Players of the Year Kini McMillan and Kaimana Carvalho came up huge for their teams
Jan. 7—This is a big man's game, but winning big games is not the sole domain of gridiron giants. Kini McMillan and Kaimana Carvalho, both just juniors, made their contributions count often.
This is a big man's game, but winning big games is not the sole domain of gridiron giants.
Kini McMillan and Kaimana Carvalho, both just juniors, made their contributions count often. McMillan was clutch from start to finish for the Mililani Trojans, the most efficient and consistent quarterback in the OIA Open Division. Coaches and media voted the junior as the Star-Advertiser Offensive Player of the Year. In a season of tremendous playmakers, McMillan the master was a unanimous selection.
"I'm thankful. I'm blessed. I'm ready to get to work, " the 6-foot, 185-pound McMillan said.
He transformed his athleticism through pure sweat, a good athlete who became a lethal threat on the ground when defenses opted to go without spy coverage. All after a meniscus injury as a sophomore.
"It's a lot of offseason lifting and just training brought my game to the next level. Sled running. A lot of hills. Sand running, " McMillan said. "I put a plate on the sled, maybe 50 pounds. I like working out by myself."
At 5-11 and 165 pounds, Carvalho's versatility as a returner and pass catcher was utilized by Kahuku during its journey to a third consecutive Open state title. It was on defense where he made his biggest impact. It began with a five-interception game against Saint Louis. His excellence continued through the season, which included a stellar performance in Kahuku's upset of defending national champion St. John Bosco (Calif.).
The defensive back outpointed defensive lineman Kekai Burnett of Punahou and linebacker Aizik Mahuka of Mililani.
"I was kind of surprised. I only had one good game with the five interceptions. Other than that, I felt like I did average, so I was kind of shocked when I got voted in, " Carvalho said. "Maybe a C-minus."
Kahuku's Sterling Carvalho guided the program to a third Open Division state crown in a row with an 11-2 record. He earned All-State Coach of the Year honors from the panel. He edged Mililani's longtime coach, Rod York, in the voting. Bryson Carvalho, who led Waipahu to the Division I state title, and Kyle Linoz, who led Waimea to the D-II state championship, tied for third in the voting.
Also receiving votes were Dean Rickard of Lahainaluna, Wendell Look of 'Iolani, Daniel Sanchez of Farrington, Anthony Tuitele of Damien, Brad Uemoto of Konawaena and Mark Kurisu of Leilehua.
McMillan suffered a season-ending injury in 2022, but was nearly flawless in his comeback as a junior. In 12 games, he passed for 3, 159 yards, 39 touchdowns and just five interceptions in 337 attempts. His passer rating was 181.03, which is in the same neighborhood as McKenzie Milton of Mililani in 2014 (179.88 ). A string of Saint Louis playmakers in the past five years has been prolific with QB rating : Jayden de Laura in 2018 (181.51 ), Chevan Cordeiro in'17 (186.03 ), Marcus Mariota in'10 (189.98 ) and Tua Tagovailoa in'14 (204.18 ), It is noteworthy that Milton also rushed for 802 yards and 12 TDs on 90 carries during that 13-0 season in'14.
McMillan's ability to make effective decisions on the move was equaled by his pre-snap play-calling. York allowed his QB to call plays in Mililani's 29-21 upset of Kahuku in the OIA final. His explosiveness out of the pocket was extremely difficult to contain. McMillan rushed 97 times for 502 yards and 11 TDs.
Nobody ran QB draws against Kahuku like McMillan did, which is one reason York calls him "the best quarterback in the country."
Waipahu felt the effects of Mililani's potent offense in a 74-18 loss on Oct. 14.
"He's a guy who takes the game into his own hands. He controlled the entire game once they were on the field, " Waipahu coach Bryson Carvalho said. "Our game plan was to take away the deep ball and make them earn the tough yards. We hung in there for a little bit in the first quarter, then they ran away. They're a frustrating team to play. They spread the ball out so well. He makes good decisions with the ball. I wasn't surprised one bit."
Sterling Carvalho and his staff had the task of preparing for Mililani twice this season. McMillan's selection didn't surprise Carvalho.
"That was a no-brainer. He balled out against us in the OIA championship and as well in states. Well deserved. He's a great quarterback. Built like a linebacker, moves like a wide receiver. His arm is strong. He makes great decisions. There's nobody else I would've chosen above him. The other good quarterbacks out there, Jaron (Sagapolutele of Campbell ), Tama (Amisone of Kapolei ), Ty (McCutcheon of Punahou ). We played them all and they didn't do what Kini did against us. Twice."
Kaimana Carvalho was a key ingredient in Kahuku's stellar defense, putting his high IQ on both sides of the ball to use.
"It could've been Mana. It could've been Aiden (Manutai ). It could've been a lot of our boys, " Sterling Carvalho said. "It just shows the hard work they do in the offseason pays off during the season."
Sterling Carvalho's team did more than win big games. Kahuku bounced back from the loss to Mililani in the OIA final and showed another level of resolve.
"He's done a tremendous job since he took over. They've been consistent, " said Bryson Carvalho (no relation ).
The transition and evolution of Kahuku's offensive philosophy has been a love of labor in the offseason, with Carvalho and staff putting in countless hours through Pylon and youth football.
"At first it was real weird to see Kahuku in a shotgun so much. That's the big difference. He evolved the offense from the old school, pound the rock, but to see it work and take off, Kahuku was hard enough to stop when they just ran the ball. Now they have balance and they're tough on defense, " Bryson Carvalho said. "I think he's very deserving. They lost in the OIA championship game, but I think for everybody there's that feeling that you can't knock out Kahuku."
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