How deep is deep? OIA Red West ringing bells

That's right, the OIA Red West is the deepest division in the state.

Poll: Which OIA Red West team will be next to join Star-Bulletin Top 10?

There's no question that the Mililani Trojans have enough depth and talent to move up the ladder real soon.

Mililani at No. 7 is a bit of a question mark. If they were to play Kahuku this weekend, what would happen? To me, it would be an even battle because Mililani's offense is playing with cohesion — no surprise since new head coach Darnell Arceneaux was the OC last year. Talk about a perfectionist, that's what he is.

The OIA Red West is a toss up, from top to bottom. Four of the seven West squads are in the Top 10, and I've written that we could see as many as five in the poll this season. That makes the West as strong as any division or league in the state this season. That's to be expected since population growth in Central and West Oahu have grown substantially over the past two decades.

Now, though, there are quality feeder programs and depth in coaching to match the numbers.

For argument's sake, though, the ILH can't be neglected. Pac-Five, one of the ILH's Division II teams, beat OIA Red West Radford 21-12 over the weekend. Kapolei, meanwhile, blanked Damien 14-0.

Are Pac-Five, Iolani and Damien as good as Radford, Campbell and Kapolei? Tough call.

Mililani steady at No. 7

New coach, graduated all-state players and high expectations. That's the norm at Mililani, even after longtime coach James Millwood retired.

Honolulu Star-Bulletin: Arceneaux works to continue winning tradition at Mililani

On the way back from Kahuku on Wednesday, I stopped by Mililani to take in a few minutes of the Trojans' practice. Never got to talk with Coach Darnell Arceneaux or his assistants, but it wasn't necessary.

In Trojan land, practice is fluid, efficient and demanding. That's the way Arceneaux treats it, and his players know it. There are a few wrinkles here and there that the Trojans are honing, but the basic essence is there. The same coach who led Saint Louis to the state final a few years back is still hungry, still demanding, still in tune.

I'm looking forward to seeing Mililani, whether it's a game or scrimmage. Some key transitions on the field with Jordan Torres and Josh Andrews gone.