Trojan ‘Trenches’ Face Playoffs
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usAs a former lineman, Trojan head coach Rod York always has a special affection for the guys in the trenches.
His current offensive line has solidified his appreciation for the position, with Landon Freitas, Chase Yamada, Kawika Barabin, Cameron Lalau and Jared Serrao.
“They’re communicating well on their blocks - everyone is on the same page,” York said. “At the beginning of the season, we’d have some plays where we’d go the wrong way, but we’ve cleaned that up.”
The unit is a big reason why the Trojans should be regarded as one of the OIA favorites in the post-season, which begins this weekend. Mililani had already assured itself of a first-round bye and will host a second-round playoff game the weekend of Oct. 22-23 against an opponent still to be determined.
For offensive coordinator Bobby George, a weekly team goal had been to achieve balance, and they’ve done it as well as anyone. Entering last weekend’s finale with rival Leilehua, Mililani had rolled up a state best 2,824 yards - 1,296 on the ground and 1,528 in the air - to go with 35 touchdowns.
Aiding the passing game of quarterback Trent McKinney and receivers Hassan Richardson and Bryson Calma, among others, is a solid run game, led by Zach Payomo, who currently ranks fourth in the state in rushing, averaging 124 yards on the ground per outing. He’s also averaging 8.1 yards per clip.
This is all good news for York, who points to college and pro football to make his point about balance.
“It doesn’t matter what level you’re playing at. A lot of guys like to throw the ball, but when you look at the NFL and college football, you hear it every game: It’s the balanced teams that go deeper into the playoffs. John Elway didn’t win two Super Bowls in Denver until they had Terrell Davis. Peyton Manning and the Colts weren’t able to do it without a run-game.”
Payomo has provided a nice lift to the run game. “He’s been healthy, and he’s been running strong,” York said. “He broke four or five tackles on a run the other night, but, first off, it’s been the play of his line, which has been healthy all year. Tyler (Williams, offensive line coach) has done a great job. They’re all seniors, and they’re battle-tested now.
They yield 18.7 points per game defensively and are giving up 109 yards on the ground, led by tackle Brandon Takadena, safety Elijah Langafuaina, and linebackers Jonathon Makaiau and Cilvin Steward. “Defense wins championships, (so) we have to make stops when we need them.”
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