Mililani boys hold off P.C. to stay unbeaten

By Wes Nakama
Advertiser Staff Writer

Darren Smith spent the previous two years backing up Mililani High School's all-state goalkeeper, Tommy Brown.

But last night, Smith was front-and-center in the visiting Trojans' 1-0 victory over arch rival Pearl City in a key O'ahu Interscholastic Association Western Division showdown at Bino Neves Stadium.

Smith jumped on two loose balls in front of the net in the final two minutes and helped the Trojans (3-0-0) withstand a late barrage by the Chargers (2-1-1) to close to within one championship point of West-leading Campbell (3-0-1).

Whitney Shimatsu had given Mililani the lead with a 20-yard shot from the left flank into an open net in the 10th minute off Justin Kim's assist.

Pearl City had four scoring opportunities in the final five minutes. Kenshiro Uki had a shot go wide left from 20 yards out, and Ricky Shinn barely missed putting in a header from close range off a corner kick. Smith then pounced on a loose ball in front of a crowded goal box and did the same thing about a minute later to deny Pearl City two more shots.

"I think our defense was falling apart, because we had the lead and were hoping the game would end faster," Smith said. "I figured I'd have to help finish it for the team."

Smith, a 6-foot-5 junior, made several other saves earlier in the game. Brown graduated last year after helping Mililani win its second straight state title.

"It was big shoes to fill," Smith said. "But I trained hard in the offseason for this."

Pearl City coach Scott Keopuhiwa said Smith's height and mobility caused problems for the Chargers all game long.

"He definitely was a factor," Keopuhiwa said. "We had to try and adjust our set plays to keep the ball out of his reach. And he came up big for them toward the end. He helped seal the victory."

The road win was a big one for the Trojans, who face 'Aiea (1-0-1) at home on Tuesday.

"This wasn't a pretty game, but it was intense," Mililani coach Jeff Yamamoto said. "We created a lot of other opportunities for ourselves and couldn't put the ball in the net, but I'm glad we got that one in."

OIA GIRLS

Mililani 0, Pearl City 0: For the defending state champion Mililani girls soccer team, the new year means dealing in life "A.M." or "After Mele."

Likewise for Pearl City, 2003 represents life "A.C." or "After Carmen."

Mele French and Carmen Calpo graduated last summer after each scored more than 60 career goals for Mililani and Pearl City, respectively. Both teams must now find other ways to put the ball in the net, which has proven difficult as evidenced by last night's 0-0 tie in an OIA Western Division game at the Chargers' field.

Pearl City (4-0-1) still leads the West with 13 points, and Mililani (3-0-1) is right behind with 10.

"We don't have Mele, which means our offense has to be from everybody," Trojans coach James Uson said. "If everybody contributes, then we can have a good night."

French played for the University of Oregon last fall, and Calpo started for UH and tied a school freshman record with six assists.

"When you lose that kind of player, it's going to affect your offense," Pearl City co-coach Frank Baumholtz said. "But that's what graduation is all about."

It doesn't get any easier for the Trojans, who face 'Aiea (4-0-0) on Tuesday and Leilehua (4-0-0) Friday.