Kamehameha shook off an inauspicious start, then played like the defending Division I state champion that it is in knocking off Mililani, 26-6, in non-league high school football last night at Aloha Stadium.

The Warriors (1-1) watched Kekoa Perbera return the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown, falling behind 6-0 against the Trojans (1-1) just 15 seconds into the game.

But two of three turnovers from Mililani and a blocked punt return for a touchdown resulted in three second-quarter scores for the Warriors.

Linebacker Parker Paredes' blindside sack caused Mililani's John Abreu to fumble in the first quarter. The loose ball was returned 26 yards to the Mililani 39 by lineman Luke Groder to set up the Warriors' first score. The defense's rise helped take away the sting from a 16-0 loss to Kahuku last weekend.

"This really helped give us back our confidence," Paredes said. "We needed to get some respect."

The two second-quarter turnovers inside Mililani territory meant short scoring drives for the Warriors. Following Paredes' caused fumble, the Warriors went 39 yards in eight plays with running back Gerritt Vincent, primarily a linebacker, scoring on a 10-yard run. Drew Ueno's PAT put the Warriors ahead 7-6.

Ueno contributed a score on special teams when he blocked Michael Smith's punt and returned it four yards for a 13-6 lead.

The Trojans then turned over the ball on their first play after the ensuing kickoff. Defensive back Rykin Enos intercepted Abreu at the Trojans' 45, where the Warriors scored seven plays later when George Kahaku Kaai hit Aaron Nichols for a 6-yard TD pass. Ueno's PAT made it 20-6 at the half.

"Our turnovers in the second quarter are what really hurt us," Mililani coach James Millwood said. "Our defense was on the field the whole second quarter."

The Warriors' defense contained the Trojans' rushing attack to 60 yards, limiting Perbera and Jordan Apduhan to nine and 14 yards, respectively.

But the Trojans were without tackle Micah Kia (leg injury sustained in a scrimmage three weeks ago), considered the top recruit in the state, and started a brand-new offensive line from last year.

"This was a test," Millwood said. "They got a lot of experience tonight."

The Trojans had just three first downs in the first half and seven for the game.

Kamehameha's Nichols led all receivers with 82 yards on four catches, and running back Bryson Vivas, who didn't have a carry until the second half, led with 95 yards on 10 rushes.

"We still have a lot more work to do," Warriors' first-year coach Doss Tannehill said. "But I think the guys found some confidence."

KAMEHAMEHA (1-1) 0 20 6 0—26

MILILANI (1-1) 6 0 0 0— 6

MILI—KEKOA PERBERA 93 KICKOFF RETURN (KICK FAILED)

KS—GERRITT VINCENT 10 RUN (DREW UENO KICK)

KS—UENO 4 BLOCKED PUNT RETURN (KICK FAILED)

KS—Aaron Nichols 6 pass from George Kahaku Kaai (Ueno kick)

KS—Adam Duncan 35 pass from Michael Hoke (kick failed)

RUSHING—Kamehameha: Bronson DeLuz 1-(minus 11), Kaipo Pahia 1-(minus 1), Justin Saniatan 3-28, Ryan Montez 11-31, Shane Lum 1-(minus 9), Vincent 2-10, Bryson Vivas 10-95, Jordan Rego 7-18, Hoke 3-11, Nichols 1-(minus 9), Caleb Mahi 1-(minus 1). Mililani: John Abreu 2-(minus 6), Kekoa Osurman 2-6, Jordan Apduhan 5-9, Perbera 5-14, Jordan Torres 3-28, Rustin Funakoshi 4-9.

PASSING—Kamehameha: Kaai 6-13-1—79, Hoke 2-6-0—54. Mililani: Abreu 5-20-2—50, Funakoshi 4-6-0—64, Torres 1-1-0—21.

RECEIVING—Kamehameha: Nichols 4-82, Montez 1-7, Kalani Pickard 1-6, Charles Ekolu Soon III 1-3, Duncan 1-35. Mililani: Perbera 2-47, Torres 2-7, David Rivers 4-54, Apduhan 1-6, Tyran Onizuka 1-21.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.