McKinney Meshing With Mililani Team

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The farther Mililani’s football season progressed last fall, the more the game slowed down for quarterback Trent McKinney.

One of the catalysts behind the Trojans’ 7-3 season, McKinney admitted his football education has come a long way.

“I’ve learned the basics and a little more, and I think I can take in a little more this year,” he said.

A year ago, McKinney had just transferred from Kapolei and was adjusting to a new school as well as the Trojans’ spread offense.

“As far as the team accepting me, that was good. But learning the offense was a huge transition. It wasn’t until midway through the regular season that I felt I had the offense clicking in my head and I understood it.”

McKinney proved a quick study, nevertheless, leading Mililani to back-to-back wins over OIA Red West rival Leilehua and then-defending state champion Punahou, as well as winning in its first six games. His last game, an OIA playoff loss to Kahuku, proved to be one of his best efforts of 2009 as he threw for 348 yards and three touchdowns, while running for a pair of scores.

All told, the numbers from 2009 look impressive for McKinney, who threw for over 1,900 yards with 19 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He also was Mililani’s leading rusher, covering 420 yards on the year with seven touchdowns. The Trojans averaged 28.8 points per game last season while battling one of the state’s toughest schedules.

With that in mind, when spring practice began last week, McKinney was clearly the team’s most visible player. Division I colleges also have taken note, and Washington State and Washington are among his suitors at the moment. He may take visits to both schools this summer, but the upcoming season remains his focus.

“We plan on getting back to the playoffs,” he said.

McKinney’s athleticism was evident the moment he stepped on the field for the Trojans, but his film study and commitment to knowing the system shouldn’t be underestimated.

“During a week when we’re playing Leilehua or Punahou, we’re watching film every day,” he said.

This off-season, McKinney also is making a shift with his mechanics.

“I’ve been touching up on everything, but my main focus, being that I am only 6 feet tall, is practicing on a higher release, and I’ve been working on reading coverages and finding the open spots in the coverages.”

McKinney played basketball for Mililani in the winter, but still found time to throw the football, usually with Trojan slotbacks Bryson Calma and Taylor Searle.

With head coach Darnell Arceneaux’s returning to his alma mater (Saint Louis) McKinney’s experience should lend stability to a team trying to avoid any issues that commonly go with a change. Defensive coordinator Rod York was named interim head coach last month, and Mililani also brought in Bobby George to be its offensive coordinator. George worked at Aiea last season under Wendell Say.

While adjustments to the offense are likely, McKinney is up to the task. He’s played quarterback since he was 8.

“Having all the pressure and decision-making on me gets me amped,” he said. “I like knowing my teammates are counting on me to make the right decisions and to be in control of the team.

“Last year, it took awhile for the offense to mesh, but with the returnees we have, we should be able to compete,” he added.“We’re coming in with more confidence, knowing we can beat good teams from last year.”

Mililani’s spring game is set for 7 p.m. Saturday.