Throughout the history of team sports, one of the prime objectives of the members of a competitive team is to be able to complete its season undefeated. But as normally the case, a goal such as this can be extremely difficult to accomplish.

In front of more than 4000 fans at its home field on Friday, October 2, the Mililani Trojans football squad failed short of its goal of achieving a perfect record when the Hurricanes of Kapolei handed them a 41-24 defeat.

Kapolei’s frontline defense kept Mililani off-balance all night long. This unit was led by 6-1 senior John Carter and Nick Ulu, a 6-2, 305-pound senior. Within Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez’s 4-3 defensive formation, the pair worked exceptionally hard to halt Mililani’s speed-oriented running game, especially in the second quarter when the Hurricanes jumped out to a 20-10 lead entering intermission.

“We worked very hard this week preparing for this game,” said Carter after the game. “We knew that we had to stop Trent and Taz if we wanted to win. Hopefully this victory will strengthen our bond and help realize that we can play great together.”

“Our fans really motivated us to play extra hard. We felt we had to step up to prove to ourselves that we can compete,” Carter added.

Ulu concluded the same views. “The team played united tonight. Everyone gave a great effort. This will help us in future games," he said.

With the loss, the Trojans falls to 6-1 overall, but remains in contention to capture the Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West Division crown sporting a 4-1 league record.

“I’m going back to the chalk board to figure out how I can make this team better,” said Mililani coach Darnell Arceneaux. “It may be good for us to get a taste of defeat in our mouths. Perhaps our players will look at themselves and realized that they must make improvements in order to win.”

The Hurricanes (4-2 in OIA Red West) are hoping to continue to improve as well. "We want to keep winning so we can get into the playoffs," said Hernandez. "Our victory proves that we can play with anyone. The defense played brilliant and provided us with a special win.”

Next for Mililani is a home game against always tough Waianae on Friday night. Kapolei has a bye week.

At Roosevelt High School on Friday night, Kahuku managed to keep its hopes alive for an undefeated season by winning its OIA Red East Division game over Farrington 16-14 thanks to the kicking of Cameron Mercado late in the contest.

Mercado's 32-yard field goal provided the points which Kahuku needed to secure the victory. The Red Raiders kept its record unblemished at 7-0 overall. Farrington dropped to 5-2 overall.

This Saturday Kahuku plays at Castle while Farrington competes against Kaimuki at Roosevelt.