A better understanding of his team's offense and phenomenal arm strength has resulted in record-type numbers for PJ Minaya.

The Pac-Five senior quarterback who attends Hanalani tied a state record with eight touchdown passes in a 66-40 win over McKinley on Saturday in an interleague game at Roosevelt.

Minaya's eight TD passes tied the record set by Timmy Chang in 1999. Minaya completed 21 of 33 passes for 424 yards in the win.

"He's one of the best high school players ever in Hawai'i," Minaya said of Chang, the former Saint Louis School/University of Hawai'i standout. "It's a honor to be mentioned in same sentence as him."

Minaya's arm has Pac-Five (2-0) off to a hot start. Two weeks ago, he threw for seven touchdowns and 370 yards in a 48-19 win over Kaimuki.

"His arm strength is a little stronger this year," Pac-Five coach Kip Botelho said. "A combination of understanding more of the offense and arm strength is the big difference this year."

Added Minaya: "The receivers did a good job. A lot of plays they ran, they didn't drop a catch and that helped me a lot."

Against McKinley, the Tigers tried to stop Pac-Five receiver Darin Kamealoha. With one of his go-to passers covered, Minaya was able to find London Amorin for four TD receptions, including ones for 51 and 33 yards.

"They were keying in on Darin and left London one-on-one," Minaya said. "(Amorin's) one of the best receivers in the state, I was confident he can beat any DB (defensive back)."

Botelho said the team's offensive line is giving Minaya time to pick his spots, and Minaya's ability to understand coverages, make reads and move around and get out of the pocket have contributed to the big numbers. Minaya could have broken Chang's record on Saturday, but didn't play in part of the second half.

"He's just so good back there," Botelho said. "I catch myself going 'wow,' sometimes. We just want to ride him as far as we can. Not too many guys like him come along."

Minaya said he has a better understanding of the team this year, and hopes to cut down on his interceptions — he had two each in both games. There's also hopes for an Interscholastic League of Honolulu title and taking his team to the Division II state tournament.

With an arm like that, anything is possible.

"I know the offense a lot better, know the receivers, trust the line a lot more and am more confident in our team this year," Minaya said.