MHS Impact Squad Back For Action

Del.icio.us

Should the Mililani offense live up to pre-season hype again this fall, the Trojans will likely trace their success back to the close-knit group that comprises its offensive line.

“They’re our hardest-working group,” coach James Millwood said. “They have a lot of pride. All of our linemen here shave their heads. They get the trimmer out - they’ve been doing that for the past three years or so. They will be our strength. It all begins with them.”

The Trojans’ O-line was a highlight of productive spring training. Mililani chose not to have a spring game, but Millwood was pleased with their workouts. Under OIA guidelines, the Trojans were allowed 10 practices in 14 days. Summer conditioning and weight training began last week and fall camp should start July 31.

Trojan expectations have never been higher after finishing their regular-season 6-1 last year (first in the OIA Red West) en route to another state tournament appearance. Several key components from that team are back in the fold, including members from the offensive line.

Up front, the Trojans will rely heavily on left tackle Kenneth Peneku (6-2, 250), center Tyson Nishihara (6-1, 245), right tackle Brandon Dela Cruz (6-2, 255) and right guard Chivas Antoque (5-9, 250). Lineman Shane Um (5-10, 220),who played at left guard a year ago, and who is being recruited by Division I schools, is also back , but could be used at fullback instead.

“We experimented with him there. We wanted to see how he looked, and he looked real good,” Millwood said.“He runs a 4.8, 40-yard dash.”

With a seasoned O-line intact, the offense was largely ahead of schedule during spring drills. “They’re a veteran group. They’ve been in our system for a full year, so we’re counting on them to get our schemes working,” Millwood said of his offense, which runs multiple sets.“They know all our calls, so we were able to run our whole run-game package. We were able to get a lot in, and that’s a big advantage for us.”

The Trojans also welcome back junior quarterback Ruston Funakoshi, who started every game in 2005. Senior running back Jordan Torres is also back and could be one of the state’s top players.

Millwood is also excited about Zach Villanueva, a junior quarterback who was a JV starter last fall.“He’s very accurate and reads the defense well.”

On defense is a stellar linebacker corps of David Ishida, Lyle Castanares and Josh Andrews, who was the Red West’s Defensive Player of the Year. Ishida switched from strong safety to outside linebacker this spring. Matt (Pupu) Hunt will anchor the line. Nose guard Landon Ocreto and safety Curtis Murakami also return.