No. 2 Mililani’s incredible come-from-behind 35-34 win over No. 4 Campbell had to be seen to be believed.
The statistics were large enough, but the wide swings of momentum, the clutch plays by offensive and defensive units, and the amazing resilience of a Mililani team trying to bounce back from a loss to CIF powerhouse Mission Viejo all played into what might be the game of the year.
Rowan Bucao was exceptional. The Campbell running back had a modest 20 rushing yards, but was seldom stopped on screen plays. He finished with four catches for 121 yards and two TDs. Sabers wide receiver Mason Muaau, at 6 feet, 5 inches, showed splashes of brilliance with his speed. The Colorado State commit had five receptions for 44 yards and one TD.
Mililani’s Gavin Hunter spent the latter part of the game covering Muaau. Hunter and Jordan Fetu each had two interceptions, and Hunter added four grabs for 52 yards, including a 20-yard, fourth-down TD haul. Raymond Roller (eight catches, 95 yards, TD) and Hunter drew double teams, which opened the gate for sophomore Onosa‘i Salanoa. The former Saint Louis JV/I-AA standout came through with a 41-yard TD on a perfect pass from Kini McMillan to give Mililani the lead for good with 2:18 left.
Then the last 2:18 turned out to be a nail biter for Trojan fans at a packed John Kauinana Stadium. Final note: Campbell sophomore QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele did not surprise, looking as pristine as he did as a freshman in 2021 at Saint Louis JV/I-AA. At times, the lefty resembled another spectacular 10th grader not so long ago: Tua Tagovailoa. The numbers — 23 for 48, 336 yards, three TDs, four picks — weren’t entirely dominant. However, he was a threat from beginning to end, all the way to that final Hail Mary as time expired.
Enjoy the video.
again….. Mililani would be recruiting players in other cities around, and Campbell stay local with their players although some of them went to St. Louis or other private schools just to stay and play for their hometown. It’s crazy to me I am looking forward between Kahuku vs Mililani but I feel like this skill gap in the Open Divison this year is completely falling apart. Kahuku again dominates Hawaii
@Austin Chang
whats even more funny is that , several starters from Mililani lives in Ewa beach . From what i understand , Mililani Line backer # 7 live nanakuli. # 49 lives Halawa. Miliani Qb and #1 is from Ewa Beach. The running back / Twins lives wahiawa. The list goes on , nobody starting at mililani is from mililani. Very corrupt. The school allows it and allows the u know who bad behavior . So it doesnt matter , he can do whatever he wants and its ok . Mililani won the recruiting battle this year by far , tops Saint Louis in that department. AND STILL WONT WIN IT>
Everyone talks about recruiting like its all up to the kids and that they are being heavily recruited. Did anyone ever think that maybe the parents see something different and that they want their kids to play for a decent program? Campbell did their share of recruiting as well, got kids from Nanakuli, Kapolei, Kaneohe and even as far out as Florida! I mean if you was 6’5 200 plus pounds and had a chance to play for Nanakuli or Campbell, where would you go, or as a parent where would you send your kid? Parents just want whats best for their kids, don’t condemn these kids because they want a better opportunity to play for a better program, they’re kids for god sake! Long gone are the days of playing for your community, playing for hometown pride. Even Kahuku is guilty of this, they have kids from Tonga, Samoa, Utah etc. But eh, its fun to watch the competition, so just sit back and let the kids play. People complain about so much things in this comment section, like they’re the ones playing or as if they’re funding these smaller programs. Just relax already, yes Kahuku will take it all again this year but at least we’ll have a few good games to watch, Campbell vs. Mililani was a awesome game till the very end, the “KIDS” played hard and deserve some love. support and praise for their efforts. Let the kids play!
Killin Me : Well said, Saint Louis was on a roll from 2016 -2019, maybe it’s now Kahuku’s turn, and next year might be another teams turn, just let the Kids play, remember , it’s just a game, i’m from the ILH, and i don’t even see Punahou with a chance against Kahuku this Saturday.
What about the kids that grew up and played in that community only to be displaced by a transfer?
Wouldnt be so sad if it really was like you say, but, these guys are actively asking kids to come and play for them. So. Yeah.
Everything is cyclical and we may be back on Red again which is good for that community.
Some of us really dont need football to have a voice or identity. Success in it does not define us.
I cant wait for the game this Saturday.
Some observations so far:
Imagine if all those guys stayed at Lulu with the Sagapolutele boy at QB. Yeesh.
Aiea may give sandbagging Iolani more of a fight if they meet up.
Upper level teams are widening the gap – some of the Div 1 teams really belong in Div 2 and the same goes for some OIA Open teams.
Something is amiss atop the Kapalama Hill. 21-21 vs. Moanalua. Really?
Lastly, braddahood got blown up last week. Lets go get em this week. Go Bows!!!
All I know is is that the Crusaders need to good again so we can get MORE and BETTER articles about our local high school football on this site. This has got to be the WORST coverage of Hawaii High School football in the History of Hawaii Prep Sports..