It could have been something unprecedented.
Instead, the first matchup between Saint Louis and Kamehameha on the gridiron since the 2019 season has been cancelled. The scrimmage had been scheduled for Saturday, but has been wiped out due to safety and protocol measures by the host team, Kamehameha.
Instead, Saint Louis will now host the Mill Vill Trojans, a JPS club team, for a second weekend in a row. That scrimmage will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Saint Louis will have a scrimmage at Punahou on May 1.
The scrimmages — the first on-field action involving a high school team since the fall of 2019 — are rooted in the relationship between Mililani/Mill Vill coach Rod York and Saint Louis coaches Ron Lee and Cal Lee. They once coached together at a Big Island football clinic. The Mililani Trojans program gets a boost from the Mill Vill JPS team, which uses the same system and terminology at the youth level.
Before the first Saint Louis-Mill Vill scrimmage was played, Crusaders head coach Ron Lee noticed criticism of York on the internet.
“Rod York, in my opinion, he’s thinking about his program,” Lee said. “What’s wrong with what he’s doing? The other coaches should put in the time, too, rather than sitting and waiting for somebody to tell them what to do. That’s the thing. You can’t wait for guys to make decisions. I would be doing all I could to keep my program alive rather than not doing anything. This year is done, no football for the OIA, so start and push for spring football.”
Saint Louis and other private-school football programs have a long history of developing talent at the middle-school level. Mill Vill, along with several other youth football club teams, are filling a gap and building a path to high school programs.
“Rod has something going. He’s got a club with kids from multiple schools. That’s a good way for the kids to say, I like the coaches. I’m going to transfer to Mililani. Hey, do something about your program instead of complaining. Start your own club. That’s what I’m saying. People have to speak up and fight. We would’ve had seniors transferring out if we hadn’t hung in there,” Lee said.
York appreciated the support from Lee, but declined to comment.
Good job York. Same time tho Pearl City, Waipahu, Kapolei and east side all get clubs. Coaches from those schools too. Don’t get the hate at Mililani. We are all doing it! MBC/Trenchdawgs been going on way way longer. And good job to them too! Our kids need to be active. So many kids quitting already and giving up on sports. So many kids depend on sports and this keeps them going. Stop hating and get your life. Let ppl and their kids live theirs!
Ron Lee is absolutely right. All we hear is complaining on how Mililani cheats. Bruh, it’s not just about your personal feelings on who wins and loses. It’s more about allowing the kids to get back on the field. The boys wanna ball, so York is simply saying “come ball with us.”
And yes he probably recruits, but what’s wrong with these kids choosing where THEY want to play???? Other programs need to stop complaining and rise up. Waipahu recently raised their game. The rest need to follow suit.
I never thought I would see the day when Kamehameha was too scared to play. Shame.
Falcon Future, they’re about as scared to play just as much as you’re scared to put your real name. 🤣🤣🤣
recruiting is supposed to be against the OIA Public School rules but if the AD’s are only giving it lip service and looking the other way from Mililani recruiting, then do away with the rule and make it a free for all. what good are rules if they are not enforced? Private schools mentality is different, recruiting is allowed, encouraged with scholarships to their schools, more power to them. That’s why it’s always impressive that a team like Kahuku who have very few if any at all, transfer students, can battle with St.Louis, Punahou’s and win. they win with their own student-athletes from their community, awesome! That how every public school athletic program should be. several seasons ago, Kaiser HS recruited heavily from all public schools which led to a D2 championship. But in the process, Hawaii kids sat on bench to watch the transfers play in the games. that doesn’t represent the 96825 community well. But if the communities are ok with that including Mililani, so be it.
College recruiting tends to be St. Louis, Kahuku, Mililani, and Punahou centric. Granted there are some good players there who are attracted to those programs, but keep in mind that the Pac-12’s top defensive lineman with All American honors headed into 2021 is from…………Pearl City High (HI) in Zion Tupuola-Fetui. Props to UW assistant Ikaika Malloe for leaving no stone unturned. Heard that coach really does his homework and visits other public and private schools regularly. Unfortunately, grades are the culprit that trip up some talented local players.
Thanks for Coach York and his staff for allowing their players to scrimmage Saint Louis. Players getting the opportunity to compete and see what they need to work on for the fall season(underclassmen). Also great opportunity for the Seniors to get film for the next level.
Zion was spectacular. I remember seeing him launch a 50-yard Hail Mary at the end of a first half one night. They had him at QB just for that play.
Echoing Falcon Future…shame.
Club football is the way of the future! Coaches such as Whitley Fehoko ( Trench Dawgz), Mose Tuia (MBC), Rod York (Mill Vill), The JPS Organization, and the other club coaches are paving the way! It allows the game of football to be played without the restricting choke hold of the OIA/ILH who solely controls the power of decision making! It’s giving kids the chance to showcase their abilities one last time in hopes of making it to college when the OIA, ILH, and state said no! Coach Mose took his squad to the mainland to showcase in games against some of the Best California Clubs, and Coach Whitley is doing the same with his club next week. Taking them to Las Vegas, and Arizona to play some of the best clubs up there! College coaches are invited to these events and attend. And it gives the kids a legit shot to get to college! I applaud these guys and just wish the people in charge of high school athletics had the balls to put the kids first! It also levels the playing field! Every club team out there right now is full of talent! They’re even across the board. It’s the same as private school. You can recruit, and kids can pick any district club team to play for without all the hassle of transfer rules, GE, Tuition. I encourage people to go out and watch a live club game! You’ll be hooked!
Zion was also a good volleyball player for PC HIgh. Too bad the kid from Kaimuki left UW as he had a lot of publicity and promise.
York gets away with breaking the rules as always. From punching an opposing coach to being the only coach that practices like there’s no covid protocols. What is Ron complaining about? They’re also one of the only teams to continue practicing thru the whole pandemic
Paul, are you going to provide your coverage of the Saint Louis scrimmages?
As best I can. The boss supports the coverage.
You can find more immediate stuff like videos on my Twitter – @pupulepaul.