The can-do kid

Trent McKinney hopes Bobby George can help him be even better this year

By Billy Hull
Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Trent McKinney is too unselfish to openly describe his talents as one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the state.

One
look at the box score of his final game last season — 348 passing
yards, 67 rushing yards, three total touchdowns against Kahuku –says it
all.

The reason for optimism around Mililani
this season is the added maturity that McKinney has shown in addition to
his physical skill.

First-year head coach Rod
York saw McKinney’s raw talents in practice last year every day as the
defensive coordinator. Now he’s watching first-hand how McKinney has
progressed with the mental attributes needed to become the complete
quarterback he desires to be.

“Everyone knows
that he’s elusive and can move around the pocket, but I don’t think he
gets enough credit for being a very intelligent quarterback,” York said.
“He’s always been a leader –showing up for meetings on time and
workouts on time –but now he’s a vocal about things, getting on guys
when things aren’t going well.”

The growth
started at the beginning of his junior year when McKinney took over the
reins at quarterback. His progress showed at the end of the season when
Mililani scored 115 points in its last three games.

Then-coach
Darnell Arceneaux, who played a big role in McKinney’s progression,
left for Saint Louis in the offseason. Now, McKinney is being molded by
former Crusaders quarterback Bobby George, who serves as the offensive
coordinator.

“I wasn’t mad when Coach Darnell
left, because I knew Coach York would find someone I would learn just as
much from and I’m learning a lot from Coach Bobby,” McKinney said.

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PREP PREVIEW

The Star-Advertiser kicked off the high school
football season with unprecedented coverage, featuring top players at
each position and counting down to the top teams in the state. See below
for past and upcoming stories.

AUG. 8 / SUNDAY
Defensive Linemen

AUG. 9 / MONDAY
Linebackers

AUG. 10 / TUESDAY
Defensive Backs

AUG. 11 / WEDNESDAY
Offensive Linemen

AUG. 12 / THURSDAY
Receivers

AUG. 13 / FRIDAY
Running Backs

AUG. 14 / SATURDAY
Quarterbacks

AUG. 15 / SUNDAY
Team Nos. 5-10

AUG. 16 / MONDAY
Team No. 4 Punahou

AUG. 17 / TUESDAY
Team No. 3 Saint Louis

AUG. 18 / WEDNESDAY
Team No. 2 Kamehameha

AUG. 19 / FRIDAY
Team No. 1 Kahuku