So early, so clutch.
The new-look Mililani Trojans turned to some old staples to rally for a 31-24 win over Nevada powerhouse Liberty on a soggy Friday night at John Kauinana Stadium.
Trailing 24-14 at the half with electrifying new wide receiver Zion White sidelined by an ankle injury, Mililani’s defense came up with two fourth-down stops. A crucial 35-yard strike from new quarterback Hunter Fujikawa to Bless Cabrera-Hopkins set up a 1-yard TD run by Toa Sam to give the Trojans a 31-24 lead with 2:10 remaining.
Liberty’s dangerous offense was ready for a down-to-the-wire finish, but Mililani defensive lineman Lincoln Uiagalelei read a middle-screen pass and came up with the interception to seal the win with 1:21 left.
“He still has never dropped a pass,” Cabrera-Hopkins said, referring to his TD pass to Uiagalelei last year.
Mililani entered its first game of the season ranked No. 1 in the Star-Advertiser Football Top 10. Liberty (Henderson, Nev.) is ranked No. 2 in their home state by MaxPreps.
Fujikawa, a transfer from Punahou, finished with 273 passing yards (20-for-34) and three TDs. He did well for a first start in Rod York’s quick-read offense. Fujikawa didn’t tuck and run like Trojans QBs of the recent past, but his innate ability to roll and throw with precision is a huge weapon for a rejuvenated attack.
Cabrera-Hopkins, still acing every role on special teams — including his job as a holder — caught eight passes for 148 yards and two TDs.
Ezra Sanelivi led Liberty with 122 rushing yards and two TDs on 18 carries.
In a game originally scheduled for tonight, Pearl City beat Roosevelt 31-12 Friday after shutting out the Rough Riders in the first half and scoring three touchdowns after the break.
