuku’s Lee Leslie hooking up along with Kapolei’s Darren Hernandez, who is in line to be the next coach to 100 career wins, visiting Saint Louis and Cal Lee.
Lee is the all-time leader in wins in Hawaii and returned this year after 12 years away from a head-coaching gig.
Thursday, July 31
Kahuku at Moanalua, 6
Mililani at Leilehua, 730
Damien at Kailua, 430
Radford at Aiea, 5
Pac-Five at McKinley, 4
Waipahu at Kaimuki, 4
Kapolei at Saint Louis
Campbell at Pearl City, 6
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